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Prologue
Pov: Will

Place: Haunted Forest

Three rangers of the Night's Watch track a group of wildling raiders north of the Wall, until they encounter the Others for the first time in 8000 years.

Synopsis
Night's Watch rangers Gared and Will and their commander Ser Waymar Royce are tracking a band of wildling raiders nine days north of the Wall. Gared is uneasy, but Ser Waymar makes light of his fears. Gared insists that they should turn back because, according to Will, the wildlings are dead. Ser Waymar asks Will again for the details of what he saw.

Will explains that he saw the wildling's encampment. Their lean-to was covered by snow, they had no fire, and none of the wildlings had moved the whole time he was watching. They were lying on the ground as if dead, but no blood was visible. There was also woman up in a tree, but she hadn't moved either. Gared suggests the wildlings must have been killed by the cold but Ser Waymar points out that the weather has not been cold enough to freeze men like that. He asks Will to lead them to the dead men.

With night falling, the rangers ride to the camp. Both Will and Gared sense something is wrong, but Ser Waymar mocks them again and commands Gared to stay behind to guard the horses. Gared suggest starting a fire, but Ser Waymar orders him not to. Gared comes close to drawing his sword, but acquiesces.

Will and Ser Waymar climb up the ridge, Ser Waymar much noisier than Will. When Will reaches his earlier vantage, he sees that the bodies are gone. Ser Waymar, walking upright, reaches the top of the ridge and stands in plain sight. Will warns Ser Waymar to get down but Ser Waymar just laughs. After declaring that he will find the wildlings before returning to the Wall, Ser Waymar orders Will to climb back up the tree and look for fires.

Will reluctantly climbs a nearby tree. Below him, Ser Waymar challenges an unseen foe. Will thinks he sees a white shadow moving below, but is not sure. He is about to call down warning, but stops unsure. Waymar calls to Will with unease in his voice as he turns in a circle with his sword out. Then Ser Waymar asks about the sudden cold, which Will also feels.

A Shadow emerges from the woods, tall, gaunt, white dappled with a gray green shimmer. Ser Waymar nervously commands the shadow to come no further and fights with it. Others appear among the trees. The Others's sword is made of inhumanly sharp translucent crystal. Waymar is able to check the blows until a parry comes a bit too late and the Other’s sword cuts through the mail under Ser Waymar’s arm. Ser Waymar screams “For Robert” and charges but as his blade strikes the Other's sword it shatters. On of the shards hits Waymar's left eye and he falls to his knees, blinded. All of the Others move in and slash at him mercilessly.

Will turns his head away for a long time before looking back to see the Others are gone. Will climbs down, examines Royce's body, then picks up the knight's broken twisted sword. He decides to bring it back to show to their commanders, hoping Gared is still with the horses. Then Ser Waymar stands up, one of his remaining eye burning blue, and his hands go around Will's throat, his touch icy cold.

Chapter 1: Bran
Pov: Bran Stark

Place: North of Winterfell

Lord Eddard Stark dispenses justice to a deserter and Jon Snow finds some orphaned direwolf puppies: one puppy for each of Eddard's children, including Jon himself who gets an albino direwolf pup.

Synopsis
It is the ninth year of summer. Seasons in Westeros are of varying length, usually lasting at least a couple of years each, but this has been a long summer. Seven-year-old Bran is traveling with a total of twenty men, including his father Lord Eddard Stark to see the king's justice done. It is the first time that he is allowed to join. Bran's older brother Robb thinks he must be a wildling, sworn to Mance Rayder, the King-Beyond-the-Wall, which makes Bran think of the tales Old Nan has told him about wildlings.

They bring the man forth, an old man dressed in ragged blacks of the Night's Watch who has lost his ears and a finger to frostbite. It seems to be Gared from the Prologue. Lord Eddard questions the man briefly. Two of Eddard’s guardsmen drag the man to the stump and then Theon Greyjoy, Eddard's ward/hostage, gives Eddard his Valyrian steel sword Ice. Eddard announces the sentence and raises the blade. Jon Snow, Bran's bastard brother, tells him to watch and not look away, and Bran watches as his father strikes off the man's head with a single stroke. The head lands by Theon, who laughs and kicks it away. Jon calls Theon an ass under his breath and compliments Bran on his poise during the execution.

On the way back to Winterfell, Robb and Jon argue about whether the deserter died bravely before racing their horses to the bridge leaving Bran and his pony behind. Eddard rides up and asks if Bran knows why he executed the man himself. Bran replies that he was a Wilding. Eddard corrects him, telling Bran he was a deserter, and explains that the First Men, of whom the Starks are descendants, believe that the man who pronounces the verdict should do the execution himself, lest he become too comfortable in ordering deaths. The Starks still hold to that principle.

Jon calls from up ahead for them to come see what he and Robb have found. They find Robb holding something in his arms next to the corpse of a wolf larger than Bran's pony. Jon correctly identifies the corpse as that of a direwolf. Theon comments that direwolves have not been seen south of the Wall for two hundred years. Bran then notices that Robb is cradling a small pup, and gives it a stoke after Robb reassures him. Then Jon gives him another one.

When they inspect the mother's corpse, they find a large piece of shattered antler lodged in her throat. The soldiers in the company feel this to be a bad omen. Theon offers to kill the pups but Bran protests. Eddard initially states killing them would be the best but changes his mind when Jon points out that there are five pups, one for each of Eddard's legitimate children; they are meant to have the wolves. Bran immediately realizes, along with everyone else, that the comparison only works out because Jon is not claiming one for himself.

Robb and Bran both state they are willing to nurse their pups themselves. Eddard stresses that the children must feed and raise the pups themselves, not pass them off to the servants, and must treat them well lest they become dangerous. Both Robb and Bran state they will not allow the pups to die. As they begin to ride away, Jon hears a noise and goes back to discover a sixth cub, an albino with red eyes, that had crawled away from its mother. Bran finds it curious that it is the only pup that has opened its eyes. Theon claims that the albino will die quicker then the others, but Jon disagrees, claiming it for himself.

Chapter 2: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Stark

Place: Winterfell

Catelyn informs her husband, Lord Eddard, that his friend Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, is dead and that King Robert Baratheon and his family are coming to Winterfell.

Synopsis
Catelyn Stark seeks out her husband Eddard in the godswood following his return to Winterfell. She knows her husband always goes there after executing a man. She finds the godswood very dark and unsettling compared to the sunny one she remembers from her childhood home in Riverrun. Unlike her own family, the Starks keep faith with the Old Gods, rather than the Faith of the Seven.

She finds Ned polishing his greatsword, Ice, under the heart tree at the centre of the grove. He asks after the children, and Catelyn tells him they are deciding on the names for their new wolves. Ned notes that the man he excecuted is the fourth deserter this year. He adds that the man was half mad, that something had put a fear into him so deep that he could not reach him. The Night's Watch is dwindling, down to less than a thousand men, not just from desertions, but from ranging casualties. One day he may have call his banners to fight Mance Rayder himself. Catelyn warns him that there are darker things beyond the Wall. Ned replies that the Others have been dead for eight thousand years, and that Maester Luwin claims they never existed at all. Catelyn replies that nobody had seen direwolves until today.

When Ned asks why Catelyn has come, she tells him that Jon Arryn, his foster father and her brother-in-law, is dead. The news came in King Robert's own hand. When asked Catelyn explains that Jon Arryn's widow--Catelynn's sister Lysa Arryn--and her son have returned to the Eyrie and says that she thinks her sister should not be alone and should have gone back to Riverrun. Ned urges Catelyn to take the children to keep her sister company, but then Catelyn informs him that Robert Baratheon has also written that he is coming to Winterfell. This news gladdens Ned; it has been many years since Ned has seen Robert. However, Catelyn is worried about the omen of a direwolf found dead in the snow with an antler buried in its throat. With Robert coming, Catelyn confirms with Ned that they should send word to his brother Benjen on the Wall. Then Catelyn informs Ned that Robert's wife Cersei Lannister, their children, and her Lannister brothers, are also coming. Ned does not like the Lannisters because they came to Robert’s cause only after victory was certain. Eddard is also looking forward to seeing the children and then announces his worry about feeding them all.

Chapter 3: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: Pentos

On another continent, in the Free City of Pentos, the last two descendants of the previous royal house--Prince Viserys and his sister Princess Daenerys--live in exile. Prince Viserys is planning on selling/marrying Daenerys to Khal Drogo of the Dothraki horselords in exchange for an army to reclaim the Seven Kingdoms.

Synopsis
Viserys Targaryen presents his thirteen-year-old sister, Daenerys, with a fine silk dress. The dress is a gift from their host Magister Illyrio Mopatis, who has also promised gold and jewels so she will look like a princess. Daenerys questions Illyrio's motives, but Viserys insists that the Magister only wants to get in his good graces for when he reclaims the Seven Kingdoms. Daenerys still doesn't trust Illyrio, but knows better than to say anything for fear of making Viserys angry (which he calls &quot;waking the dragon&quot;).

Viserys is preparing to present Daenerys to the Dothraki horselord, Khal Drogo, in the hope the Khal will take her as his wife in exchange for soldiers to reclaim the throne. He warns Daenerys not to fail him and wake the dragon, twisting one of her nipples for emphasis. Viserys adds that when they write the history of his realm they will say is began this night.

After Viserys leaves, Daenerys thinks of Westeros, a place she has never seen. She recalls the stories of her brother Crown Prince Rhaegar's death at the hand of Robert Baratheon, her father King Aerys's murder by the Kingslayer, and her mother and brother's escape to Dragonstone, where her mother died giving birth to her. Daenerys also recalls how she and her brother fled Dragonstone with Ser Willem Darry and four loyal men, who took them to Braavos. There they had lived in a big house with a red door and Ser Willem had always been kind to her. But when Ser Willem had died, the servants had stolen what money was left and they were put out of the house. Since then they have wandered, with Viserys keeping them moving in fear of the Usurper’s assassins. Near the end of her reverie, Dany reflects on how Viserys, now known as the Beggar King behind his back, has become obsessed with recovering his throne, while she only wants her childhood back.

Illyrio's servants come to bathe Daenerys and prepare her for her meeting with Khal Drogo. She is intended to marry Drogo, though she had always assumed she would marry her brother like the Targaryens always did. The servants tell her how lucky she is to marry a man so rich that even his slaves wear golden collars. Once she is properly dressed, her brother returns with Magister Illyrio. Viserys commands her to stand up and turn around. Illyrio showers Daenerys with compliments while Viserys complains she is too skinny and too young. Illyrio reassures him that she is old enough for the Khal and comments on her silver-gold hair and purple eyes, the hallmarks of old Valyrian nobility. When Viserys states that barbarians are said to have queer tastes such boys and sheep Illyrio warns him not to say these things to the Khal, creating a flare of anger in Viserys’ eyes.

The three of them the journey in Illyrio's litter to Khal Drogo's manse in the pitch dark. Viserys states that 10,000 Dothraki screamers will be enough when combined with those that are just awaiting his return to overthrow the usurper. He speculates on those who would join their cause--House Tyrell, House Redwyne, House Darry, House Greyjoy, and the Dornishmen. Illyrio assures Viserys that the Seven Kingdoms secretly await his return, though Daenerys doubts him.

Illyrio says that the horselords' mansion was a gift from the magisters of Pentos, to help win Khal's friendship; even though they are confident the Dothraki could not conquer the city it is so cheap to buy off the horselord why take the risk? They arrive at the mansion and are announced as King Viserys and Princess Daenerys. Illyrio points out several prominent guests, including Ser Jorah Mormont, who has fled the Seven Kingdoms under sentence of death and spent much time among the Dothraki.

Illyrio then points out Khal Drogo himself, who is as graceful as a panther, and younger than Daenerys would have thought. Viserys notes his long braid, which means he has never been defeated in combat. Daenerys, who notes a cold hard face, is afraid of him and asks to go home, provoking a rant from Viserys about why they can’t go home because they had taken it away from them. Daenerys had meant the their rooms in Illyrio’s estate, but none of the places they have stayed have been Viserys home. Viserys also assures Daenerys that he would let Khal Drogo's whole khalasar, including their horses, rape her if it won him back the Seven Kingdoms. Then Viserys tells her to stop crying, because Illyrio is leading Khal Drogo over to meet them. Daenerys stops crying, stands up straight, and smiles.

Chapter 4: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: Winterfell

King Robert Baratheon arrives at Winterfell to offer Ned the position of Hand of the King and the opportunity for Ned's daughter Sansa to marry the crown prince Joffrey.

Synopsis
The King's party, three hundred strong, rides into Winterfell. Ned recognizes Jaime Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Prince Joffrey, and Sandor Clegane, but doesn't recognize his old friend King Robert, a huge bearded man (6.5 feet) flanked by two knights in snow white cloaks of the Kingsguard, until Robert calls out. He is shocked to see Robert has gained 8 stone (112 lbs) since the last time they saw each other nine years before when they joined forces to deal with Balon Greyjoy, who had proclaimed himself king of the Iron Islands. Ned makes obeisance as Queen Cersei and the younger children debark from the wheelhouse. After the formalities of greeting (including the presentation of the children from both parties), Robert insists on being taken down to the crypt to pay his respects where the dead of House Stark are buried. Queen Cersei objects.

Ned asks Robert about his travel, and Robert complains of the distance that has to be traveled in the vast emptiness of the North. Robert talks about the advantages of living in the south, telling Ned he has to see the wonders, the warmth, and the undress of the women. They descend into the crypt, which is an effort for the out-of-shape Robert.

Robert wants to visit the tomb of Ned's sister Lyanna Stark, who had been his betrothed. They pass the dead of house Stark with statues in front of the crypts, each lord having a sword on his lap. They arrive to the last of the occupied crypts waiting for the future dead of House Stark. Here there are three tombs for Ned’s father Lord Rickard Stark, Ned’s elder brother Brandon Stark and his sister Lyanna. Robert tells Ned that he should have buried her on a sunny hillside, but Ned explains that she was a Stark of Winterfell and belongs here, and that it was her wish. Ned remembers her dying, and his friend Howland Reed being nearby while Robert recalls taking his vengeance on Rhaegar Targaryen for what he did to her, regretting only getting to kill him once. Ned says they should return, his wife will be waiting. Robert replies the Others take his wife, and they start back.

As they return, Ned asks about Jon Arryn, and Robert says that he had never seen a man die so quickly, within a fortnight. Ned asks about how Jon's widow is bearing under the grief, telling Robert that Catelyn fears for her sister. Robert confides that he thinks Jon’s death has driven her mad and she took her son back to the Eyrie. Robert had hoped to foster the sickly boy with Tywin Lannister, but Lysa had refused to hear of it and left in the dead of night; Cersei was furious. Ned, who does not trust Tywin, is relieved. Ned asks to foster Robert Arryn himself, but Tywin had already agreed and Ned taking him as a ward would be risk of offending Tywin.

Ned comments that Robert should visit the wall, but Robert responds that he has more important issues: he has to replace Lord Arryn, including several important positions such as Warden of the East. Ned tells Robert that that title goes with domain of the Arryn. Robert states that Robert Arryn will not be Warden of the East since he is only a 6-year old boy. Ned tells Robert that during times of peace this is only an honor. The king is not pleased, the son is not the father, and maybe when the boy is grown, the title will be given back. He says that he needs another Hand of the King, and he offers the position to Ned where he can again be at his side. Then the King tells how the responsibilities bore him and that he is surrounded by flatters and fools. He says he wants Ned to come south to King's Landing to be Hand of the King, the second most important man in the kingdom.

Ned does not want the position. Even Robert recognizes that this is not a pleasant position, relating that the low-born saying that “the King eats and the Hand takes the shit.” Robert asks for at least a smile and Ned responds that it is said that it is so cold in the North that a man's laughter freezes in his throat and chokes him to death.

King Robert offers to marry Sansa Stark (only 11) to Prince Joffrey, to join the Houses of Stark and Baratheon as he and Lyanna might have done. Ned hesitates to give his decision, wishing to speak to his wife, but Robert asks him not to take too long. Ned is filled with a sense of foreboding, that Winterfell is where he belongs, and winter is coming.

Chapter 5: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Winterfell

Jon Snow attends the feast Winterfell is holding for the royal guests and speaks with both Benjen Stark and Tyrion Lannister.

Synopsis
A feast is held in Winterfell in honor of King Robert's royal visit. Jon decides he is thankful his bastardy has relegated him to the far end of the hall with the younger squires instead of the king's family. Here he can drink as much as he wants (he has a man’s thirst), and mingle freely with those around him.

Jon watches the king and his family as they arrive. He recognizes Queen Cersei's false smile and is disappointed with fat, red-faced, King Robert. The 8-year-old Princess Myrcella seems smitten with her escort Robb, leading Jon to decide she is insipid. Arya is escorted by plump young Prince Tommen. The 12-year-old Prince Joffrey (who is even taller than Robb) is escorting the radiant Sansa. Jon decides he not like Joffrey’s pouty lips or the disdain the Prince seems to hold for Winterfell. He also notes that the Queen's brother Jaime Lannister looks like a proper king, and that waddling Tyrion Lannister is grotesquely fascinating, as ugly as Jaime and Cersei are beautiful. The last to enter are Benjen Stark and Theon Greyjoy.

Jon feeds his direwolf Ghost under the table and watches the pup silently face down a full-grown dog three times his size. Bringing his wolf to the feast is another perk to being the bastard. Jon is soon joined by his uncle Benjen, who asks Jon how much he's had to drink, and says Jon is older than he was when he first got truly drunk. Benjen asks about Ghost and Jon explains that he named him Ghost for his white colour and because he never makes a sound. Benjen then asks why Jon is not at the main table, and Jon says flatly that Catelyn thought seating a bastard with the King might give offense.

Benjen comments that Eddard does not seem festive, and Jon adds that the Queen is not, either, probably because of King Robert's visit to the crypts. Benjen commends Jon's keen skills of observation and remarks that he could use a man like him on the Wall. Jon asks if he can return to the Wall with Benjen. Benjen replies that the Wall is a hard place for a boy, but Jon counters that he will turn 15 on his next nameday, and it's said bastards grow up faster than purebloods. Jon thinks about how all his half brothers and sisters have futures, but there is no future for a bastard. Benjen says that he should know a woman and father a bastard or two first, to know what he will be giving up. This angers Jon, who states that he would never father a bastard and runs off before people can see him cry, with Ghost at his heels.

As Jon is leaving, Tyrion Lannister speaks to him from a ledge in the deserted yard and asks if he can take a look at Ghost. Jon offers to help him down, but Tyrion jumps down, acrobatically landing on his hands and vaulting to his feet. Ghost is uncertain about Tyrion, but submits to examination under Jon's command. Tyrion asks if Jon is Eddard's bastard. Jon bridles and Tyrion apologizes that as a dwarf he can usually speak as he pleases, like a jester. He comments that Jon seems to have more of the North in him than his half-siblings. Tyrion advises Jon never to forget who and what he is so that no one can use it against him. When Jon questions what Tyrion would know about being a bastard, Tyrion replies that all dwarfs are bastards in their father’s eyes and that though all dwarfs are bastards not all bastards need to be dwarfs.

Chapter 6: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: Winterfell

A secret letter from her sister leads Catelyn to convince Ned to go to King's Landing and become Hand of the King.

Synopsis
Ned and Catelyn are in Catelyn bedchamber after making love. Uncomfortable with the warmth of the room (heated by hot springs beneath the castle), Ned opens the windows. As she watches him from the bed, Catelyn thinks he looks the same as when she married him and hopes they have conceived another child.

They discuss the king's offer, which Ned intends to refuse. Catelyn insists that he must accept so as not to offend the king. While Catelyn contemplates the omen of the dead direwolf killed by a stag, Ned wishes his brother Brandon had lived to be Lord of Winterfell instead.

They are interrupted by Desmond, who says that Maester Luwin has an urgent message for Ned. The Maeseter is shown in and tells them that he had been left a message. There had been a carved wooden box left in his observatory while he napped; the box contained a fine new glass lens for the observatory. The way it had been delivered had made the Maeseter wonder and had discovered a message hidden beneath a false bottom. Maester Luwin says he has not read it, and will not give it to Ned, for it is addressed to Catelyn.

Catelyn takes the message, apprehensively. It is from her sister Lysa, and written in a secret language only the two sisters share. Catelyn immediately burns the message after reading it, but explains to Ned that the message claims Jon Arryn was murdered by the Queen and the Lannisters. Catelyn says that now Ned must be the King's Hand, to find the truth behind Lysa's accusations. Maester Luwin agrees with Catelyn, because the Hand has great powers that will help determine the truth and protect Lysa and her son. Then Catelyn tells Ned that he would not leave a man that he loves like a brother, King Robert, to face the Lannisters on his own.

Ned deliberates, and then makes his decision: he will go, but Catelyn must stay behind, to govern Winterfell and teach Robb the things he needs to know. He says that young Rickon may stay with her as well, but the others must come south--Sansa to wed Joffrey, Arya to learn the ways of a southern court. Cat reluctantly agrees but begs that 7-year-old Bran be allowed to stay, but Ned insists Bran will be needed to bridge the gap between Robb and Joffrey. The house will be the safer for it, and Catelyn has to agree. Catelyn feels lonely already.

Maester Luwin asks about Jon Snow. Ned can feel the anger in Catelyn. Catelyn remembers the bastard child that Ned brought back with him in the early days of their marriage. She understood Ned having bastard sons while away, but could not understand raising a bastard in the castle. There were rumors that Ashara Dayne was his mother, but Ned forbade her to ask about him, saying only that Jon was his blood. Ned would never send him away, and Catelyn could never forgive him that. Catelyn insists that Jon must leave, but Ned tells her there would be no place for Jon at court. Maester Luwin mentions Jon Snow's ambitions to join the Night's Watch. Ned considers this for a while, and finally agrees to let Jon take the black, though not until they are ready to leave for the south. He wants Jon to enjoy his last few days, and that when it is time, he will tell him himself.

Chapter 7: Arya
Pov: Arya Stark

Place: Winterfell

Arya runs out on her needlework session to watch the boys practice with swords in the yard.

Synopsis
Arya is dismayed at her crooked stitches; she can't match her sister Sansa's needlework. Septa Mordane coos over Princess Myrcella's needlework, which Arya thinks are also crooked. Sansa whispering with Jeyne Poole and Beth Cassel. When Arya asks what they are whispering about she is told it is about how handsome Prince Joffrey is, and how he has complemented Sansa, and how he is going to marry Sansa. Arya points out that Jon thinks Joffrey looks like a girl. Sansa laments that Jon gets jealous because he is a bastard but Arya defends him, drawing the Septa's attention to her.

Septa Mordane inspects Arya's stitches and pronounces her dissatisfaction. Humiliated, Arya bolts for the door, stopping only long enough to be forced to bow to Princess Myrcella. Arya wishes she had some her sister's skill and beauty. Arya has her father’s looks, not the beauty of their mother, like Sansa. Jeyne used to call her &quot;Horseface&quot;, which was all the more hurtful because the only thing that Arya could do better than Sansa was ride. That, and manage a household since Sansa had no head for figures.

Arya finds her wolf pup Nymeria waiting for her and together they go to watch the boys sparring in the practice yard, not daring to go back to her room where she would be found and punished. On the way she comes across Jon seated on a sill with Ghost watching the fighting below. She sits down beside him and they watch together.

In the yard below, heavily padded Bran and Prince Tommen are fighting each other with wooden swords under the watchful eye of Ser Rodrik Cassel, the master-at-arms. The group of spectators includes Robb and Theon. Jon comments that swords are a bit more exhausting than needlework and Arya responds that it also more fun. Arya remembers thinking when she was little that she was a bastard like Jon because she was the only child to take after her father. When Arya asks why Jon is not down in the yard with the others, Jon explains that bastards are not allowed to damage princes, only trueborn swords can. Arya says she could fight as well as Bran who is only 7 while she is 9, but Jon says she doesn't have enough strength for a longsword.

Jon points out that newly arrived Prince Joffery is wearing a sigil that has both the stag and lion, giving the his mother’s House sigil equality to the royal sigil. Jon suggests that Arya should wear a combination sigil for the Starks and Tullys, but Arya jokes that a wolf with a trout in its mouth would look silly and questions why a girl would need a sigil if she isn't allowed to fight.

Below, Bran has knocked Tommen down and Ser Rodrik calls Robb and Joffrey for a bout. Joffrey acts as if it is beneath his dignity to fight Starks with practice swords. He suggests real swords, and Robb readily accepts. Jon comments to Arya that Joffrey is a little shit. Ser Rodrik states that he would only allow blunted tourney swords. Joffrey's bodyguard Sandor Clegane insists he killed a man with real sword when he was only twelve. Joffrey makes a few more condescending remarks that enrage Robb, then feigns a yawn and leaves with Tommen. Jon encourages Arya to go to her room and face her punishment. Arya insists it is not fair but Jon says that nothing is fair as he walks away with Ghost. Arya returns to her room to find not only Septa Mordane, but also her mother.

Chapter 8:
Pov: Bran

Place: Winterfell

Bran is climbing around the castle when discovers Cersei and Jaime Lannister making love and talking about the danger his father, poses. Eventually, he is discovered and Jaime shoves him out the window.

Synopsis
The majority of the men have gone hunting boar with the king, leaving Bran behind with Jon, Rickon and the girls. Jon seems to be angry with everyone, even though he’s going to the Wall with Uncle Benjen, so Bran does not look very hard for him.

At first Bran was excited about leaving Winterfell and going to King's Landing on a real horse, not just a pony. He remembers the stories Old Nan told about ghosts and terrible dungeons, and dragon skulls on the walls. He dreams of being a member of the Kingsguard someday, and is anxious to meet the greatest modern knight, Ser Barristan the Bold. But now Bran is also apprehensive about leaving the only home he has ever known. He will miss all those he is leaving behind, even his pony.

Not being able to stand the goodbyes, Bran goes to the castle godswood with his direwolf. Unlike all his siblings, he still hasn’t named his wolf; none of the names he tries seem right. Eventually, Bran gets tired of trying to teach his wolf to fetch and decides to go climbing. His wolf doesn’t want him to go and howls when he climbs away up a tree and onto the armory roof.

Bran spends much of his time climbing the roofs of Winterfell. His mother claims that Bran could climb before he could walk. Since Bran cannot remember learning to climb or learning to walk he assumes it must be true. His mother was also terrified that one day he would fall and kill himself. Once Bran had kept a promise not to climb for almost a fortnight and was miserable the entire time. Finally he gave in but confessed his crime the next day. When his father ordered him to the godswood to cleanse himself, they had found him sleeping in the tallest tree in the grove the next morning. His father, angry and laughing, had told him that from now on he was free to climb, so long as him mother didn’t catch him.

Others had tried to stop him, but to no avail. The guards tried to stop him but they were too slow and escaping from them was fun. Old Nan had told a story of a boy who climbed too high and was struck by lightning and had his eyes eaten by crows, but Bran liked to feed the crows and they never seemed interested in pecking out his eyes. Maester Luwin had made a clay boy and thrown it off the wall as an example, but Bran had only responded that he was not made of clay and he never fell.

Bran is climbing to the Broken Tower, where he likes to feed the crows, when he is startled by voices from the First Keep, the oldest part of the castle. At first he doesn’t recognize them as Queen Cersei and her brother, Ser Jaime. Cersei is telling Jaime that he should be the Hand of the King, and that Eddard Stark will put them in danger because the king loves him like a brother. Jaime jokes that Robert hates his brothers. Unamused, Cersei insists that Robert will listen to Eddard. Jaime states that he prefers honorable men to ambitious men like Robert’s brothers and Littlefinger.

Cersei says she is worried about what Lysa Arryn may have said to the Starks, but Jaime tells her not to worry, as Lysa has no proof. Despite this, Cersei remains fearful that Eddard might betray her son Joffrey when he takes the throne or convince Robert to put her aside.

Bran grows frightened by what he overhears, but wants to see who is talking, so he climbs over the window, then drops down. He can see the man and woman inside wrestling naked, fondling and moaning. Suddenly he recognizes Cersei just as her eyes open and see him. Bran loses his grip as he tries to escape, but catches himself on the window ledge. Cersei and Jaime come to look at him. Jaime extends a hand to Bran and pulls him up onto the ledge.

As Bran begins to relax, Jaime asks him how old he is. Bran says that he is seven. Then Jaime loathingly says, “The things I do for love,” and shoves Bran backwards out the window into the empty air.

Chapter 9: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: Winterfell

Tyrion meets up with his nephew Joffrey and insists his nephew pay his sympathies to the Starks before joining his brother and sister for breakfast with news that Bran Stark will probably survive.

Synopsis
Tyrion has been reading all night in Winterfell's library when he hears a wolf howl. He gives up on reading, noticing that it's near dawn and that Septon Chayle is asleep. Tyrion wakes him up and goes out to break his fast. As he leaves he hears the Hound complaining about how long Bran is taking to die. Joffrey states that at least Bran is dying quietly, but the wolf's howling is disturbing his sleep. The Hound offers to go kill it, which Joffrey finds amusing, believing the Starks would not notice it missing. Tyrion notes that the Starks can count past six, unlike some princes.

The Hound uses the remark as an excuse to make fun of Tyrion's height. Tyrion brushes the comment off before advising Joffrey to pay a visit to the Starks to offer his sympathies. When Joffrey asks what good it would do, Tyrion tells him that his absence has been noted. Joffrey continues to refuse, and Tyrion proceeds to browbeat him to the edge of tears until the boy acquiesces. The Hound, looming over Tyrion, warns him that the prince will not soon forget. Tyrion respond that he hopes not and that the Hound should be a good dog and remind him if he does.

Tyrion then seeks out his brother and sister in the morning room of the guest house having breakfast. He asks if King Robert is still in bed and Cersei disdainfully explains that Robert has been up all night with Lord Eddard and has taken the Stark's sorrow deeply to heart. When Jaime adds that Robert has a big heart, Tyrion remembers that Jaime is the only person who has ever shown Tyrion the smallest amount of affection or respect, and Tyrion was willing to forgive him most anything.

As Tyrion orders breakfast, Prince Tommen asks after Bran, and says he doesn't want him to die. Jaime comments on the name &quot;Brandon&quot; being unlucky, but Tyrion states this may not be the case, explaining that the Maester thinks that since Bran hasn't died yet, he may recover. As he speaks Tyrion catches the significant glance between Jaime and Cersei. Cersei immediately insists it is no mercy for Bran to live, and when [Myrcella Baratheon|Myrcella]] asks if Bran will be alright, Tyrion replies that Bran will never walk again.

Tyrion continues on to say that the wolf's attention howling outside his window may be contributing to Bran's survival. When the window is closed Bran gets weaker, but his heart strengthens again when it is open. Cersei insists the wolves disturb her and are dangerous, but Jaime tells her the girls' wolves will doubtless follow them to King's Landing.

Tyrion then reveals to his family that he intends to visit the Wall before returning south. Jaime jokes that he hopes Tyrion will not take the black, but Tyrion quips back that if he did the whores would go begging. Cersei leaves abruptly with her children, insisting they shouldn't hear such filth, while Jaime wonders if Eddard will leave Winterfell with Bran ill. Tyrion states that King Robert will make the choice for Eddard.

Jaime states that if he were Eddard he would end Bran's torment and save him from being a cripple. Tyrion, himself less than able-bodied, advises Jaime not to say as much to Eddard before wondering out loud what tale Bran might tell if he wakes up. Jaime is not amused and wonders aloud about Tyrion's loyalty. Tyrion insists that Jaime knows how much he loves his family.

Chapter 10: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Winterfell

Jon says his last goodbyes, first to the comotose Bran, then to Robb, and finally to Arya to whom he gives a Braavosi-type sword.

Synopsis
Jon climbs the stairs to Bran's room with Ghost beside him, fearing that it might be the last time. Catelyn is there, having never left Bran's side for close to a fortnight, which has kept Jon away, but now there is no more time. When Jon enters, Catelyn responds with hostility, demanding why he is here and demanding he leave. While once this would have sent him crying, now it only makes Jon angry so that when Catelyn threatens to call the guards, and he calls her bluff.

Jon finds Bran emaciated and shrunken, and covers over his legs look wrong. Jon asks Bran not to die and tells him everyone is waiting for him to wake up. Jon remembers how much Bran had been looking forward to the journey south while explaining that he is going north with Uncle Benjen to the Wall. Catelyn admits that she had been wishing for Bran to stay home with her, and her wish seems to have been granted. When Jon attempts to reassure her, she lashes out at him and, as he is leaving, tells him that it should have been him that fell.

Jon makes the long walk to the yard, where things are in an uproar as the party prepares to leave. Robb brings news that Benjen is looking for Jon. When Robb asks about his mother, and Jon tells him she was kind. Robb then remarks that next time they meet Jon will be all in black and they hug farewell.

Next Jon goes to see Arya, who is repacking her things with help from Nymeria, not having folded them well enough for Septa Mordane the first time. Jon says he has a secret present for her. After Arya closes the door and sets Nymeria to guard it, Jon gives her a small sword made special for her, like the ones from Braavos. He explains to her that she will have to practice every day, shows her how to hold it, and then gives her her first lesson: stick them with the pointy end. He then warns her not to tell Sansa. Arya runs to him for a last hug. Just before he leaves, Jon tells Arya that all the best swords have a name. When she asks what her sword's name is he explains that it’s her very favorite thing. Then say the name together: &quot;Needle&quot;.

Chapter 11: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: Outside the walls of Pentos

Daenerys Targaryen is married to Khal Drogo in a ceremony that lasts all day with a dozen deaths. When night falls Drogo takes Daenerys for a long ride before making love.

Synopsis
While waiting for Daenerys' wedding Illyrio Mopatis explains that Drogo’s khalasar of 40,000 Dothraki warriors and their families and herds have gathering outside the walls of Pentos has made the other magisters so uneasy they have doubled the city guard. The Dothraki are eating everything in sight, and Illyrio thinks it would be best to have the marriage as soon as possible. Ser Jorah Mormont has offered and been accepted into the service of Daenerys's brother Viserys. Viserys is impatient for Drogo to help him regain his throne. Illyrio explains to him that the Khal must take his new bride to Vaes Dothrak first, and then wait until the omens are favorable for war. Viserys complains at the delay despite Illyrio and Jorah cautioning patience.

That night Daenerys dreams of Viserys chasing her and beating her and saying, &quot;You woke the dragon.&quot; Then she turns and sees a dragon in his place and wakes shaking with a fine sheen of sweat on her skin.

Daenerys weds Khal Drogo under the open sky, before forty thousand Dothraki warriors. The ceremonies begin at dawn and continuing until dusk. Viserys, Illyrio, and Jorah are seated below Drogo and Daenerys at the feast, which grates on Viserys's pride, especially when food is first served to Daenerys and Drogo before being offered to him. Daenerys, with the forced smile her brother told her she should wear, eats little since her stomach is a upset. She is seated only with her new husband, and they do not even share a common language, so there is nothing for her to do.

Early on in the day she sees Dothraki men taking dancing women and mounting them in the open like animals. When two men grab the same woman and a fight to the death ensues. The survivor then takes another woman. Illyrio had said that a Dothraki wedding without at least three deaths was considered dull; by the end of the day a dozen men had died, obviously making it an exceptional wedding. Daenerys is consumed by fear of her hulking husband with a stern cruel face and a culture that is so different, and of her brother if she should fail him.

As the sun sets, Daenerys receives her bride gifts. Viserys gives her three hand maids that cost him nothing, picked to teach her what she needs to know: Irri (to teach her how to ride), Jhiqui (to teach her the Dothraki tongue) and Doreah (to teach her the arts of love). Ser Jorah, with an apology since it was all he could afford, gives her a stack of old books in the Common Tongue, and she thanks him with all her heart. Illyrio gives her fine silks and fabrics, and three huge dragon's eggs: one is green, one is cream-colored, and one is black with scarlet ripples and swirls. Illyrio tells her that they have turned to stone by the years. Khal Drogo's bloodriders give her the traditional three weapons, which she refuses with the traditional refusals and passes to her husband. Many other gifts come from the other Dothraki.

Last of all Drogo brings forward his own bride gift, a fine grey filly. Drogo easily lifts her by the waist up to the saddle. She does not know what to do: Ser Jorah tells her to take the reins and ride. She is only a fair rider, having traveled almost exclusively by other means. As she rides she forgets her fears and eventually sends the horse into a gallop, and even leaps it over a firepit. She returns and tells Illyrio to tell her husband that that he has given her the wind, and Drogo smiles. Then the sun sets and Drogo readies his horse. When Viserys warns her to please her husband, or she will regret it, fear comes back to her.

Drogo sets a fast pace, saying no words. Daenerys tries to rid herself of fear by remembering she is the blood of the dragon and the dragon was never afraid. It is full dark when they stop at a grassy place beside a small stream. Drogo swings off his horse and lifts her down from hers. She feels fragile in her wedding silks. She begins to weep, but Drogo says &quot;No,&quot; and wipes her tears away. She asks questions but all Drogo says is “No.” He starts softly murmering to her in Dothraki to soothe her. Drogo sets her down on a rock and sits facing her, then starts removing the bells from his hair, and Daenerys helps. Then he indicates that she should unbraid his hair which takes a long time. Then Drogo undresses her, with tenderness, and caresses her until she is ready for him. When he bares her breasts, she covers herself with her hands but Drogo pulls her hands away. After he finishes undressing her he watches her for a while. Then he begins by touching her face and her hair. It seems like hours to Daenerys before his hands go to her breasts. This makes Daenerys breathless, and when he seats her on his lap and says “No” she moves his hand inside her and says “Yes.”

Chapter 12: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: South of Winterfell on the way to King's Landing

Ned and King Robert discuss the threat posed by Daenerys Targaryen's marriage and the events surrounding the Sack of King's Landing.

Synopsis
Ned is woken before dawn to find his horse saddled and King Robert waiting. When the king claims to have urgent matters of state to discuss Ned invites the king to come inside. Robert refuses, claiming the camp is full of ears, so Ned dresses and mounts up.

Robert sets a hard pace and soon the pair leave the Kingsroad. They do not stop until dawn, miles south of the main party. Robert, exhilarated by the ride, complains of the glacial pace of the queen’s wheelhouse and jokingly suggests that he and Ned run off to live as vagabond knights. Ned laughs and reminds Robert of their duties and that they are no longer the boys they once were. Robert jokes that Ned never was the boy he once was, then tries to recall the name of the woman Ned fathered Jon Snow on. Ned provides the name Wylla, but coldly refuses to say more about her.

Robert finally gets to the business at hand: a message from the eunuch Varys, his master of whisperers in King's Landing. Ned reads the message with some trepidation, thinking of Lysa Arryn and her terrible accusation, but instead finds that it concerns the wedding of Daenerys Targaryen to Khal Drogo. When Robert explains that the information has come from Ser Jorah Mormont, Ned takes offense, recalling Mormont as a fugitive who fled the King’s justice after selling some poachers to a Tyroshi slaver in defiance of the law.

The news of the wedding does not worry Ned, but when Robert angrily suggests an assassination attempt he is not surprised. Since the days of the rebellion Robert has held a hatred for the Targaryens that seems a madness to Ned. Ned recalls the angry words that passed between Robert and himself when Tywin Lannister had presented Robert with the corpses of Rhaegar Targaryen’s wife Elia and children Aegon and Rhaenys as a token of fealty. Ned had called it murder but Robert had called it war. It had taken the death of Lyanna to reconcile them again.

This time Ned keeps his temper, telling Robert that he is no Tywin Lannister to slaughter innocents. Robert angrily insists that Daenerys will not remain an innocent forever and will soon breed more “dragonspawn” to plague him. When Ned reiterates that killing a child would be unspeakable Robert responds that what Aerys did to Ned’s father and brother and what Rhaegar did to Lyanna was unspeakable.

When Robert mentions that Drogo has 100,000 men in his horde Ned insists that even a million Dothraki are no threat to the realm without ships. Robert replies that ships can be found in the Free Cities and that many in the Seven Kingdoms—particularly in Dorne and the Reach—would not hesitate to join a Targaryen invasion. Despite this, Ned remains convinced that they would be able to drive the Dothraki back, emphasizing the importance of appointing a new Warden of the East. When Robert refuses to appoint Jon Arryn’s son Robert, Ned suggests the King’s own brother, Stannis. When Robert continues to be evasive, Ned quickly deduces that he has already promised the office to Jaime Lannister. Ned reminds Robert that Jaime already stands to succeed Tywin Lannister as Warden of the West and that as Warden of both East and West, Jaime would control half of all the realm’s armies.

Ned asks whether Jaime can be trusted. When Robert asks why he shouldn’t trust Jaime, Ned reminds him that Jaime betrayed and killed the last king he was sworn to protect. To illustrate his point about Jaime Lannister, Ned describes for Robert how, after the Battle of the Trident, he had followed Rhaegar's army back to King's Landing to find the city sacked by the Lannisters. Ned goes on to explain that upon entering the throne room he had found King Aerys dead on the floor and Jaime sitting on the Iron Throne. Although Jaime eventually rose to say that he was only keeping the uncomfortable thing warm for Robert, Ned insists that Jaime had no right to sit the throne.

Robert finds this amusing, and does not think 17-year-old Jaime's &quot;great sin&quot; was that bad. He gallops off but Ned pauses, despairing of ever keeping Robert from making mistakes. He still believes he should be in Winterfell with his wife and Bran. Finally, resigned at not being able to be where he belongs, Ned follows the king.

Chapter 13: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: North of Winterfell on the way to Castle Black

As they travel north Tyrion and Jon Snow argue about the realities of life on the Wall.

Synopsis
After a fortnight riding north from Winterfell with Benjen Stark, Jon Snow, and two of his own retainers Tyrion is amazed by the enormous size of the North. Although he knows the maps of the region as well as anyone, the land itself is quite another thing. It has grown colder, quieter, and far lonelier the farther north they go and the Kingsroad has narrowed to a wild track.

Three days out of Winterfell the farmland had given way to the dense, dark forests of the Wolfswood. There they had up with Yoren, a brother of the Night's Watch, accompanied by two peasant boys condemned to join the Watch. That night Tyrion had noticed Jon Snow looking at their new companions with dismay and felt sorry for the boy who had had such a hard life chosen for him. Tyrion feels less sympathy for Benjen Stark, who apparently shares his brother’s distaste for Lannisters and seems intent on making Tyrion’s journey north as uncomfortable as possible. However, Tyrion does take a small bit of revenge when he accepts a tattered old bearskin cloak from Benjen; a gift Tyrion thinks Benjen did not expect him to accept and is probably regretting.

By the eighteenth night of their journey the inns and settlements have long since disappeared, forcing the party to make camp. Being too small to help, Tyrion (as is his custom) goes away from the camp with a book about dragons, one of several brought with him from Winterfell.

Tyrion has always been interested in dragons. He remembers seeking out the dragon skulls in King's Landing the first time he was there. He recalls having a torch with him when he discovered the skulls and having the sensation that they seemed to like it when he put his torch to them. There were three skulls much larger than the others and one of the skulls, Tyrion noted, could have swallowed a mammoth whole. According to the tales, King Loren I, the ancestor of the Lannisters, fought against Aegon I Targaryen and the Targaryen conscript army was about break and run when the Targaryens unleashed all three of their dragons and made short work of their opponents.

As Tyrion reads he is approached by Jon Snow, who asks why he reads so much. Tyrion explains that because his body is twisted and weak he must rely on his mind and that a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone. When Jon asks what Tyrion is reading, Tyrion begins to explain about dragons and how he fantasized about them when feeling resentful toward him family.

When Tyrion goes so far as to suggest that Jon must feel resentment towards his own family, Jon protests. However Tyrion continues to push the issue, sarcastically describing how Lady Catelyn treats him as one of her own, how Robb is kind because he is the heir, and how Eddard Stark must have had a good reason to pack Jon off to the Wall. When Jon replies that the Night’s Watch is a noble calling, Tyrion describes the Watch as a midden heap for the realm’s debtors, poachers, rapers, theives, and bastards, all kept busy watching for imaginary grumpkins and snarks.

When Jon asks him to stop, Tyrion realizes what he has been saying and feels badly. Reaching to comfort Jon, he is attacked and knocked down by Jon’s direwolf, Ghost. Unable to get up on his own, Tyrion is forced to apologize to Jon before receiving help. When Tyrion questions why the wolf attacked, Jon jokes that Ghost must have mistaken Tyrion for a grumpkin, which amuses them both.

Having calmed down, Jon asks Tyrion if the things he said of the Night’s Watch were true. When Tyrion says yes, Jon accepts the truth grimly. The two share some wine and return to camp for supper of squirrel stew. Tyrion is the last to retire, and Jon has the first watch.

Chapter 14: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: Winterfell

Catelyn's breakdown over Bran's fall is broken when an attempt is made on Bran's life. Catelyn delays the assassin long enough for Bran’s direwolf to arrive and kill the assassin. Catelyn is now sure Bran did not fall, but was pushed.

Synopsis
Eight days after Eddard and the others have left Winterfell, Catelyn is still sitting at Bran’s bedside in her fragile mental state. Maester Luwin comes to tell her how much the king’s visit cost them, but Catelyn is not interested in looking at figures. Regardless, the maester continues to speak of replacing provisions. Catelyn insists that the steward can worry about such matters. Maester Luwin reminds her that the steward went south with Lord Eddard and needs to be replaced, along with a number of other positions. Catelyn is outraged that he can think of such trivial things when Bran is dying until Robb arrives to take charge of the appointments.

After the maester leaves, Robb asks Catelyn what she thinks she’s doing, spending all her time with Bran; not even saying farewell to her own family. Catelyn insists she can’t bear to be away from Bran, in case he should die. Robb assures her he is not going to die and reminds her that her other children need her, too. He goes on to explain that Rickon just follows him around all day crying, thinking everyone has abandoned him.

Robb hears a direwolf howling outside and opens the window, explaining that the sound seems to be good for Bran. When the other direwolves join in Catelyn screams for Robb to make the noise stop, and then collapses to the floor. Robb helps her up but she only begins screaming again. Then Robb notices the dogs barking as well and see the library tower afire.

While Robb rushes off to fight the fire, Catelyn remains behind with Bran. When she turns away from the window, however, she is face-to-face with a filthy man brandishing a knife. The man claims that Catelyn was not supposed to be there and moves towards Bran, claiming killing him would be a mercy. Catelyn attempts to get to scream for help, but the man is too quick as he moves to slit her throat. Catelyn manages to grab the blade with her hands and push it away, cutting her fingers badly. She bites the man’s hand and fights her way free. The man is about the attack her again when Bran’s direwolf leaps onto him and rips out his throat. Once the man is dead, the wolf settles down on Bran’s bed.

Catelyn is taken back to her chambers. Old Nan undresses her and helps her into a bath. After the bath, Maester Luwin dresses Catelyn's wounds, her fingers cut almost to the bone, and her scalp where the man had pulled out a handful of hair. The maester gives her milk of the poppy, which puts her to sleep. She wakes up 4 days later. It seems like a nightmare, but the pain in her hands reminds her that it was real. When Catelyn remembers her behavior since Bran’s fall she is ashamed, promising herself that it will not happen again.

Robb, now wearing armour and a sword, comes to see her with Theon Greyjoy, Rodrik Cassel, and Hallis Mollen, the new captain of the guard. Mollen tells her that nobody knows who the man was, but he had likely been lurking in the stables since the king's visit. Where the man had been hiding they found 90 silver stags hidden under the straw. When Robb asks why anybody would want to kill Bran, Catelyn insists that as a Lord he must learn to answer his own questions. Robb guesses that somebody is afraid of what Bran might do or say if he wakes up and so posts a heavy guard on Bran.

Ser Rodrik points out the dagger the killer used, a Valyrian steel blade with a dragonbone handle, is a much finer weapon than anything the low-born killer should have possessed; someone had to have given it to him. Catelyn then tells Rodrik, Theon, and Robb in strict confidence of her sister’s suspicions about the death of Jon Arryn. She reminds them that Jaime Lannister did not go hunting with the others the day Bran fell, and that she does not believe that Bran fell, but that he was pushed. The group admits that this is a reasonable conclusion.

However Maester Luwin points out that all they have is conjecture, and that they must have proof or else keep silent. After some deliberation, Catelyn decides that she and Ser Rodrik will go to King's Landing by ship to inform Eddard, hopefully arriving ahead of the king’s party.

Chapter 15: Sansa
Pov: Sansa Stark

Place: An inn by the Trident

Synopsis
Sansa is having breakfast near an inn by the Trident with Septa Mordane. When Sansa feeds her direwolf Lady under the table, the Septa says that, though she is a good girl, when it comes to Lady, Sansa is as willful as her sister Arya.

The Septa also informs Sansa that they have been invited to ride in the wheelhouse with Queen Cersei and Princess Myrcella. Sansa has been looking forward to this for a week, hoping for a chance to be with Prince Joffrey. Joffrey is everything she wanted her prince to be like: tall and strong and handsome. The one thing Sansa is afraid of is that Arya will ruin everything for her. The Septa wants Sansa and Arya to dress well for the event and Sansa has already decided on a fine silk dress. She does not expect Arya to wear anything appropriate. Sansa begs to be excused so she can look for Arya.

She finds Arya on the banks of the Trident, trying to comb the mud out of her direwolf Nymeria’s fur. Arya is not interested in riding in the wheelhouse, and intends to go riding with Mycah to look for rubies in the river. Sansa insist that there is no fun in riding, because there is nothing to see, but Arya is fascinated by all the new flowers and landmarks and people they are seeing along the way. Sansa informs Arya that she has to come, asking why anyone would want to ride a stinky horse when they could ride in the wheelhouse on pillows while eating lemon cakes and keeping company with the queen. Arya replies that she does not even like the queen and still intends to go riding. Sansa, giving up, leaves and Arya yell after her that Lady will not be allowed in the wheelhouse, which leaves Sansa speechless.

When she nears the camp, Sansa sees a crowd gathered around the wheelhouse; the council has sent an honour guard from King's Landing to accompany them the rest of the way. The party includes two knights in fine armour: one a strong old man in white armour, the other a beautiful young man in green armour. There is also a gaunt, grim man that Sansa finds so terrifying that she backs right into Sandor Clegane. She kneels and hugs Lady and, next thing Sansa knows, the two new arrivals are standing above her. Joffrey explains that the terrifying man is Ser Ilyn Payne, the King’s Justice (the royal executioner).

The white knight then introduces himself as Ser Barristan Selmy, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, but the green knight insists that she guess. Based on his age and his antlered helm, Sansa correctly deduces him to be the king’s youngest brother, Renly Baratheon. Feeling more comfortable, Sansa apologizes to Ser Ilyn Payne, but the man does not speak. Once he has left, Joffrey explains that his tongue was ripped out by Mad King Aerys.

The Queen says that she must speak with the councilors, and therefore must postpone the day with Myrcella. Instead, she asks Joffrey to entertain their guests—Sansa is overjoyed with the idea of a whole day with Joffrey. Sansa offers to do whatever the prince wants, and when Joffrey suggest they go riding, Sansa gushes that she loves riding. Joffrey then suggests that it would be best to leave Lady and his dog, Sandor Clegane, behind. When Sansa questions leaving Clegane behind Joffrey brandishes his sword, Lion's Tooth.

They ride along the river, exploring the countryside until they draw near to the battlefield where King Robert defeated Rhaegar Targaryen when they hear an odd sound, like wooden clattering, coming from nearby. In a nearby clearing, they find a boy and a girl play-fighting with sticks. The boy, taller and older than the girl, is winning. When the girl is disarmed by a smack on the hand, Sansa recognizes her sister Arya. Joffrey laughs and the boy, a butcher’s boy named Mycah, drops his stick. Joffrey begins to taunt Mycah and challenges him to a fight, sword against stick. Mycah insists that Arya asked him to fight her, which Sansa quickly realizes is the truth. Joffrey remains oblivious however, and goes so far as to prick the boy’s cheek with his sword. Arya picks up her stick and tells Joffrey to leave Mycah alone. Joffrey insists that he will not hurt Mycah, much.

Without warning, Arya breaks her stick over the back of Joffrey’s head. Mycah runs away while an enraged Joffrey staggers but manages to catch a second blow from Arya on his sword, knocking the splintered stick from her hand. Ignoring Sansa’s screams for them to stop, Arya throws a rock, hitting Joffrey’s horse and driving it away. Joffrey chases Arya with his sword, backing her up against a tree. Suddenly Nymeria appears, savaging Joffrey’s sword arm, forcing the prince to drop his sword. Arya calls Nymeria off and picks up Lion’s Tooth while Joffrey lies whimpering on the ground. The prince pleads to Arya not to hurt him. Arya throws the sword into the river before running off with Nymeria.

Once Arya is gone, Sansa goes to help Joffrey tenderly, but he snarls at her to leave and not touch him and Sansa can see the contempt in his eyes.

Chapter 16: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: Darry

Arya and Joffrey tell King Robert very different stories. When Sansa claims she does not remember, Queen Cersei demands the death of a direwolf. With Nymeria gone, Lady is sentenced to death.

Synopsis
After four days of searching, Vayon Poole comes to Ned with news that Arya has been found unharmed. Ned is relieved that it was Jory Cassel who found her rather than the the Queen’s men. Unfortunately, the Lannister guards at the gate informed the Queen, who had Arya brought directly before King Robert.

Ned rushes to the audience chamber of nearby Castle Darry, which has been hosting the king’s party during the search. He is dismayed to find the chamber full of people, preventing a private and amicable solution. Ned also notes that very few in the crowd are likely to be sympathetic to the Starks, although he is relieved that neither Jaime Lannister nor Sandor Clegane are present.

Arya apologizes to Ned profusely as she cries. Ned turns angrily to the king, demanding to know why Arya was not brought to him first. Queen Cersei bridles at his tone, but Robert apologizes, explaining that he only wanted to finish the business quickly. Cersei then accuses Arya and Mycah of ambushing Joffrey with clubs while setting Nymeria to tear off his arm. When Joffrey affirms this, Arya calls him a liar. After the king has listened to Arya’s side of the story, Lord Renly begins snickering and asks Joffrey how a skinny nine-year-old girl managed to disarm him with a broom handle. When Joffrey recounts a very different story, King Robert is exasperated.

Ned reminds the king that Sansa was also present and has Sansa brought in to testify. However, Sansa—torn between her love for Joffrey and her family—claims she doesn’t remember. This infuriates Arya, who lunges at Sansa. Cersei uses this as an example of how wild Arya is, and insists she wants Arya punished. The king, even more exasperated, orders Ned to discipline Arya while he will discipline Joffrey. Unsatisfied, Cersei demands that Nymeria be killed and offers 100 gold dragons for her pelt. However, since Nymeria has disappeared, Cersei demands the skin of the other direwolf. When Ned protests, Robert only responds that a direwolf is not a pet and that the girl would be happier with a dog.

Sansa finally realizes that they are talking about her direwolf, and goes crying to Ned. In a final attempt to save the direwolf, Ned insists that the king execute the wolf himself, Robert only walks away. Ned refuses to let Ilyn Payne do the task. When Cersei—suspicious of Ned’s intentions—ask why, Ned replies that the direwolf is from the North and deserves better than a butcher.

With Sansa’s cries in his ears, Ned goes to Lady. As he sits beside the wolf waiting for his sword, Ned considers the names his children chose for their wolves and finds that Sansa chose a good name for her well-behaved wolf. After the deed is done, Ned commands four guardsmen to return Lady’s body to Winterfell for burial, insisting that Cersei will never have her skin.

As he is returning, Sandor Clegane and his riders come back from the hunt. Clegane states that while they didn’t find Arya they did find her pet and drops a corpse at Ned’s feet. As he bends to uncover the corpse, Ned wonders what he will tell Arya. However, rather than Nymeria, the body turns out to be Arya’s friend Mycah, cut down from horseback. When Ned state that Clegane ran the boy down, the burned man responds, “He ran. But not very fast.”

Chapter 17: Bran
Pov: Bran Stark

Place: Winterfell

While in his coma, Bran dreams of falling and of a crow teaching him to fly. Then he wakes to find himself crippled and to name his direwolf Summer.

Synopsis
Bran is dreaming of falling; it seems that he has been falling for years. “But I never fall,” he remembers as he falls. As the ground gets closer, Bran believes that he will wake up in the instant before he hits the ground, like he always has before. “And if you don’t?” asks a voice.

A crow is with him and is telling him to fly. Bran insists that he does not know how to fly. The crow asks him if he has ever tried. Bran then asks the crow if he is really a crow and the crow asks Bran if he is really falling. Bran begins to cry, but the crow insists the answer is flying not crying and insists that flying is easy. When Bran mentions that the crow has wings the crow tells Bran maybe he does, too. When Bran searches himself for wings the crow tells him there are different kinds of wings. Bran asks the crow what he is doing and the crow responds that he is teaching Bran to fly.

When Bran looks down again he can see the whole realm and everything in it. In Winterfell he sees the inhabitants going about their work and sees the heart tree in the godswood looking back at him. Bran sees his mother contemplating a blood-stained knife aboard a ship sail on the Narrow Sea, and his father pleading with the King near the Trident. He sees Sansa crying herself to sleep and Arya holding her secrets in her heart.

All around his family Bran sees shadows: One as dark as ash with terrible face of a hound and another armour as golden and beautiful as the sun. Over them all looms a giant armoured in stone, but with only darkness and black blood behind its visor.

In the far east, Bran sees dragons stirring in the fabled Shadow Lands. Bran turns North to the Wall, where he sees Jon sleeping alone and growing cold and hard. Then Bran looks beyond the Wall, and beyond the curtain of light at the edge of the world, into what he calls the very heart of winter. What he sees there makes him cry. The crow tells Bran that now he knows why he must live: because Winter is coming.

Bran can see spires of ice rising up to impale him and the bodies of a thousand dreamers before him. The crow tells Bran that he must choose: fly or die. Bran spreads his arms and flies. The crow reacts by pecking at Bran’s face between his eyes, blinding him.

Suddenly the crow dissolves into a serving woman with long black hair. Bran realizes he is in Winterfell. The serving woman drops her basin and runs down the steps shouting, “He is awake.” Bran touches the burning space between his eyes where he was pecked but cannot feel a thing.

Bran’s direwolf jumps up onto his legs, but Bran cannot feel it. When his brother Robb arrives, Bran looks up calmly and says, “His name is Summer.”

Chapter 18: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Stark

Place: Aboard the Storm Dancer on the Blackwater Bay - King's Landing Catelyn and Ser Rodrik arrive in King's Landing by ship. At a secret meeting with Petyr Baelish and Varys Catelyn is told the assassin’s knife belonged to Tyrion Lannister.

Synopsis
As their ship, the 60-ore Storm Dancer, prepares to dock in King's Landing Catelyn is joined on deck by Ser Rodrik Cassel. Catelyn notes that Ser Rodrik looks much better than he has for days. Throughout the voyage Ser Rodrik had been chronically seasick, forcing him to shave his befouled cheek whiskers.

After the captain, Moreo Tumitis, leaves them Catelyn and Ser Rodrik discuss how to go about their investigation of the dagger. Catelyn suggests speaking to the king’s master-at-arms, Ser Aron Santagar, who may recognize the weapon. Ser Rodrik reminds Catelyn that they must be careful she is not recognized. This brings Lord Petyr Baelish, the king’s Master of Coin, to Catelyn’s mind. Baelish—still known by the nickname “Littlefinger” given to him by her brother—was raised with her at Riverrun as her father’s ward. They had been close until and Petyr had challenged Catelyn’s betrothed, Brandon Stark, for her hand. Brandon had only spared Petyr because Catelyn had pleaded for his life. After his recovery Petyr had been sent away and Catelyn has not seen him since. Ser Rodrik proposes that he go to the Red Keep alone because, without his whiskers, he is unrecognizable even to the few who might know him.

After they disembark Catelyn and Ser Rodrik move into a modest old inn suggested by Moreo Tumitis. After Ser Rodrik leaves Catelyn tries to get some sleep but is woken by the City Watch of King's Landing. They show her a seal of a mockingbird in grey wax—the sigil of Petyr Baelish. As she prepares to accompany the soldiers (who do not recognize who she is) Catelyn wonders how Petyr knew she was in King’s Landing and settles on Storm Dancer’s captain as the culprit. Catelyn is escorted to a tower room occupied by Petyr. When Catelyn asks how he knew she was in the city, Petyr replies that Varys knows everything that happens in the city. He does admit, however, that Varys does not know the reason for Catelyn’s visit. Catelyn lies that she merely yearned to see her husband and daughters. Petyr does not believe this for a moment and asks Catelyn to let him help.

Before Catelyn can answer they are joined by Varys, who—after profuse courtesies concerning Catelyn and her family—asks to see the dagger. Catelyn, astounded by Varys’ knowledge of things no one could possibly know about, then shows them the dagger. Upon examining the weapon, Petyr reveals that it once belonged to him, until he lost it betting on Ser Jaime Lannister in a tourney. When Jaime was unhorsed by Ser Loras Tyrell, Petyr’s dagger was won by Tyrion Lannister.

Chapter 19: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Castle Black

After training Jon Snow is attacked by several other recruits but saved by Donal Noye, who shows Jon the error of his ways. Then Jon meets up with Tyrion and later learns from the Lord Commander that Bran has awoken.

Synopsis
Jon is training with the other recruits under Castle Black’s master-at-arms, Ser Alliser Thorne. Jon is by far the most skilled swordsman and during a sparring match he accidentally injures Grenn. Disgusted with the recruits, Thorne calls an end to training for the day. Jon knows that Thorne dislikes him, but that he dislikes the other boys more. Thorne mercilessly berates them all and has given Jon the moniker “Lord Snow” in mockery of Jon’s bastard status, which Jon hates. To Jon’s annoyance, everyone has taken it up using the name.

Jon has found Castle Black cold and the people colder. He has no friends among the 20 recruits and finds that he despises them more as time goes by. Jon resents that nobody but Tyrion told him that the Wall would be like this. That fact that his father never told him makes it hurt all the worse.

Even Jon’s uncle, Benjen, seems to have abandoned him—becoming a very different man who spends all his time among the high officers. Three days after arriving at the Wall, Jon had pleaded to be allowed to come on a ranging with his uncle. Benjen had told him that he was just a boy who had yet to earn the right to go and that, while he loved his family, the men of the Night's Watch are his true brothers. The next morning, Benjen had had smiles, but not for Jon, telling him that they would speak when he returns.

Jon goes to his sleeping cell to be with Ghost thinking of how he misses his family. His thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of Grenn, Toad, and two other recruits. All of them are brutes and bullies sent to the Wall for crimes. After Grenn insults Jon’s mother, a short fight soon has Jon on the ground but before the boys can hurt him Donal Noye the smith intervenes.

After the others leave, Noye tells Jon that the Night’s Watch has need of every man and that there is no honour in killing boys like Grenn. When Jon insists that they insulted his mother, Noye points out that them saying it doesn’t make it true. When Noye reminds Jon that he is in the Watch for life, Jon thinks angrily of the fact that Donal Noye had a life before taking the black. He feasted and wenched and fought in battles, only taking the black after losing an arm during the siege of Pyke.

When Jon claims that the others hate him because he is better than them, Noye insists that they hate him because he thinks he is better. Noye then calls Jon a bastard and a bully. Being called a bully surprises Jon because his attackers were all older and bigger than him. Noye explains that Jon has humiliated and shamed the other recruits, who have had no formal training in swordsmanship, whereas Jon was trained by an anointed knight. Jon starts to feel ashamed but is still angry. Noye tells him to accept his life on the Wall and reconsider how he treats his companions or else to sleep with a dagger by his bed.

As he leaves, Jon looks up a the Wall, a massive blue-white cliff of ice that fills up half the sky that dwarfs Castle Black beneath it. The largest structure build by men according to Benjen and the most useless according to Tyrion. Older than the Seven Kingdoms, to Jon the Wall seems to represent the edge of the world.

Tyrion interrupts Jon’s look up at the wall by commenting that it makes you wonder about what lies beyond. Jon has seen little of Tyrion since arriving as Tyrion has been treated as an honoured guest among the high officers. When Tyrion asks Jon if he is curious about beyond the Wall Jon replies that there is nothing special but inside he thinks of how he wishes he could have ridden with his uncle Benjen on a ranging.

When Tyrion calls him “Lord Snow” by mistake, Jon objects but Tyrion asks him if he would prefer to be called “the Imp” and reminds Jon to make his weakness his strength by accepting it.

Tyrion asks about Ghost, and Jon tells him that he chains him in the old stables during training but the rest of the time he stays with Jon in his sleeping area in Harden’s Tower. When Tyrion says he though those buildings were abandoned, Jon responds that most of the undermanned castle is abandoned, so nobody cares where a person sleeps. He continues on to tell Tyrion that he sleeps alone because the others are afraid of Ghost. Tyrion declares the others wise, then mentions that Benjen Stark is late returning from his ranging. Jon recalls that his uncle was supposed to be back by his nameday, which is now a fortnight past. Tyrion says that he has heard that a great number of rangers have disappeared recently.

In the Common Hall, Jon gets food and chooses a spot away from the other recruits and Tyrion sits opposite him. Ser Alliser interrupts Jon’s conversation to tell him that the Lord Commander wants to speak with him about a message concerning his half-brother. Tyrion suspects the worst and gives Jon his sympathy. Jon races to the Commander’s Keep where Lord Commander Jeor Mormont gives him a message from Robb at Winterfell. The message explains that Bran has woken up, but is now a paraplegic.

Jon, overjoyed that Bran will live, rushes back to tell Tyrion. In his joy, Jon also apologizes to Grenn and offers to show him how to defend against the move that injured him. Ser Allister sarcastically remarks that he would have an easier time teaching a wolf to juggle than Jon will training Grenn to fight. Jon replies that he will take the wager; he would love to see Ghost juggle. All the men in the hall, including Grenn, begin to laugh. As Ser Alliser storms from the hall in anger, Jon realizes that he has made himself a life-long enemy.

Chapter 20: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

Immediately upon his arrival in King's Landing, Ned is summoned to a meeting of the Small Council to plan a tournament. Afterward, Littlefinger intercepts him and leads him to where his wife is hiding, where they plan their strategy for justice.

Synopsis
Ned arrives in King's Landing tired and ready for a meal and a hot bath. Instead he is immediately informed by the royal steward that there is an urgent meeting of the Small Council that he must attend. After momentarily losing his temper, Ned decides it is best not to offend the Small Council on his first day in the capital. Therefore, he tasks his own steward to see that his daughters are guided to their rooms and that Arya is not allowed to go exploring.

In borrowed clothes (his are all still packed) Ned arrives to find four members of the council waiting for him: Littlefinger the Master of Coin, Varys the Master of Whisperers, Renly Baratheon the Master of Laws, and Grand Maester Pycelle.

Varys immediately expresses sorrow over the troubles on the road and assures Ned they all are praying for the prince’s recovery. Ned coldly informs him that the prince grows stronger every day.

When he sees Renly, Ned is struck by how much he looks like a young Robert. Littlefinger immediately quips that Renly is much better dressed, having spent more on clothes than many ladies of the court.

Upon introducing himself to Ned for the first time, Littlefinger mentions that Catelyn has most likely mentioned him before. Ned responds that Littlefinger also knew his brother, Brandon, adding that his brother mentioned him often and with some heat. Littlefinger responds that he would have thought heat did not suit the Starks, who are rumoured to be made of ice and melt south of the Neck. Ned replies that he does not plan on melting anytime soon.

After a short greeting to Grand Maester Pycelle, Ned asks after the other members of the council and is told that Stannis Baratheon left for Dragonstone shortly after the king went north and that both Ser Barristan and King Robert are still riding through the city. When Ned suggests they wait, Renly points out that Robert finds the details of coin and crops boring and rarely attends. Then Renly explains that the king sent him ahead to convene the council to handle an urgent matter and Littlefinger produces a sealed letter for Ned.

The king’s letter contains an order that a tourney be held in honour of Ned’s appointment as Hand. Ned is incredulous and not particularly happy with this extravagance being done in his name; the prizes total 90,000 gold dragons and the costs are sure to run high as well. When Ned questions whether the treasury will bear the expense Littlefinger reveals that the crown is already over six million gold pieces in debt, half of which is to the Lannisters. Ned is shocked; the Targaryens had left a treasury overflowing with gold. He cannot believe Jon Arryn allowed Robert to beggar the realm, but the council explains that while Lord Arryn was a prudent man, Robert did not always listen. Ned insists that this tournament is something the realm cannot afford and declares that they will consider it later, then leaves abruptly.

As Ned proceeds toward the Tower of the Hand, reflecting on the miseries of the last fortnight of the journey south, he is intercepted by Littlefinger, who tells him he is going the wrong way. After a long journey through the castle, Ned eventually realizes Littlefinger is not leading him to the Tower. Littlefinger explains that he is leading Ned to his wife but Ned does not believe him. Eventually Littlefinger brings him to the foot of a bluff outside the castle, where they mount onto waiting horses and ride into the city.

Littlefinger leads Ned to a brothel he owns and tells him his wife is waiting inside. Ned is furious at being taken all this way to a brothel and holds a knife to Littlefinger’s throat, claiming his brother was too kind. He is interrupted by a man he eventually recognizes as Ser Rodrik Cassel, disarming his suspicions. Littlefinger leads Ned upstairs to meet with Catelyn, explaining that a brothel is such a good hiding place because it is so unlikely.

After embracing and exchanging news with Catelyn, Ned sees the scars on her hands and she places the dagger used against Bran in his hands. However, Ned cannot understand why Tyrion Lannister would have attempted to murder Bran. Littlefinger states that the reason is obvious, and that Tyrion would have never acted alone. Ned tries to assure himself that Robert could have never been involved in this, but remembers all the horrid things the king had either supported or ignored. Queen Cersei, on the other hand, Ned has no trouble believing to be responsible. Littlefinger reminds him that to accuse either is treason, but that if they can find proof of Cersei’s involvement it is possible the king will listen.

Ned feels that he should take his case, and the dagger, directly to the King but Littlefinger reminds him that there is no solid proof that Tyrion was involved. Then Catelyn explains that she has told Littlefinger about their suspicions concerning Jon Arryn’s death, and that Littlefinger has promised to help them learn the truth. When Ned asks how much Varys knows about all of this he is told that Varys had not been told, but Catelyn warns that Varys knows things no normal man has any way of knowing.

Ned then asks Littlefinger that he be given time alone with his wife. Littlefinger asks if they want time in a bed chamber but Ned tells him that would not be necessary; he just needs a little time. Catelyn goes to Littlefinger and tells him that she appreciates his efforts, and has found a brother that she thought that she had lost. Ned is not so confident that Littlefinger can be trusted, but says nothing. After Littlefinger leaves, Ned gives Catelyn instructions for his bannermen to fortify Moat Cailin and to keep a careful watch over Theon Greyjoy in case his father’s fleets are needed. He hopes it will not come to war and that Robert will believe him when he finds out what happened.

Chapter 21: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: Castle Black

Tyrion dines with high officers of the Night's Watch and promises Lord Commander Mormont that he will speak to the king of their need. Afterward, while paying a final visit to the Wall, Tyrion meets Jon Snow, who asks Tyrion to do what he can to help his brother Bran.

Synopsis
Tyrion is dining with the high officers of the Night's Watch on his last night at Castle Black. Lord Commander Mormont proclaims Tyrion a cunning man and asks Tyrion if he must leave so soon, saying that the Wall needs men like him. Tyrion brushes off the suggestion with an offer to scour the Seven Kingdoms for dwarfs. An offended Ser Alliser Thorne insists that Tyrion mocks the Watch, but Tyrion counters that he is only mocking Ser Alliser. Thorne demands that Tyrion make his japes with steel in hand. Tyrion replies that he already has steel in his hand: a fork, which he brandishes against Thorne in a mock attack. A roar of laughter rises from the other officers and Ser Alliser leaves in disgust.

After claiming Ser Alliser’s meal as his spoils of victory, Tyrion comments that a man like Ser Alliser should be mucking out the stable, not drilling the recruits. Mormont takes the opportunity to complain about the quality of his men; Ser Alliser is one of the few living knights to have taken the black. Ser Jaremy Rykker goes on to explain that both he and Thorne fought for King Aerys II during the Sack of King's Landing and were forced to take the black or be executed by Tyrion’s father, Lord Tywin Lannister. Tyrion’s only comment is that his father is indeed very fond of heads on spikes.

Tyrion asks for more wine, and Bowen Marsh comments that he has a great thirst for a small man. Maester Aemon insists that Tyrion is a giant among them at the edge of the world. Tyrion, speechless at being called a giant, calls the maester kind, which leaves the maester equally amused.

When they retire to the fire, Mormont informs Tyrion that he will receive an escort as far as Winterfell. Tyrion soon realizes that the Lord Commander is working his way up to asking a favour and so asks if there is any way he can repay the Watch’s kindness. Mormont beseeches Tyrion to speak to the king of the condition of the Night’s Watch and its need for men. Mormont goes on to elaborate on the high rate of disappearance among their ranging parties, including Ser Waymar Royce and Benjen Stark. The Watch’s strength is now under a thousand men, leaving only three men to guard each mile of the Wall. Then Mormont laments that he is old and there is no one qualified to take over command; the watch has become an army of sullen boys and old men. He has maybe 20 men that can read, and fewer who can think or lead. Tyrion promises that he will tell the King, his father and his brother, but he knows that it will do no good.

Mormont then asks Tyrion how many winters he has seen. When Tyrion replies with nine, Mormont adds that they have all been short. The long summer is ending and portents say a long winter is coming. When Tyrion suggest the fabled endless summer may have come, Mormont insists the days are already growing shorter. Mormont then confides to Tyrion that the wildlings are massing and moving south, running scared from something worse than just the cold. Tyrion, bored by Mormont’s dark words, reiterates his promises and leaves.

Outside it is bitter cold. As he walks the castle ground, Tyrion is taken by a whim to climb the Wall one last time. His legs are cramping too much to climb the stairs, so Tyrion takes the winch cage up. At the top he meets Jon Snow with Ghost. As they walk, Tyrion asks how the recruits are doing under Jon’s instruction. Jon tells him that they are getting better.

Tyrion offers to carry any messages that Jon might have south to Winterfell and is rewarded with a torrent of requests. Most of all Jon wants Tyrion to help his crippled brother Bran. At first, Tyrion denies that has anything to offer Bran, but Jon insists that words will be enough. When Tyrion agrees, Jon thanks him from the heart and calls him “friend.” Tyrion, deeply moved by the gesture, quips that while many of his kin are bastards Jon is the first that he could call a friend and they shake hands.

They both look out over the Haunted Forest north of the Wall. As they watch, Jon says that he has been watching for his Uncle Benjen. Tyrion assures Jon that Benjen will return one day. When Jon declares that if his uncle does not come back he and Ghost will go north to find him, Tyrion wonders who will go out searching for Jon and shivers at the thought.

Chapter 22: Arya
Pov: Arya Stark

Place: King's Landing

Unhappy at King's Landing, Arya abandons her dinner. Eddard Stark comes to her room to talk to her and sees she has her sword out. After a long talk, he decides not to take the sword away. Several days later Arya meets her new dancing master.

Synopsis
When her father enters the Small Hall after dinner has already begun Arya can tell that he has been fighting with the council again. Jory Cassel asks about the tourney everyone is talking about, Eddard asks if anyone is talking about the Hand’s displeasure with the whole idea.

Sansa is tremendously excited by the prospect of tourney and begs to be allowed to attend. When Septa Mordane mentions his family will be expected to attend, Eddard agrees to ensure that seats are provided for both Sansa and Arya. Knowing that Prince Joffrey will be there, Arya insists she does not want to attend a stupid tourney. When Sansa taunts that Arya would not be wanted anyway, Eddard loses his temper and threatens to change his mind.

Quickly regaining his composure, Eddard excuses himself. Once he is gone his guardsmen start talking excitedly about the tourney. No one talks to Arya but she likes it that way. Back in Winterfell she had enjoyed listening to the men talk, but now the sounds irritate her because she blames them all, even her father, for doing nothing to save Lady and Mycah.

After looking disgustedly at her cold food and the people around her, Arya pushes away from the table. When Septa Mordane insists that Arya hasn’t eaten, she dashes away. She runs to her chamber and locks herself in. She digs to the bottom of her chest where her sword Needle is hidden. Arya thinks that if she could climb like her brother Bran she could steal some food and run away and that if Jon Snow was there she would not feel so lonely.

A soft knock on her door proves to be her father, who says they need to talk and asks politely to come in. From the way he talks, Arya is ashamed to realize he is more sad than angry. When she lets him in, her father immediately notices her sword and asks whose it is. Arya explains that it is hers and her father asks to see it. Her father notices Mikken’s mark on the blade and remarks that if his nine-year-old daughter can being armed from his own forge without his knowledge, how can he be expected to rule the Seven Kingdoms?

When asked who gave her the sword, Arya stays silent, not wanting to betray Jon. Her father accepts this but tells Arya that a sword is not a toy. When asked what she thinks Septa Mordane would say about her playing with a sword, Arya insists she was not playing. When Eddard states that he should break the sword over his knee, Arya responds that “Needle wouldn’t break.” The sword having a name amuses her father, who claims that Arya reminds him of his sister, Lyanna, who might have carried a sword if their father had allowed it. Arya is surprised when Eddard says she looks like her aunt, who was always describes as beautiful, something never said of Arya.

Eddard asks if Arya knows anything about how to use a sword, and she replies with the advice Jon gave her: “Stick 'em with the pointy end.” She tells how she was trying to learn and sadly adds that she asked Mycah to practice with her. In grief she starts to sobs against her father’s chest. He tells her that Mycah’s death was not her fault. Arya sobs that she hates them all: the queen, the Hound, Joffrey, and the king. Then she adds that Joffery lied, and that she also hates her sister.

Eddard says that everyone lies and that he does not believe that Nymeria ran off. Arya then exclaims that Jory promised not to tell. Eddard informs her that Jory did not tell but that he had figured it out, because even a blind man could tell that the wolf would have not left willingly. Arya then explains how she and Jory had to throw rocks to drive the wolf away. She then asks her father if she did the right thing, and Eddard tells her that it was.

Eddard then tells Arya that winter is coming. He explains to her how wolves stick together, and that in the winter a lone wolf dies. Now there are enemies threatening the Starks, so they must stick together like a pack of wolves and it is time for her to start growing up. He hands Arya back her sword, saying she can keep it; he only asks that she not stick her sister.

Three days later Arya is sent to the Small Hall by the steward. She is met by Syrio Forel, a former First Sword of Braavos. He tells her that he is her dancing master, and throws her a wooden blade, which she cannot catch. He then tells her that the next day she will be there at midday and that she will catch the blade. She picks the practice sword up as instructed, and finds that it is very heavy. When she complains about the weight, Syrio explains that it is heavy to make her strong. Then he fixes her grip, telling her not to squeeze too tight. When Arya says that she might drop it Syrio tells her that the sword must become a part of her arm, and that she cannot drop part of her arm.

When Syrio calls her a boy for the third time Arya objects. He tells her that it does not matter. He then explains that what he will be teaching her is not the hacking and hammering iron dance of Westeros, but the swift and sudden Water Dance of Braavos,. Then he tells her to try to strike him, and she tries unsuccessfully for four hours until every muscle is sore. The next day the real work begins.

Chapter 23: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: The Dothraki Sea

Daenerys learns to embrace her life in Drogo's khalasar, and stands up to Viserys for the first time. Finally, when Drogo arrives to have sex her, she rides him instead of him taking her from behind and becomes pregnant.

Synopsis
Daenerys looks out for the first time onto the vast, empty, flat plain of the Dothraki Sea with Ser Jorah Mormont beside her. Daenerys sees she has out-distanced the rest of Drogo’s khalasar, who are still climbing the ridge behind her. Among them she can see her brother Viserys struggling with his riding. The sight brings back the memory of Illyrio Mopatis offering to let Viserys stay in Pentos as his guest. Viserys had refused and insisted on coming with the khalassar to ensure that Drogo would give him the army that he promised. Daenerys commands Jorah and the others to wait. Jorah comments that Daenerys is starting to sound like a queen but Daenerys corrects him, calling herself a khaleesi.

As she rides out alone, Daenerys reflects on how the days of the journey have hardened her body. She no longer has open saddle sores nor does she suffer unbearable pain after a day’s ride. At first, during the day Drogo would ignore Daenerys—spending time talking, drinking, and racing with his blood riders—so Daenerys was left to eat meals alone or with her brother and Ser Jorah. Yet every night Drogo would come and ride her from behind. She had been miserable until she had had a dream of a dragon that engulfed her in flame and cleansed her. After that each day had been easier than the one before it and she had found pleasure in the new sights of the journey, and even started to enjoy sex with Drogo.

Once she is totally alone, Daenerys decides to dismount and take off her boots so she can feel the earth. Suddenly, Viserys is there, screaming and grabbing her. He is furious that she commanded him to stay on the ridge. She shoves him back and sees that he intends to hurt her, but before he can Jhogo’s whip catches him around the neck and pulls him to the ground.

Her handmaiden Irri translates for them as Jhogo asks if Daenerys would like to see Viserys dead or disfigured as punish for his attack. Daenerys declines, but tells them to take Viserys’ horse and make him walk; an emasculating punishment among the horselords. Viserys, now recovered enough to shout, orders Ser Jorah to kill the Dothraki, but the exiled knight makes the decision to turn to Daenerys and agree that Viserys should walk.

Daenerys is amazed that she had hit Viserys and explains to Mormont that she has woken Viserys’ dragon. Ser Jorah replies that Viserys is not the Dragon; Rhaegar was the last Dragon. When Ser Jorah asks Daenerys if she would want to have her brother as the king, she realizes that Viserys’ would not be a good king. Daenerys asks if the people of Westeros are waiting for his return and Ser Jorah tells her that the peasants only want to survive. Daenerys declares to Ser Jorah that Viserys will never be able to retake the Seven Kingdoms, realizing that she has known this for a long time. Viserys could not lead an army even if her husband gave him one.

Daenerys races her silver ahead of Ser Jorah and the others. It is dusk by the time she returns to the khalassar. Daenerys imagines the laughter in the khalassar when news spreads about Viserys; by the time her brother is able to return everyone in the camp will know him as a walker.

As she enters her tent, Daenerys sees a finger of light touch her dragon eggs and, for a moment, she sees scarlet flames before her eyes. When she goes to touch her eggs they feel hot, which she attributes to the sunshine during the day. Daenerys remembers all of the stories about other magical creatures and wonders why there should not also be dragons.

Her Dothraki handmaidens, Irri and Jhiqui, tell her that dragons were all killed by men. However, her Lysene handmaiden Doreah, a former sex slave, tells Daenerys a story about a time when there were two moons in the sky, but one came to close to the sun and cracked, releasing the first dragons. The story ends by claiming that one day the other moon will crack and the dragons will return. The other handmaidens make fun of the story, saying that the moon is a goddess.

Daenerys sends Irri and Jhiqui away but orders Doreah to stay with her for dinner. When Drogo returns she takes him outside because Dothraki customs say that everything of importance must be done under the open sky. When Drogo tries to take her from behind Daenerys tells him that she want to see his face and climbs on top of him. She rides Drogo as fiercely as she has ever ridden her horse and in the moment of his pleasure Drogo calls out her name.

On the far side of the Dothraki Sea, on her 14th nameday, Daenerys’s handmaiden Jhiqui brushes her stomach and tells her that she is pregnant.

Chapter 24: Bran
Pov: Bran Stark

Place: Winterfell

Bran is roused from his depression when called to the Great Hall of Winterfell to receive Tyrion Lannister. Despite Robb’s rudeness Tyrion provides plans for a saddle that will let Bran ride a horse once more.

Synopsis
Bran is watching Rickon play with the direwolves from his window. Shaggydog’s fur has darkened to black and his eyes are fiery-green; Summer’s fur has turned silver-and-smoke and his eyes are yellow-gold. Summer is smaller and warier than Grey Wind; Bran thinks he is the smartest. Bran realizes he is crying, wanting to be down there, and thinking that the crow lied about being able to fly.

Old Nan is trying to tell Bran a story about a crow, but Bran tells her that he hates her stories, and think she is a very ugly old woman. Next Old Nan offers to tell Bran a story about a boy who hated stories. He remembers his father telling him that she was called Old Nan when he was a child. She has outlived all her own family except the simple stableboy named Hodor.

Bran remembers when his father had told him he would ride a real horse when they went south, and laments that such a thing is impossible now. There has been no news from his father, his mother, or Jon Snow. Bran thinks about all the people that have left Winterfell who seem to have forgotten him. Even Robb has changed, he is so serious now and so busy as the lord of Winterfell that has little time for Bran. Below in the yard Bran can see something has happened, but cannot tell what since the window is facing in the wrong direction.

When Nan starts to tell Bran a story about the Others coming in the darkness of winter for the first time, he listens intently. Thousands and thousands of years ago, a winter fell like no other, and there came a night that lasted a generation. They were cold things, dead things, that hated fire, iron, the touch of the sun, and every creature with warm blood. They overran holdfasts and cities and all the swords of men could not stop their advance. Women and children were not spared, and the Others ate the flesh of children. This was before the Andals had come, and before the women of Rhoynar, when the First Men lived in the lands they had taken from the Children of the Forest. The last hero of the First Men set out to find the Children. He left with his sword, a dog, his horse and twelve companions to search out the Children of the Forest. All of the hero’s companions and even his dog died and he was left, in despair of ever finding the Children, the Others closed in.

But Old Nan’s story is interrupted by Maester Luwin telling Bran that his presence is needed in the Great Hall to greet Tyrion Lannister and some men of the Night's Watch, down from the Wall. They have a message from his brother Jon. Bran wants to hear the rest of the story, and complains, but Nan tells him that stories can wait. The 7-foot tall Hodor carries Bran down to Great Hall with Maester Luwin following.

Robb, sitting in his father’s high seat in armor and unsheathed sword in his lap (even Bran knows what it means to meet a guest with an unsheathed sword). There is a hostile feeling to the room. Robb makes a point to only offer the Night’s Watch men welcome. The meaning is not lost of Tyrion, who notes that meaning is that he is not welcome, and calls Robb a boy. Robb seethes saying he is a lord. Tyrion responds if that is so he needs to show a lord’s courtesy.

Tyrion see Bran, and notes that it is true that Bran lives, and says that the Starks are hard to kill. Robb now lifts Bran into the high seat. Tyrion now asks how he happened to fall. Bran is about to argue that he never falls, but the maester cuts in saying that Bran does not remember. Tyrion states that this is curious, and then asks if Bran likes to ride. Immediately, the maester insists that Bran has lost the use of his legs, and so cannot ride. Tyrion responds that with the right saddle and horse even a cripple can ride. When Bran insists that he is not a cripple Tyrion retort that if that is true then he is not a dwarf. Tyrion lets the maester take a paper that Tyrion offers containing plans he had drawn up for a saddle for Bran. The maester states that it will work and he should have thought of it. Tyrion responds that it is similar to his saddle. Robb is suspicious of Tyrion’s motive, to which Tyrion replies that Jon had asked it of him, and he has a weak spot for bastards, cripples and dwarfs.

Rickon comes in from outside with the three direwolves, who immediately start growling and surround Tyrion. Theon comments that the wolves do not like Tyrion’s smell. Tyrion says that it is time he took his leave, but the wolves assault him before he can move more than a step. They are called off in time by the boys. Tyrion finds the hostility of the wolves to be interesting, and states nothing is harmed save his dignity. Even Robb is shaken and says he does not know why the wolves attack. Before Tyrion can leave Maester Luwin confers with Robb, who then offers the hospitality of Winterfell to Tyrion. Tyrion declines the invitation as a false courtesy, declaring that he will stay in the inn he saw outside the wall.

Robb then tells the Night’s Watch men they have rooms prepared, and invite them for dinner. Bran can tell it is only words to Robb, not from the heart. Bran is looking forward to feasting that night with the Night’s Watch. In his room, Bran expresses his excitement at being able to ride again to Summer. Bran dreams of climbing, and sees the shapes of twisted and grotesque gargoyles, and then he hears them whispering. The gargoyles pull themselves free and climb towards Bran. Bran starts to scream he did not hear. He wakes to find Hodor above him. Hodor cleans and dresses him and carries down to the Great Hall.

That evening, Robb and Bran host the Night’s Watch men for dinner. The black brothers bring the dire tidings of Benjen Stark. Yoren states that Benjen is probably dead. Robb vehemently insists that his uncle is not dead. One of the brothers assures them that Benjen knows the haunted forest better than anyone else, and will find his way back. Bran thinks of Old Nan’s stories and blurts out that uncle Benjen will be saved by the Children of the Forest. Maester Luwin tells him the Children have been dead for thousands of years, but Yoren disagrees, saying that in the north, beyond the Wall, who’s to say what lives?

That night Robb carries Bran up to his bed himself. Robb sits by Bran for a long time, and tells Bran that they will find a horse for him. Bran asks if they will be coming back. Robb says yes with much hope in his voice. Robb then tell Bran that he can meet his mother from a horse and later they can visit the Wall together.

Chapter 25: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

Ned speaks with Grand Maester Pycelle about Lord Jon Arryn’s final days. On his way back, he finds Arya training to be a Water Dancer on the steps of the Tower of the Hand. Later he is visited by Littlefinger who has found four of Lord Arryn’s household remaining in King's Landing.

Synopsis
Ned meets with Grand Maester Pycelle in the stifling heat that has covered the city. Pycelle talks about how the smallfolk claim that the last year of summer is the hottest. The Grand Maester goes on to say that he does not believe this, noting that the King Maekar’s Summer was even hotter and broke in the seventh year, leading to a short autumn and a terrible long winter. Then Pycelle digresses about being a young man, forging his maester’s chain during the reign of King Maekar I.

Finally Pycelle remembers that Ned asked about Jon Arryn, and tells Ned that Jon Arryn was melancholy but healthy, and then suddenly became ill. He had asked Pycelle about a book, and Pycelle remembers noting that something was troubling him. The next day Lord Arryn was twisted over in pain, unable to get out of bed. Ned mentions that he had heard that Pycelle sent away Lord Arryn’s maester. Pycelle states that this was because he felt Maester Colemon didn’t understand the older body.

Ned asks if Lord Arryn had any final words. Pycelle responds that Jon Arryn called out the name “Robert” several times, but did not know if he was talking about the king or his son. His last words were whispered to Lysa Arryn and King Robert: &quot;The seed is strong.&quot;

Next, Ned asks if there was anything unnatural about the death, and follows up by asking if Pycelle had seen anything like this illness before. Pycelle states that he has seen more of illness than he would like to remember every illness is different and every illness is alike. Eventually Pycelle says that Jon Arryn’s death was no stranger than any other. When Ned mentions that Lysa thinks otherwise, Pycelle says that grief can derange minds—and Lysa’s mind was not the best before, seeing enemies in every corner.

When Ned suggests that Jon Arryn’s death could have been due to poison, the Grand Maester rebuffs him, asking who would do such a thing? Ned replies that he heard poison was a woman’s weapon. Pycelle replies that poison is the preferred weapon of women, cravens, and eunuchs. He continues by telling Ned that Varys was born a slave in Lys, and that Ned shouldn’t trust him; Ned had already had a bad feeling about Varys.

Ned excuses himself but the Grand Maester halts him to offer any other service Ned may require. Ned uses the opportunity to ask for the book Jon Arryn read. Pycelle says is a ponderous tome that Ned would find boring. Ned states he still would like to see the book in any case, and the Pycelle promises he will send it to him once he finds it. On the way out, Ned also learns that the Queen was not in King's Landing when Jon Arryn died. Pycelle’s parting words are “I am here to serve,” leading Ned to think, “Yes, but whom.”

On his return to the Tower of the Hand, Ned finds Arya on the steps, standing on one foot. When Ned asks what she is doing she tells him that Syrio says that a Water Dancer can stand on one toe for hours. Ned expresses his concern about her falling down the steps but Arya states a Water Dancer never falls. Then Arya asks if Bran will come to live with them, and Ned responds that first he must grow stronger. Speaking of Bran leads Ned to recall taking the girls to the castle godswood when the news of Bran’s recovery arrived to offer their thanks. The girls had gone to sleep and dreamed of Bran.

While balancing on her leg, Arya asks about Bran’s plans to be a knight of the Kingsguard, and Ned tells her not, but there other opportunities. While Arya had asked if she will do any of the great things Ned stated that Bran might do, Ned tells her that she might be the wife of a great king with many children. Arya replies that that is Sansa, not her.

Later, Ned meets with Littlefinger in his solar. Littlefinger, who is watching the Kingsguard practicing below the window, starts with small talk about who might win the tourney. This does not interest Ned at all, so he asks Littlefinger to get to the point. Ned cannot find it in himself to trust Littlefinger. Littlefinger tells him that four of Arryn’s household are still in the city, which surprises Ned, who thought that all had gone back to the Eyrie with Lysa.

Littlefinger reveals the names, which include the squire to Jon Arryn, Ser Hugh of the Vale. He also reveals that Ser Hugh was knighted by the king after Lord Arryn died. Ned states that he will send for them. Littlefinger does not think this is a good idea and asks Ned to come to the window. Littlefinger identifies some of the spies among those outside his window: one is Varys’s, the other is the Queen’s. He tells Ned that there are others, and some even he does not know. He cautions Ned to send one of his men, who he trusts completely, to question these people, rather than doing it himself. This would be better because even Varys cannot watch every man in his service every hour of the day. As Littlefinger departs Ned tells him that he is grateful, and that he was probably wrong to distrust him. Littlefinger replies that distrusting him was the wisest thing that Ned has done.

Chapter 26: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Castle Black

Samwell Tarly appears in the yard while Jon is training the other recruits. When Ser Alliser orders Sam beaten after he yields, Jon and his friends aid the new recruit. Later Jon talks with Sam and, afterwards, convinces the other recruits to go easy on Sam, despite Thorne’s commands.

Synopsis
Jon is helping the other recruits with their swordsmanship when the Samwell Tarly, fattest boy he has ever seen, enters the yard. Sam nervously says he has been told to come there for training and is immediately ridiculed by Ser Alliser, who says they are now sending pigs to man the wall. Although Sam has brought his own armor, none of it is black so he has to be reequipped, which requires some ingenuity by the armourer.

When Sam returns, Ser Alliser sends Halder, a very strong boy, against him. It takes only a minute before Sam is on the ground with a broken helm, screaming that he yields. Thorne tells Halder to hit Sam with the side of the blade until he gets up. The initial hit is not hard enough, and Thorne insists that Halder can hit harder, and the next blow splits leather. Jon’s objections are initially stopped by Pyp, but Jon shakes him off, and states there is no honor in beating a beaten foe.

Jon helps Sam up, which Ser Alliser mocks as “defending his lady love.” Thorne sends Halder and two other boys to get past Jon to beat Sam. Jon braces himself for a hard fight; Ser Alliser has sent two boys against him before, but never three. To Jon’s surprise Grenn and Pyp come to his aid. The boys going against Jon delay, and Jon attacks. Jon soon takes out Halder, but not before taking a damaging blow to his shoulder, and then goes to Pyp’s aid to take out his foe, and the last boy yields. Ser Alliser leaves in a fury.

Halder wrenches off his helmet and throws it across the yard and tells Jon he thought he had him. Jon admits that he almost did, and when Jon attempts to remove his helmet, his shoulder is painful. Sam, his head bloody where his helmet had been split, comes over and helps Jon remove the helmet gently. Sam introduces himself and Jon introduces himself and Grenn and Pyp; Sam thanks them. When asked why he did not fight back, Sam states that couldn’t because he is a coward. Jon and his friends are speechless—who would admit that he was coward? Seeing the response of Jon and his friends, Sam apologizes to them, stating he does not like being a coward. As Sam leaves for the armory, Jon tells him tomorrow he will do better, but Sam insists that he will not.

After Sam leaves, Grenn states nobody likes cowards, and is worried what others would think if they are associated with a coward. Pyp’s response is that if Grenn met a bear in the woods, he would be too stupid to run away. Grenn insists he would run faster than Pyp, then attacks Pyp when he realizes the trick.

For the recruits, mornings are for swordplay and afternoons for other work, which varied so that the Watch can measure a recruit’s skills. That afternoon Jon is to spread gravel on top of the wall by himself. This gives him a chance to contemplate Sam. He thinks about Tyrion’s statement about men denying a hard truth and Sam’s admission that he is a coward.

When he enters the common hall where dinner is almost done, Jon passes his friends and joins Sam, who is sitting by himself. After some conversation, Jon asks Sam to join him outside to talk. Sam admits that he did not think the Night’s Watch would be like this; all the buildings are falling down, and it is so cold, and he hates being cold.

Jon leads Sam to the Wall, and when Sam sees the wall, he asks if they need to climb that. Jon replies that there is a wench. Sam states he does not like heights and starts to cry. Ghost licks Sam’s face, which makes him laugh. They start talking and eventually Jon starts talking about Winterfell. Jon reveals a dream he’s been having, of returning to Winterfell to find it completely empty. As he is telling about the dream, he thinks about how several rangings have been made to find Benjen Stark, but his trail just ended. He continues about dream, telling how he has descended the stairs to the crypt, and it is then that he wakes up. Jon asks if Sam dreams of Horn Hill. Sam states that he does not, and that he hated it there. After a long while Sam tells of his father, Lord Randyll Tarly, who sent Sam to the Wall. Lord Tarly was disgusted that his eldest son was so plump, soft, and awkward, interested music, wearing soft velvets, books, dancing. He became ill at the sight of blood. Many masters-of-arms came to Horn Hill to make him into the type of man his father wanted. Finally a second son, Dickon, was born and the Lord Tarly spent his time on his second son. On his 15th nameday, Sam says, he was escorted to his father in a wood. His father told him that he would not let Sam become the lord of Horn Hill and that Sam was to join the Night’s Watch or his father would arrange an accident. Jon tells Sam about some of the other recruits, and Sam eventually states he should get some sleep, and plods off.

Jon returns to the common room. His friends explain that they did not shun Sam; there were places on the bench but Sam was such a craven that he just passed them by. Jon persuades them all to not beat Sam, whatever Ser Alliser says. Rast, however, says that if Thorne sends him against “Lady Piggy”, he will cut him off a ration of bacon, laughing. In the night, Jon—with Ghost and two others—visits Rast in his cell. With Ghost’s mouth around Rast throat, Jon tells Rast that they know where he sleeps. After that, no matter what Ser Alliser does, he cannot get any of the recruits to do anything but tap Sam when they are put up against him. Sam later thanks Jon and calls him his first friend, Jon responding that they are not friends but brothers.

Jon now realizes that Robb, Bran and Rickon are his father’s sons, but that he has never been one of them and that his true brothers are the outcasts of the Night’s Watch. He realizes his uncle was right, and wonders if he will ever see Benjen again to tell him.

Chapter 27: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

The Small Council hears from the City Watch commander about policing problems caused by the tourney. After the meeting, Jory reports to Ned on interviews with Jon Arryn’s remaining household. The report includes mention of visits by Arryn and Stannis Baratheon to a brothel and an armourer. Ned orders Jory to identify the brothel, and goes to visit the armourer himself. There he discovers an apprentice, Gendry, who looks astonishingly like King Robert.

Synopsis
Ned and the Small Council hear City Watch Commander Slynt’s report about the significant increase in crime caused by the influx of people arriving for the upcoming tourney. Slynt requests more men. Ned agrees to hire fifty new watchmen, setting Littlefinger to arrange monetary details. When Littlefinger objects, Ned insists that since he found 40,000 gold dragons for champion’s purse, he should be able to scrape together a few coppers to keep the King’s peace. Ned also loans Slynt twenty of his own household guard.

Ned complains again about the tourney, still irritated that it is to be called the Tourney of the Hand despite his distaste; King Robert still insists that Ned should feel honoured. Grand Maester Pycelle states that a tourney is good for the realm because it brings the great an opportunity for glory and the lowly a respite from their woes. Littlefinger adds that it brings in lots of money, and particularly points out that the whores are walking bowlegged. Lord Renly laughs, telling how his brother Stannis once proposed outlawing brothels, prompting King Robert to ask if he wanted to outlaw eating, shitting and breathing as well. Renly goes on to wonder how Stannis every got that daughter of his because he goes to his marriage bed like he is marching to a battlefield to do his duty. Everyone laughs except Ned, who is preoccupied by thoughts of when Stannis will return and assume his duties on the council.

After the council adjourns, Ned returns to the Tower of the Hand and orders Jory attend him. As he waits for his horse to be saddled, Ned peruses the book that Jon Arryn had been reading prior to his death: Lineages of the Great Houses by Grand Maester Malleon. Its reading had proven to be extremely tedious, but Ned is sure that there was a reason that Jon Arryn had been reading it.

Jory is soon there, and informs Ned of his progress on interviews with those members of Jon Arryn’s household still remaining in King's Landing. The serving girl could only says that Jon Arryn had been reading too much, and was concerned about his son’s frailty and gruff with his wife. Meanwhile, the pot boy was able to provide lots of kitchen gossip, including that Lord Stannis Baratheon had accompanied Lord Arryn to meet an armourer. He also stated that Lord Arryn was strong as a man half his age and often went riding with Lord Stannis. This Ned finds strange; as far as he knew, Jon and Stannis were never friendly. Then Jory continues that the pot boy also told that Stannis and the lord visited a brothel. Unfortunately the boy does not know which brothel. Only the guards that escorted them would know, and they were taken to the Eyrie with Lady Lysa.

That Stannis would visit a brothel is also very strange because he is so stern and humorless. That Stannis’ name keeps coming up and that Stannis has left the city with no word about when he will return is also vexing. Ned wonders why Stannis would leave and decides that something must have frightened him. Yet Ned cannot imagine what could frightened Stannis, who withstood a year-long siege of Storm's End surviving on rats and boot leather. Both Ned and Jory find it is frustrating that that everyone that might know the truth about the death of Jon Arryn is a thousand leagues away. When Jory asks if Ned will call Stannis back from Dragonstone, he tells him not yet.

Ned tells Jory that his will wear his doublet with the direwolf sigil so the armourer will know who he is. As Jory dresses him, Ned wonders why Renly was not invited on the rides. Ned does not know what make of Renly with his easy ways and friendly smiles. A few days back Renly had shown a locket to Ned with a picture of Margaery Tyrell. He asked Ned if she resembles Lyanna. To Renly's disappointment Ned tells him she doesn't. Ned finds it queer that Renly, who looked so much like Robert, would be obsessed with a lady that he thought looked like Lyanna.

Then Ned tells Jory that it would be good if Stannis returned for the tourney, but Jory’s response makes Ned more certain the Stannis would not return. He also wonders that Lord Arryn would be interested in showy armor when he had always considered armor something for protection, not ornament. Ned then tells Jory that he better start visiting brothels, which Jory jokingly calls hard duty.

Ned leaves to visit the armourer that Jon Arryn and Stannis visited. Finally Ned and his guardsmen Varly and Jacks, make it through the crowd to the Mud Gate where Lord Beric Dondarrion is arriving with his retinue to participate in the Tourney of the Hand. At the top of the Street of Steel they find the huge house of the armourer. After shouldering his way in, a serving girl notices his sigil and badge of office, and Tobho Mott quickly appears, offering wine. Mott immediately tells Ned that if he is in need of new arms, that his prices are not cheap, but he will not find craftsmanship equal to his anywhere in the Seven Kingdoms. He continues by telling Ned that the Knight of Flowers buys all his armor from him and that he can work Valyrian steel.

Ned lets the armourer go on for a while before he asks if Jon Arryn bought a falcon helm from him. Mott says that Lord Arryn bought nothing, only wanting to see the apprentice boy, Gendry. Any hint of friendliness leaves Mott when Ned asks to see the boy as well. In the hot stone barn that contains the forges, the armourer introduces Ned to Gendry and is shown a helmet that the boy had crafted. Ned notes that, although still unfinished, it is expertly shaped, and offers to buy the helmet. Gendry immediately grabs the helmet back, telling Ned it is not for sale. Mott rushes to offer apologies for Gendry’s behavior, but Ned states there is nothing to forgive.

Ned asks Gendry what he and Jon Arryn talked about. Gendry explains that Lord Arryn asked about his age, if he was well treated, and about is mother. Ned asks about the boy’s mother as well, and is told that she is dead, but that she was a alehouse wench with blonde hair. Ned examines Gendry and notices a remarkable resemblance to a younger King Robert.

Ned asks Mott who paid the boy’s apprentice fee. Mott tells Ned that he took him on for free since he was such a strong boy. Ned does not believe this for a moment. Mott admits that an unknown lord had visited and paid twice the normal apprentice fee for Gendry and told him that the extra money was for his silence. Ned decides he likes Tobho Mott. Before he leaves, Ned tells Mott to send Gendry to him if the day comes that he wants to wield a sword instead of forge one. He quips to that if he ever wants a helm to frighten children, this will be the first place he comes.

Ned still doesn’t understand what Jon wanted with a king’s bastard and why it led to his death.

Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: Crossroads Inn

Chapter 28: Catelyn
Catelyn and Ser Rodrik take shelter from the rain at the Crossroads Inn. Soon after, Tyrion and his party arrive. Tyrion recognizes Catelyn, who had hoped to remain anonymous, and Catelyn takes this opportunity to convince the men in the room to take Tyrion captive so he can face the king’s justice in Winterfell.

Synopsis
Catelyn and Ser Rodrik are on the road back north to Winterfell. It is raining, and Ser Rodrik tells Catelyn that she should cover her head to keep her from a chill. Catelyn replies that it is only water and is enjoying on her face; it takes her back to her childhood with her brother and sister and Littlefinger.

Rodrik states it would be good to have a fire and a warm meal. Catelyn tells him that the Crossroads Inn is only a short way ahead. Catelyn remembers sleeping there many times when traveling with her father when she was young, when it was run by a fat woman named Masha Heddle. Ser Rodrik reminds her that an inn is too public and that it might be best to find a small holdfast if they did not want to be recognized. However, when they pass unrecognized by a party of soldiers led by Lord Jason Mallister, a bannerman to Catelyn's father, Catelyn decides they will not be recognized at the inn.

At the inn, they are met by Masha Heddle, who gives them only a cursory look and tells them there are only two rooms available; she gives them none of the smiles or mention of sweet cakes that Catelyn remembers from her girlhood. After changing into dry cloths, Catelyn thinks that from the crossroads they could go west to Riverrun where she could get advice from her father who has been unwell lately. To the east is the Eyrie and her sister; her sister might be able to provide some answer, but the road across the mountains was too dangerous. She decides that it is best to continue north to Winterfell. Once past the Neck they can get aid from one of the bannermen of the House Stark. Then she could tell the bannerman to send riders north to Robb Stark with orders to place a watch on the Kingsroad.

Catelyn then turns her thoughts to the reliability of the Riverrun’s banners; Robert's Rebellion had shown how unreliable they were, in particular Freys who came to the aid of their Tully overlords only after the Battle of the Trident was won, leaving doubts as to which army they had come to join. Her father ever after called Lord Walder Frey the “Late Lord Frey.” Other banners had fought for King Aerys II. She was sure her father would call his banners, but not sure they would all come. Catelyn then thinks how she must not let a war erupt.

Ser Rodrik comes to escort her to dinner, telling her that they must hurry if they are to eat, and calling her “my lady.” Catelyn tells him that he must not call her “my lady,” and they should probably pretend to be a father and daughter. Ser Rodrik agrees, but in the process calls her “my lady” again, and then comments on how old ways die hard when he realizes his mistake.

In the long and drafty common room the benches are crowded with a wide variety of people, but Catelyn sees nobody that should recognize her. Ser Rodrik finds them a place by the kitchen where they are accost by the singer Marillion, who asks about where they come from and where they are going. Catelyn answers the safest of the questions, saying they come from King's Landing. The singer tells them that is his destination for the Tourney of the Hand. The singer is disappointed when Catelyn has not heard about him, and proceeds to attempt to get paid a silver for a song. Ser Rodrik, believing that any healthy boy would prefer a sword to a lyre, tells him he might have a couple of coppers but would tossing them down a well to hearing the boy’s howling. The singer then tells how he was made to sing for kings and high lords. Catelyn then asks if Marillion has ever played for Lord Tully. The singer boasts that a chamber is kept for him and the young Lord Tully like a brother. This amuses Catelyn who knows her brother has hated singers ever since one had bedded a girl he liked.

It is then that the door bangs open and the arrival of Tyrion is announced, with a demand for room and a bath for Tyrion. When Tyrion is told that there are no rooms, Tyrion announces that his servants can sleep in the stable, and quips that he needs only a small room. After it is repeated that there is no rooms, Tyrion takes a gold coin and flips it into the air. A free rider tells Tyrion he is welcome to his take his room, and Tyrion flips the coin to the man.

Tyrion declares that he wants some sort of roast fowl and the best wine sent up to his room, and asks Yoren to join him. Marillion the singer stands and offers to sing to Tyrion of his father’s victory at King's Landing while he dines. Tyrion replies that such a song would surely ruin his supper, and then spies Catelyn. He tells her that he was sorry to have missed her at Winterfell.

Catelyn decides to play her hand. She asks some of the men-at-arms in the room directly if their lords are true to her father, Lord Hoster Tully. The Brackens, Freys and Whents are all represented in the room. Tyrion is confused, asks what Catelyn is doing, and even sniggers at one of the comments. Catelyn then tells the bannermen that Tyrion, while a guest in her home, sent an assassin to kill her son in his bed. She then asks that they help her bring Tyrion to wait the king’s justice in Winterfell. A dozen of the men draw their swords. Catelyn is pleased with the look Tyrion’s face as he is taken captive.

Chapter 29: Sansa
Pov: Sansa Stark

Place: King's Landing

Sansa is enthralled by the tourney, especially the knights. During a joust, Ser Gregor Clegane kills a new-made knight named Ser Hugh. Prince Joffrey is very courteous during the feast but afterward orders the Hound to escort Sansa back to her chambers. When the Hound notices Sansa is avoiding looking at his burned face, he forces her to look and tells her how he acquired it.

Synopsis
Sansa rides to the Tourney of the Hand in a litter with Septa Mordane and Jeyne Poole. The splendor takes Sansa’s breath away, the knights most of all. All of the Kingsguard are there in pure white cloaks and armour except Ser Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, who wears his famous gilded armour. Sansa also spies Yohn Royce and whispers to Jeyne that he wears bronze armour, thousands of years old, engraved in runes that protect the wearer. Septa Mordane points out Lord Jason Mallister in an eagle-winged helmet and indigo armour chased with silver. The girls giggle at the warrior-priest Thoros of Myr until the septa tells them he once scaled the walls of Pyke with a flaming sword. Although frightened by dark-skinned Jalabhar Xho, when Jeyne sees Lord Beric Dondarrion, she states she is willing to marry immediately. The procession carries on, with many knights whom Sansa does not know. To Sansa it is better than in the songs.

They watch the tourney from a place of honor. Jory Cassel, in drab armour, wins two matches, but loses a well-fought third match to Ser Lothor Brune when King Robert judges Lothor’s lance to have been steadier and better placed. The other contestants from Winterfell do not do as well. Sansa and Jeyne both scream sometimes when the riders crash together. Sansa notes that Jeyne often covers her eyes when a rider falls, but knows how a great lady must act, and draws the approval of Septa Mordane for her composure.

The jousting goes on all day and into the evening. Ser Jaime the Kingslayer rides brilliantly, defeating Ser Barristan Selmy, who has already unhorsed two men 30 years younger than himself. The Hound, Sandor Clegane, and his immense brother Ser Gregor Clegane, the Mountain-that-Rides, seem unstoppable. On Ser Gregor’s second joust, his lance rides up and impales Ser Hugh of the Vale in the neck, killing him. Ser Hugh, in his shiny new armour, falls not 10 feet from Sansa. Jeyne is so disturbed that she cannot stop crying, forcing Septa Mordane to take her away to regain her composure, but she never returns. Sansa is astonished to find herself unmoved by the death, until she realizes there will be no songs sung of Ser Hugh.

A crowd favourite, Lord Renly Baratheon, is unhorsed so violently by the Hound that he seems to fly backwards and the hard fall breaks a gold antler off his helm. Renly gives the broken antler to the Hound, who merely throws it into the crowd, which erupts in a riot until Lord Renly restores order.

By the end of the day’s jousting, the four remaining contestants are Ser Gregor, the Hound, Ser Jaime Lannister, and Ser Loras Tyrell, known as the Knight of Flowers. Sansa is entranced with Ser Loras, who has been giving white roses to various ladies in the crowd throughout the day. Finally, Ser Loras gives a red rose to Sansa, telling her “no victory is half so beautiful as you.” Sansa is mesmerized for a long while until she notices Lord Littlefinger above her. He tells Sansa that she has her mother’s hair, touches her cheek, and leaves. The king announces that the last three jousts will wait for the next day.

Later, at the feast, Prince Joffrey sits next to Sansa. He has not spoken to her and she has not dared speak to him since the event. Sansa remembers thinking at first that she hated Joffrey for Lady’s death, but later rationalizing that it is not Joffrey but his mother and Arya that are responsible. Now Joffrey is the soul of courtesy, complementing her by saying that Ser Loras has a keen eye for beauty. Sansa asks if Ser Loras will win, and Joffery replies that either the uncle or his hound will defeat him, and that one day he will defeat them all. Joffrey fills her cup with wine, which makes her look at Septa Mordane, but when Joffery fills the septa’s cup also, Sansa thanks him. He talks to her the rest of the night, making her laugh, and helping her eat new foods like snails and trout baked in clay. She can see that his arm was still bothering her, but he did not complain.

The king grows louder with each course. Finally, drunk as a man can be, he starts shouting at Queen Cersei, telling her “No. You do not tell me what to do, woman! I am king here, you understand. I rule here, and if I say I will fight tomorrow, I will fight.” Everyone stares, but no one interferes, and the queen storms off in silence. When Jaime comes to him, the king pushes him away hard, causing Jaime to fall. He boasts that he can still knock Jaime in the dirt and that with his war hammer nobody can stand before him. Jaime leave saying stiffly “As you say, your grace.” Joffrey then tells Sansa it grows late and asks if she needs an escort back. With Septa Mordane asleep at the table, Joffery calls to the Hound to take his betrothed back to her quarters, and deserts Sansa. The Hound asks Sansa if she expected Joffrey to escort her back himself, and scoffs at the idea. Sansa’s dreamy night has suddenly vanished. She does not like the idea of the Hound taking her back to the apartments, but cannot wake Septa Mordane.

As the Hound escorts her back, Sansa cannot stand the sight of his burned face, despite insisting to herself that a true lady would not notice. She complements the Hound’s riding in the joust, giving him the knightly title “Ser.” He responds angrily that he is no knight and that he spits on the vows knights take. He tells her that his brother is a knight, and asks if he fulfills her naïve expectations. Sansa, lost for words, can only reply that no one could withstand Ser Gregor. The Hound merely laughs that Sansa’s septa taught to recite empty courtesies very well. When Sansa tells the Hound that he is frightening her, the scarred man only scoffs that no one ever could withstand him. The Hound then continues his story, insisting that during the tourney his brother noticed Ser Hugh’s improperly fastened gorget and purposely let his lance ride up to kill Ser Hugh.

The Hound then forces Sansa to look at his burned face. When she starts to cry and the Hound tells her how Ser Gregor had burned his face when he was six for stealing a toy knight. The toy had been nothing to Gregor who was already a six-foot-tall squire. He had lifted Sandor bodily up and pressed his face into a brazier. Four years later they anointed Gregor with the seven oils, and after his said his vows, he was called him Ser Gregor.

Sansa now feels sad for the Hound, and is no longer afraid of him fear. The silence goes on for a long while, and finally she touches the Hound and assures him that his brother is no true knight. They travel the rest of the way in silence. When he has finally delivered to the corridor outside her bedchamber, Sansa thanks him. The Hound’s only reply is a warning; keep the story about his face a secret or he will kill her.

Chapter 30: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

After viewing the body of Ser Hugh, Ned and Ser Barristan struggle to convince King Robert not to compete in the melee. The Hound wins the tourney when he saves the life of the Knight of Flowers. Later in his solar, Ned is visited by Varys, who reveals that Jon Arryn was killed for asking questions.

Synopsis
Ned and Ser Barristan see that Ser Hugh is taken by the Silent Sisters. Barristan Selmy explains that he stood vigil for the fallen knight himself, as the boy had no one else except a mother far away in the Vale of Arryn. Ser Hugh had been Lord Jon Arryn’s squire for four years and had been knighted by King Robert Baratheon after Jon Arryn’s death. Ned wonders if the boy was killed on purpose by a bannerman of House Lannister to prevent Ned from interviewing him.

Ser Hugh’s armour is new, forged especially for the tourney, and is worth good money. Ser Barristan does not know if Ser Hugh had even finished paying the smith. Ned replies that the boy paid dearly, and orders the silent sisters to have it sent to the boy’s mother.

Ser Barristan continues to walk with Ned and informs him that King Robert intends to fight in the melee. Ned already knows. When Ser Barristan suggests that drunken words are often forgotten in the morning, Ned insists that Robert will remember.

As they approach the king’s pavilion, they hear Robert raging at his two squires. When they enter the tent, Robert complains that his squires cannot even put a man’s armour on him properly, but Ned tells him the boys are not at fault—Robert is too fat for his armour. Robert tells Ned in mock anger that he should not call his king fat, and then sends the two squires off to get a breastplate stretcher from Ser Aron Santagar. After the squires run out, Robert and Ser Barristan laugh and even Ned gives a smile at the thought of the boys asking for the non-existent device.

Ned asks if the two squires are from House Lannister. When the king admits they are, Ned notes to himself that there are too many Lannisters around the king. Putting the thought aside, Ned asks about the angry words between the king and his wife. Robert takes this opportunity to complain about Cersei’s audacity of telling him he should not participate in the melee, and how Lyanna Stark would not have done such a thing. Ned tells Robert he did not really know Lyanna, and that she would have told him he had no business fighting in the melee. This does not dissuade Robert, who insists that, unlike Ned, he still has juices running in his veins. When Ser Barristan speaks up to explain that no man would dare to strike the king during the melee, Robert is furious and sends Ser Barristan away, but orders Ned to stay and to drink.

Robert laments to Ned that he was never so alive when he was winning the throne nor so dead as after it was won. He then says that Ned or Jon Arryn should have been the king, but Ned reminds Robert that he had the best claim. The king goes on to tell that he had not wanted to marry after Lyanna’s death and that it was Jon Arryn who recommended the marriage to Cersei Lannister. While he does admit that Cersei is beautiful to look at, Robert insists that she is cold and that thinks that Jon Arryn was a fool for recommending the marriage.

Robert also apologizes to Ned for the death of Sansa’s direwolf, Lady, admitting that he is sure Joffrey lied regarding the incident with Arya. He continues that he has dreamed of giving up the crown, but that the thought of Joffrey on the throne with Cersei whispering in his ear stops him. Then Robert asks Ned how he could have made a son like Joffrey. Ned responds hollowly that Joffrey is only a boy and that Jon Arryn often despaired of Robert himself when he was a child.

When Robert admits this to be true and claims that he turned into a good king. Ned does not respond. Robert notes the lack of response, and tells Ned he could at least say he is a better king than Aerys II. Ned admits the truth in that. Robert insists that he and Ned still have many years to set things right and make a good ruler out of him.

Robert then changes the subject, asking who Ned believes will win the joust. Robert comments that the Knight of Flowers is a son to be proud of and regales Ned with the story of when the young knight unhorsed the Kingslayer in a previous tourney. Then the king mentions that Renly has told him about the Knight of Flowers’ lovely, fourteen year old sister Margaery.

During breakfast, Robert talks with Ned about when they were boys. The stories bring a smile to Ned, who realizes that he is speaking to the Robert he grew up with and that if he can prove that that the Lannisters to be behind Bran’s fall and Jon Arryn’s death, this man will listen. This would bring the downfall of Cerei and Jaime, and Lord Tywin Lannister would not have the power to confront them. These thoughts even make the breakfast taste better and Ned feels better than he has in a long time.

Ned arrives at the tourney and sits by his daughter Sansa. In the first joust, Littlefinger bets against the Hound, stating that a dog will not bit the hand that feeds it. He loses the bet when the Hound defeats Ser Jaime on the second pass after almost losing in the first. Sansa tells Ned that she knew the Hound would win, and Littlefinger, who overhears, asks her to tell him who will win the second match.

By the time they lead Ser Jaime—who can no longer see through his mangled helm—off the field, Ser Gregor Clegane is in position. He is the biggest man Ned has ever seen, even dwarfing Hodor. Ned recalls Gregor as a man of ominous reputation; supposedly he dashed in the skull of the infant Aegon Targaryen, boasted that he raped and murdered the mother Elia Martell afterwards. There are also rumours of queer circumstances surrounding the deaths of two wives, his sister, his father, and the burning of his brother’s face.

Clegane’s opponent is the slim and elegantly armoured Knight of Flowers, Ser Loras Tyrell, who wears a cape of woven flowers. After comparing Ser Loras and his opponent, Sansa asks her father to ensure that Ser Loras is not hurt. Ned assures her that the lances are designed to break to prevent injury to the riders, but cannot help but think back to the death of Ser Hugh.

Ser Gregor is having tremendous difficulty controlling his mount, while Loras is demonstrating his skill at horsemanship. When the pass begins, Clegane’s mount breaks into a hard gallop immediately, while Ser Loras’ mare charges smoothly. They meet while Gregor is still struggling with his mount, shield, and lance. Ser Lora’s lance strikes Gregor perfectly, sending him down with his mount. When Ser Loras raises his visor in victory, the crowd cheers.

Gregor gets up in a rage, demands his sword, and nearly beheads his horse with a single blow. He then strides toward Ser Loras and sends the Knight of Flowers to the ground with his first blow. He is about to deliver the killing blow when the Hound intercedes. Gregor sends multiple sword blows toward the Hound’s head, but the Hound stops each one, remaining on the defensive. The Hound drops to his knee when he hears the King’s voice over the crowd. The blow from Gregor passes through air, and finally Gregor comes to his senses, drops his sword, glares at King Robert, and storms off. Ser Loras walks back onto the field and proclaims that he owes the Hound his life, and declares the Hound champion in his place, so there is no final joust. The crowd cheers for the Hound for the first time in his life.

As Sansa and Ned head towards the archery field, Littlefinger, Renly and others fall in with them. Littlefinger states that Ser Loras had to know his mare was in heat and that such a thing would disrupt Ser Gregor’s charge. A boy named Anguy wins the archery event, and Ned sends his man Alyn to offer him a position in the Hand’s guard, but the boy refuses. Thoros of Myr, who fights with a flaming sword, wins the melee that starts with nearly 40 men and lasting three hours. When the list of injuries is reported, Ned is pleased that Robert did not take part.

That night at the feast, Ned is more hopeful than he has been in a long while. Robert is in a good humor, the Lannisters are nowhere in sight, and even his daughters are behaving. Sansa speaks to Arya pleasantly, telling her that the tourney was wonderful and that she should have been there. Then Sansa asks how Arya’s dancing has gone, and Arya happily tells her she is sore all over and shows her a nasty bruise on her leg. Sansa states that Arya must be a terrible dancer.

Later, while Sansa is busy, Ned examines Arya’s bruise himself while she stands on one leg, at which he notes she has improved. He asks if Syrio Forel is being too hard on her, and she replies that Syrio says heavy hurt is a lesson and every lesson makes you better. Ned is concerned, even though Syrio came with an excellent reputation, and the Braavosi-style suits Arya’s slim blade. Ned recalls finding Arya wandering the castle with a black cloth over her eyes (Syrio was teaching he to see with her ears, nose and skin), and he has been having her do spins and back-flips.

Ned offers to have Jory Cassel, or perhaps someone else, take over her lessons but Arya emphatically insists she wants Syrio. Ned knows that any decent master-at-arms could give Arya the basics of sword fighting without the blindfolds, cartwheels, and hopping around on one leg, but he also knows there is no use arguing with Arya.

Ned returns to his solar, thinking of what he has learned. He takes out the dagger and wonders why Tyrion Lannister, or anyone else, would want Bran dead. He is sure that Bran’s fall is linked somehow to the death of Jon Arryn, but the truth eludes him. Jory is still in the process of searching the whorehouses and Ned is sure Gendry is a bastard son of Robert. There is also Edric Storm, a bastard Robert fathered on Stannis Baratheon’s wedding night and was forced to recognize because his mother was highborn. He remembers Robert’s first child when Robert was still a boy. Yet none of Robert’s bastards can threaten Robert’s trueborn children, since bastards have few inheritance rights.

A knock at the door brings a stranger, who turns out to be Varys in disguise. Ned is amazed; he has never seen Varys wear anything but silk, velvet, and perfume yet now the eunuch wears coarse-spun clothes and mud-caked boots and smells of sweat. Ned exclaims that he would never have recognized Varys. The eunuch says is good because he would rather the queen’s spies not know about their meeting either. Varys reveals to Ned that the Lannisters had hoped to kill Robert during the melee. When Ned asks why Cersei would forbid Robert to compete if she planned to have him killed, Varys points out that the surest way to make Robert compete would be to forbid it. Ned is furious that Varys did not tell him, but soon admits that he would have gone straight to Robert, who would have fought to show his enemies he did not fear them.

Varys explains to Ned that there are two sorts of people in the Red Keep: those loyal to the realm and those loyal to only to themselves. Varys says that he now knows Ned to be loyal to the realm because he dissuaded the king from entering the melee. Varys also reveals that Cersei fears Ned because Robert will never harm him, not even at her command, whereas Robert would execute Varys in a twinkling at queen’s request since the king has little love for sneaks, spies, and eunuchs.

Ned argues that Robert must have other friends and that his brothers are surely loyal. Varys replies that, while Robert’s brothers do hate the Lannisters, hating the queen and loving the king are not quite the same thing. Varys goes on to say that Ser Barristan loves his honor, Grand Maester Pycelle loves his office, and Littlefinger loves Littlefinger. Varys adds that the Kingsguard are a paper shield: Ser Boros and Ser Meryn are the Queen’s men, Ser Barristan is old, and that he is suspicious of the others. Ned insists that they must tell Robert, but Varys reminds him that without proof, they will only lose. Ned insists that the plotters will only try again, and Varys agrees, stating that together they might be able to stop them.

As he rises to leave, Varys tells Ned to be sure to continue treating him with his accustomed contempt. As Varys reaches the door, Ned asks how Jon Arryn died. Varys tells him that the Tears of Lys—a rare, costly, and deadly poison—was used. Varys goes on to say that he recommended Lord Arryn use a taster, but Lord Arryn refused. When Ned asks who administered the poison, Varys claims that it was probably his squire, Ser Hugh, who now lies dead. After Lysa left for the Eyrie, Hugh remained, and had the money to buy new armor.

As a final question, Ned asks Varys what Jon Arryn had been doing that lead to his murder. Varys replies, &quot;Asking questions.&quot;

Chapter 31: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: The High Road on the way to the Eyrie

Tyrion Lannister finds he is being taken to the Eyrie instead of Winterfell, and is not longer so confident since he knows his rescuers will be fooled. As he is attempting to convince Lady Catelyn that he did not attempt to kill her son, the Mountain clans attack. During the fight, Tyrion saves Catelyn and afterwards explains to her that Littlefinger’s story has a hole: Tyrion would never bet against his family.

Synopsis
As Tyrion watches the sellsword Chiggen butcher his horse he chalks up another debt owed to the Starks. The mare had been a gift from his brother Jaime for his twenty-third nameday. The sellsword Bronn tells Tyrion that none of them will go hungry, to which Tyrion replies he does not like eating horse, particularly his own horse. Bronn responds that the Dothraki like horse better than other meats. Tyrion reflects that maybe his horse is the lucky one, since he has many more hard cold days ahead of him. As he walks away from the sellswords, Tyrion thinks back on the night at the inn.

When they had taken him captive, his guard Jyck had gone for his sword but Tyrion had stopped him, knowing it would only get them killed. Lady Catelyn had showed a dagger all around, claiming it instrument of an attack on her son. All the people in the inn, who had been friendly enough before, had seemed to screaming for his death. Tyrion, with only his men Jyck and Morrec, had had no choice but to comply with Lady Catelyn’s demands; his other companion Yoren, being of the Night's Watch, was sworn to take no part in such matters. Catelyn had stated, often and loudly, that they were taking Tyrion to Winterfell for justice. Tyrion had had a chance to look over the crowd, and see that things were not too bad for him. He had announced that anyone that reported his capture to his father would get a rich reward. Ser Rodrik had then ordered the crowd to remain silent and Tyrion had laughed to think that Ser Rodrik was fool enough to believe that word would not get out.

Lady Catelyn had then asked for help in bringing Tyrion to Winterfell, and had been rewarded with several recruits. As they had bundled him out of the inn he had not been afraid, sure that they would never get him to Winterfell. Then they had pulled a hood over his eyes and made a hard gallop through the rain away from the inn.

It had been dawn and the rain had stopped when they finally pulled the hood off and Tyrion had seen that they were on the road to the Eyrie, not the road to Winterfell, and had lost hope. Any pursuit would be looking in the wrong direction and these were the lands of the late Jon Arryn, and his wife Lysa was a Tylly. What was more galling than the abduction was that Lady Catelyn had outwitted him.

He had been spared the hood after that and, after the second night, they had unbound his hands. Still later, they had hardly bothered to guard him at all. There was nowhere for him to go. The terrain was hash and wild and road no more than a stony track and mountains contained shadowcats and the dangerous mountain clans.

As they travel, Tyrion makes sure to remember the names of all his captors so that he can property pay them back: “A Lannister always pays his debt.” He has a particular enmity towards the singer Marillion, whom he blames for the whole mess, and who is currently looking for words that rhyme with “imp” for a song about this adventure.

Catelyn, Ser Rodrik, and several others are discussing their situation and the pursuit by the Lannisters when Tyrion breaks in with the comment that there is small chance that the pursuit would reach them. Kurleket snaps that Catelyn did not ask his views, but Catelyn allows him to speak. Tyrion tells them that if there is a pursuit it will be heading up the Neck, and not towards the Eyrie. He states that they will find no help until they reach the Vale, and they will only lose more mounts, which burdens the others more. The pace could also very likely cause Tyrion’s death, which Catelyn obviously does not desire. Catelyn replies that Starks are not murderers, and Tyrion states he is also no murderer. He follows by telling her the he is not stupid, and would not arm a common footpad with his own blade. Tyrion can see, for a moment, doubt in Catelyn’s eyes, but she asks why Littlefinger would lie. Tyrion replies that it was in his nature and mentions how Littlefinger often boasts of having taken Catelyn’s maidenhead, which an angered Catelyn calls a lie. She calls Tyrion an evil man and he calls her a fool, continuing on to say that Littlefinger only loves Littlefinger, and was only interested in sex with her.

Kurleket puts a knife to Tyrion’s throat and asks if he can bleed Tyrion, but Catelyn tells Kurleket to let him talk, and he asks how Littlefinger claims he obtained the blade. She tells him that he won the dagger from him at the tourney where the Knight of Flowers unhorsed his brother.

The cry of a lookout interrupts them, alerting them to incoming riders, and Catelyn responds immediately by arranging the defense. Tyrion screams to Catelyn to arm him and his serving men, because she will need every man. Both he and Catelyn know that the Mountain Clans—who are perfectly happy to slaughter each other—will slaughter Lannister and Stark alike.

Lharys slides down the ridge with the news that there are around 25 men: Milk Snakes or Moon Brothers; the clans know that they are here. Ser Willis Wode asks Marillion for help with his breastplate, but the singer freezes with fear. Instead, Morrec springs to his assistance.

Tyrion pleads again with Catelyn, insisting that she cannot afford to waste men guarding them. At her request, he gives his word that he put down weapons when the fight is finished, and she orders them armed. Morrec arms himself with a bow, being better with it than a sword, and Bronn offers Tyrion a double-bladed axe. When Tyrion comments on his inexperience with an axe, Bronn tells him to pretend he is splitting logs.

Tyrion joins Marillion in his hiding place, who tells Tyrion that he is a singer and wants no part of the fight. Tyrion forces his way in. The clansmen boil into sight armed with a wide variety of weapons and lead by a towering man in a shadowskin cloak armed with a greatsword. The knights and sellswords meet the charge. As the others shout “Winterfell” and “Harrenhal,” Tyrion has an urge to stand up and shout Casterly Rock, but the instant of insanity passes. From his hiding spot, Tyrion sees Bronn charge through the clansmen cutting through foes right and left, while Ser Rodrik hammers the big man that was the leader. Marillion shrieks when a rider leaps over them. When the rider turns, Tyrion charges and cuts the horse’s neck so that the rider and his horse fall together on top of Marillion. Tyrion then buries his axe in the man’s neck and uses this opportunity to crush Marillion’s fingers with a boot.

For the rest of the battle, Tyrion keeps on the fringes, leaping out to cut at the legs of horses, and kill wounded men, taking a helm from one. Tyrion watches Jyck get himself killed and then comes across Kurleket’s body and helps himself to Kurleket’s dagger. When hears a woman scream. Tyrion goes to aid Lady Catelyn even as he thinks that he should let them have her. Tyrion gets the first man in the knee and Catelyn kills a second as he reels from a blow by Tyrion. The third man makes a quick retreat, and the fighting is over.

As Bronn helps himself to Jyck’s boots, he asks Tyrion if it is his first fight, which Tyrion confirms. Bronn then tells him that he needs a woman now; nothing like a woman after a man’s been bloodied. Glancing over to Catelyn, who is dressing Ser Rodrik’s wound, Tyrion quips that he is willing if she is.

Looking over the dead clansmen, Tyrion notes that they are thin, ragged men with unimpressive weapons. The leader in the shadowskin cloak is not near as big or terrifying as seemed now that the shadowskin cloak is gone, and his great sword turns out to be notched and poorly made. They had only three dead: the Bracken men-at-arms Mohor and Kurleket, and Tyrion’s man Jyck. Tyrion remembers Jyck’s bareback charge and thinks of him as a fool to the end.

Ser Willis Wode urges that they must proceed in haste before more clansmen arrive. Lady Catelyn wishes to pause to bury the dead. When Ser Willis points out that the soil is too stony for graves Catelyn states they could gather stones for cairns. Bronn tells Catelyn that she can do as she likes, but that he and Chiggen have better things to do than piles rocks, such as breathing. When Ser Rodrik agrees with Bronn, an angry Lady Catelyn agrees and they ride on. Now there are plenty of horses. As Tyrion mounts Jyck’s horse, Lharys demands the dirk Tyrion took from Kurleket’s body, but Catelyn intercedes, telling them to give him back his axe as well.

Tyrion is pleased to learn that the singer has broken several ribs, four fingers, and lost his harp, but unhappy to find he has also acquired a magnificent shadowskin cloak. The singer, for once, has nothing to say. Tyrion can see that the singer cringes when he hears the shadowcats fighting over the bodies they left behind. He trots up to the singer and taunts that “craven” rhymes nicely with “raven.” Then he moves up to ride next to Lady Catelyn. Picking up the conversation from before their interruption Tyrion points out that there is a serious flaw in Littlefinger’s story: he never bets against his family.

Chapter 32: Arya
Pov: Arya Stark

Place: King's Landing

Arya is chasing a cat when Myrcella and Tommen discover her. She escapes unidentified, but finds herself in the dungeons. There she overhears two men talking about killing her father. After eventually finding her way out she triesto tell her father what she heard but he does not believe her.

Synopsis
Arya is chasing a one-eared black tomcat as part of her training with Syrio Forel. Arya has found that catching cats is hard; half-healed scratches cover her hands and her knees are scabbed from tumbles. At first, even the fat kitchen cat could avoid her. As she stalks the black tom, Arya recalls when she originally went to Syrio with her hand bleeding. He had told her she was too slow and that her enemies will give her more than scratches. The castle is full of cats, all of which she has caught and brought to Syrio, except this one, which one Gold Cloak claimed was older than sin and twice as mean; it had even snatched a quail from Lord Tywin’s fingers. Arya has chased the cat all over the castle and she does not know where she is, but she has finally cornered the cat in a narrow alley.

The tomcat tries to dart between her legs, but Arya catches it. As she excitedly hugs the cat to her chest and gives it a kiss, she is interrupted. Princess Myrcella, at the end of the ally, asks what “that boy” is doing with that cat. With her are a couple of the Lannister household guards, a septa, and Prince Tommen. She asks again, and calls Arya a ragged boy, which Tommen agrees with. Arya pauses a moment to look at her ragged clothing (you don’t wear silks and skirts when catching cats). To avoid being recognized, Arya falls to one knee. The septa tells her that she does not belong in this part of the castle. Arya is sure that as soon as she speaks the children will recognize her. The septa tells the guards to bring Arya to her. Arya panics and escapes the grasp of the guard, runs over the prince, and avoids the other guard. After a short chase, Arya sees a window above her, not much more that an arrow slit wide. She leaps up, grabbing the sill, and pulls herself through, holding her breath to get through.

Arya continues her rush, ending up in a dark cellar, lost, and thinking of the trouble she will be in if she was recognized. After listening for a long time, she hears no pursuit. She remembers her nightmares of getting lost in the Red Keep, even though her father had told her it was smaller than Winterfell. Arya plans to count to 10,000; by then it will be safe to come out. By the time she reaches 87, Arya can make out the large shapes of monsters all around her. Initially she is afraid, but she soon overcomes her fear and makes her way over to touch one of the monsters. She can tell it is bone and that it is dead, but has a feeling that it knows she is there and that it does not love her. She backs into a larger one and whirls around, causing a claw to rip her leather jerkin. She runs, avoiding a larger monster, and dashes through jaws of another to find a door. She opens it enough to slip through into the even darker hall beyond. She remembers that a Water Dancer can see without eyes. As she proceeds down the hall by feel, Arya remembers that all halls lead somewhere. Then she hears noises and sees a dim flickering light, which allows her to see that she is above a well with steps leading down.

Arya can see two men coming up the well and hears the echo of their voices, one of which is thick with the accent of the Free Cities. She quickly discovers that the men are talking about her father when one explains to the other that the Hand will soon learn the truth. When the second man asks what the Hand will do with the truth, the first replies that only the gods know, because the Hand is not a man to put aside the attempt on his son’s life and that soon the wolf and the lion will be at each other’s throats. Illyrio insists that a war now would do no good because they are not ready.

As the men get nearer, Arya can see more of them. The one bearing the torch is fat with a scarred face and a stubble beard who moves quietly despite wearing heavy boots and a steel cap. Arya finds him oddly familiar but cannot recognize him. Arya is sure that she has never met the man with the accent. He has a forked beard and is grossly fat, yet moves lightly like a Water Dancer.

When the torchbearer asks what he might possibly do to prevent a war, the fork-bearded man asks, “If one Hand can die, why not a second?” The torchbearer insists that times have changed and that the current Hand is not like the other. The fork-bearded man insists that they need more time: the princess is with child and the khal will not bestir himself until his son is born.

The torchbearer insists that if the khal does not bestir himself soon it may be too late, because there are new players in the game. Stannis Baratheon and Lysa Arryn are rumoured to be marshalling their strength, Lord Renly and the Knight of Flowers plan to make Margaery Tyrell King Robert’s new queen, and no one knows what Littlefinger is playing at. Yet the torchbearer insists that Eddard Stark worries him the most; he now has the book and the bastard and soon the truth. His wife has also taken the Imp prisoner and Jaime and Lord Tywin will take this for an outrage.

The torchbearer claims that, even with his skill, he can keep control much longer, but does agree to do what he can, saying he requires more gold and 50 more “birds.” The forked beard responds that 50 is a lot, given that they are so young to know their letters. He suggests that if they could keep their tongues it would be easier, but the torchbearer replies that the risk is too great.

Arya follows the two men for a long time, going deeper and deeper down the hall until dirt and timbers replace the dressed stone. After miles of following, the men are gone and Arya, blind and lost, can see no way to go but forward. At the end she is knee deep in stinking water, and eventually, she finds herself at the mouth of a sewer that empties into the river. She is so dirty and stinky that she removes her clothes and swims until she feels clean. When she looks around, Arya can see the Red Keep on its hill, miles away.

When she finally reaches the gate to the Red Keep and asks to be let in, the two Gold Cloaks on guard sneer at her because she looks like a beggar. She tells them she is not a beggar, she lives there, and she wants to see her father. One of the guards jokes that he wants to fuck the queen for all the good it does him. When Arya insists her father is the Hand of the King, one of the guards tries to strike her, but she jumps away and insists she is Arya Stark and that if they lay a hand on her their heads end up on spikes. She offers that if they need proof of who she is Jory Cassel or Vayon Poole vouch for her. She finishes by asking the startled guardsmen if they will open the gate or need a clap on the head to improve their hearing.

Arya is brought to her father in his solar by Tomard and Harwin. He is bent over the biggest book Arya had ever seen. As he hears the report, his face is stern. He then tells her that he had half his guard searching for her, and that she is not supposed to go beyond the gates without his leave. She replies that she was in the dungeons, and they turned into tunnels, she did not have a light, and she could not go back the way she came because of the monsters. She then continues that two men were talking about killing him. They said that he had a book and a bastard, and if one Hand could die, why not another. Ned is confused. She describes the two men, and that they said that the wolf and lion would eat each other. Everything mixes up in Arya’s head. She tells her father that she thinks one was a wizard. She decides not to mention knocking over the prince, and how she went into a window and found monsters. Ned confirms that that the men were talking about juggling and mummers, and tells her that they must be mummers and that there must be a dozen troupes in King's Landing now. Arya tries to tell him that they were not mummers, but he interrupts her saying she should not be spying on people. Then he states he does not want his daughter crawling through strange windows going after stray cats and notes all the scratches on her arms. He continues by stating this has gone on long enough and that he wants a word with Syrio. The announcement of an arrival from the Night's Watch interrupts their conversation.

Yoren is ushered in and Ned greets him pleasantly despite his being stooped, ugly, smelly, and in unwashed cloths. Yoren apologizes for the hour, and states that Ayra has the look of Ned’s son. Arya replies that she is a girl, and then asks about her brothers since she assumes Yoren must have come by way of Winterfell, and if he can deliver a letter to Jon, thinking Jon will believe her story of the men in the dungeon. Yoren explains to Ned that he is there to find men for the Wall, but he has other news, news that should be told in private. Ned tells Desmond to show Arya to her room. She tries to confirm that nothing bad has happened to Jon or her uncle, and Yoren tells her that Jon is fine.

As Desmond takes her to her room, Arya asks him how many guards her father has. He answer’s 50. Then Arya wants assurance that they would not let anybody kill her father, so Desmond tells her that they guard him day and night. Arya mentions that the Lannisters have many more men, and he answers that a northerner is worth 10 southerners. When she asks about wizards, he says a wizard dies the same as anyone else when you cut his head off.

Chapter 33: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark Place: King's Landing

Ned and King Robert argue over a plot to kill Daenerys Targaryen and Ned resigns. When he returns to the Tower of the Hand, Ned tells Vayon Poole to prepare to return to Winterfell. Littlefinger arrives with news that he has identified the brothel that Jon Arryn and Stannis Baratheon visited.

Synopsis
Ned is trying to dissuade King Robert from sending men to kill Daenerys Targaryen, now that Varys has received reports of her pregnancy. Robert wants every Targaryen dead and grows very angry with Ned’s resistance. Ned insists that even if the report is true a lot can happen before the child is old enough to be a threat; the mother might miscarry or the child be born female or die in infancy. Ned also proclaims that he will only fear the Dothraki when they teach their horses to run on water.

Renly comments that it was a mistake to allow Viserys and Daenerys to live this long. Ned insists that mercy is never a mistake, pointing out that at the Battle of the Trident Ser Barristan Selmy slew a dozen friends of both Ned and Robert, yet Robert absolved him and appointed him Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Robert insists that it is not the same; Ser Barristan was a knight of the Kingsguard. Ned counters that Daenerys is a 14-year-old girl and asks why they overthrew House Targaryen if not to end the murder of children. Robert growls that it was to put an end to Targaryens.

When Ned questions how a man who never feared Rhaegar Targaryen can tremble at the shadow of an unborn child, King Robert bellows that he has heard enough and asks for a vote. The other councilors all side with the king except for Ser Barristan who states that there is no honor in killing an enemy in his mother’s womb.

With the decision made, Robert turns to the topic of how best to carry out the assassination. Renly suggests that Ser Jorah Mormont, who craves a royal pardon, might be of use. Varys reminds them all that Ser Jorah is unlikely to risk the punishment the Dothraki would inflict on the murderer of a khaleesi. Instead, the eunuch proposes the alternative of poison, such as the Tears of Lys; Khal Drogo need never know it was not a natural death. The mention of the Tears of Lys seems to awaken Pycelle from his drowsiness and King Robert denounces poison as a coward’s weapon. Ned remarks on the hypocrisy of debating an honorable way to assassinate a 14-year-old and declares that Robert should do the killing himself, the honorable way among Ned’s people. Robert is astounded when he realizes that Ned actually means what he has just said.

Ned refuses to participate further, declaring that Robert can do as he likes but that he will have no part of it. Robert declares that, as Hand, Ned will do as commanded or he will find a Hand who will. Ned wishes luck to his replacement and removes his badge of office. Placing the badge on the table, Ned declares that he thought Robert was a better man. As Ned marches away, the king calls after him that he will have Ned’s head on a spike if he ever sees him again. Before Ned has even left, the council resumes the discussion and Ned overhears Pycelle telling the others of a society of assassins in Braavos called the Faceless Men. Littlefinger counters that they can hire an army of sellswords for fraction of the price.

Ned returns to the Tower of the Hand and summons Vayon Poole to discuss arrangements for their return to Winterfell. Ned is disturbed that Robert still hates the long dead Rhaegar Targaryen so much. Then Ned thinks about what will happen when the king discovers that Catelyn has taken Tyrion Lannister captive. The king may not care for the Imp, but it will hurt his pride, and Cersei will whisper in his ear. With these thoughts, Ned tells Poole that it might be safest if he and the girls go ahead, and the rest can follow.

After Poole leaves, Ned reflects that it will be wonderful to be back at Winterfell with his sons, but he remains angry because the kingdom is in a crisis: Robert and his council of cravens and flatters will beggar the realm, or sell it to the Lannisters. Then there is the murder of Jon Arryn. Ned then considers taking a ship back to Winterfell, even though he would prefer the Kingsroad, so that he can stop at Dragonstone and maybe learn the truth from Stannis Baratheon. The more he thinks about it, the more he guesses the truth is a secret he may not want to know. Ned looks again at Tyrion’s dagger and wonders if it has some connection to the mystery of Arryn’s death. Could Robert be part of it? He remembers when Catelyn told him that he had known the man, but that the king is someone different. Ned summons Poole back and tells him to find a fast ship with a good captain, quietly but quickly; if he could be on a ship tomorrow, it would be best to be on it.

Tomard announces the arrival of Littlefinger. Ned is tempted to send him away, but thinks better of it. Littlefinger informs Ned that he has managed to convince the council to offer a lordship to any man who kills Daenerys rather than hire the Faceless Men. When Ned criticizes the principle of giving titles to assassins, Littlefinger points out that he actually did Daenerys more good than Ned did; if a Faceless Man were to be sent against the girl she would be as good as buried. Ned is incredulous; Littlefinger supported the proposal but now expects him to believe that he was defending the girl. Littlefinger then calls Ned enormous fool who rules like a man dancing on rotten ice. Ned insists that he has had his fill of politics. Littlefinger then tells Ned that if he is still in the city this evening he will take him to the brothel his men have been searching for so ineffectually.

Chapter 34: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: The Bloody Gate - The Eyrie

Catelyn and her party finally reach the Bloody Gate and safety. At her sister’s request, Catelyn makes the dangerous night ascent to the Eyrie to meet Lysa and her sickly son, Robert.

Synopsis
As they approach the Bloody Gate, Ser Donnel Waynwood tells Catelyn that she should have sent word before coming because the High Road is no longer safe. Catelyn replies that they learned that to their sorrow, reflecting on the six men who died to bring her this far; three in the first attack, two in the second, and the Lannister serving man of a festering wound. Only Ser Rodrik, Bronn, Marillion, Ser Willis Wode, Tyrion Lannister, and Catelyn herself remain. They had been sure they were all doomed when Ser Waynwood’s men approached.

Ser Donnel goes on to explain that since Jon Arryn’s death the mountain clans have grown bolder and Lysa has forbade sending men out to fight them, though no one is sure why. Catelyn chooses not to mention that it is Lannisters her sister fears. Looking back at Tyrion, Catelyn notes the dwarf’s confidence in the presence of a large party of men sworn to House Arryn and wonders again if she is wrong in suspecting him. She is also unsettled by cunning of the man; although he remains her prisoner, the dwarf now rides freely, armed with a dirk and an axe and wearing the shadowskin cloak he won gambling with Marillion.

Catelyn asks Ser Donnel to send for Maester Colemon when they arrive to treat a badly injured Ser Rodrik. She is told that her sister has forbidden the maester to leave the Eyrie because of her concern for her son Robert’s health. All that Ser Donnel can promise is the attention of a septon who tends to the garrison.

When they arrive at the Bloody Gate, they are met by Catelyn’s uncle, Ser Brynden Tully, known as the Blackfish. Once they have passed through the Gate, Catelyn can see the richness of the Vale of Arryn spread out before her and the peak known as the Giant’s Lance rising miles above the valley floor. Her uncle points out the faint glimmer of the seven towers of the Eyrie on the side of the mountain and says that they can reach the foot of the Lance by evening.

When Ser Rodrik declares that he cannot go any farther, Catelyn decides to leave the rest of her party behind. Marillion the singer asks to accompany her to the castle. Catelyn, who cannot understand how Marillion survived the journey which killed so many others, agrees. Then Bronn, whose ferocious fighting helped cut their path to safety, declares that he is also coming. Catelyn dislikes the sellsword because of his lack of kindness and loyalty and would prefer to separate the sellsword from his fast friend Tyrion Lannister. However, Catelyn cannot politely refuse after permitting Marillion to come and agrees.

As they travel, the Blackfish rides next to Catelyn. Catelyn recalls that her uncle had been close to all the Tully children and even Petyr Baelish when they were children, despite a long feud with their father, Lord Hoster. It had been in defiance of Lord Hoster, who called Ser Brynden the black goat of the Tully flock, that Ser Brynden had taken a black fish, (the sigil of House Tully) as his personal emblem. Catelyn recalls that the feud ended after dual wedding of Catelyn to Eddard Stark and Lysa to Jon Arryn when the Blackfish had left Riverrun to serve Jon Arryn in the Vale. After Catelyn finishes explaining her story, her uncle tells her that Lord Hoster must be warned since Riverrun is right in the path of any Lannister attack. When Catelyn asks what the mood of the vale is, he tells her that it is angry at the suspicious death of the much loved Lord Jon and the giving of the title of Warden of the East to Jaime Lannister. Lysa has instructed everyone to call young Robert the True Warden of the East.

The Blackfish also gives Catelyn dire new that the young Lord Robert is unhealthy and cries when his dolls are taken away, leading some to whisper that he is too weak for the seat. Some even suggest that Nestor Royce, who ruled as High Steward while Jon Arryn was serving as Hand of the King, should rule until Robert comes of age. Others believe that Lysa should remarry, but the Blackfish thinks she is just playing at courtship and intends to rule herself.

When Catelyn states that a woman can rule as wisely as a man, the Blackfish replies that the right woman can, but not Lysa. He explains that the death of her husband and the stillborn and miscarried children before that have left Lysa unstable and hysterically protective of her only child. Above all, Lysa seems to fear the Lannisters and now Catelyn has brought a Lannister to her doorstep. Catelyn insists that Tyrion is her prisoner. In reply, her uncle notes that Tyrion is not only in chain but also carrying weapons with a sellsword trailing him like a shadow. Catelyn reminds him that Tyrion is not here by choice and that it was Lysa’s letter that started the whole business.

After passing through a valley surrounded by the high mountains, they reach the Gates of the Moon. Well above the gatehouse, Catelyn can see the looming mass of the mountain and high above the tower keeps of Stone, Snow, Sky, and then the Eyrie. Tyrion jests that if they plan to make him climb the mountain at night they might as well just kill him now. He is told that they will rest until morning.

When the dwarf asks how one gets up, he is told there are steps leading up the mountain and trained mules that go as far as the way-castle Sky. Beyond that the ascent is ascend on foot or in the winch baskets that bring up supplies—the Eyrie is directly above Sky. Tryion declines the offer of being sent up in a basket because his father would not approve of him going up like a load of turnips if the others ascend on foot, claiming that Lannisters have a certain pride. Catelyn responds that Lannisters have arrogance, avarice, and lust for power. Tyrion replies that his father is the soul of avarice, Jaime has pride, and Cersei lusts for power, but he is innocent as a lamb, and will bleat for her.

It is then that the portcullis is raised and they are met by Lord Nestor Royce. Brynden asks for hospitality for the night, and is told that Catelyn has been instructed to go up tonight but the rest can have the hospitality of the castle. Brynden is furious, considering night ascent to be too dangerous without a full moon. The guide Mya Stone then introduces herself and promises Catelyn that no harm will come of her as she has made the night ascent a hundred times. Stone is the surname of bastards in the Vale and that reminds Catelyn of Jon. She is speechless, but Lord Nestor states that Mya has never failed him, and so Catelyn agrees to the night ascent.

Mya Stone guides Catelyn up the long path to the Eyrie in the dark, claiming that torches only blind one on a clear night. Mya then tells Catelyn that Mychel Redfort, a squire she loves, says she has the eyes of an owl. Catelyn knows that, because his family is highborn, the squire will never be allowed marrying a bastard.

At each way-tower they switch to fresh mules. The trip to the first way-tower does not seem too bad, but the next part is much steeper. At the next way-tower Mya explains that it is called Snow because, hundreds of year ago, this was where the snow began. At first Catelyn thinks that being a Tully and a Stark, there is little in the world to scare her but where they have to walk the mules Catelyn finds that she was too scared to move. Mya comes back and escorts her, blind and trembling, step by step across. At Sky, Mya explains that they must walk the last hour because the trail is more like a stone ladder. Catelyn states that, having traveled all day and the best part of a night, she will ride with the turnips.

Catelyn finds the Eyrie, which can house 500 men, strangely empty. She is brought to her sister’s quarters. Lysa, now a plump, pale, and (to Catelyn’s annoyance) well-rested woman, is polite until Ser Vardis Egen and Maester Colemon depart. Then she rages at Catelyn for bringing Tyrion to the Eyrie, thus dragging her into Catelyn’s quarrel with the Lannisters. Catelyn replies that it was Lysa who sent her the letter naming the Lannisters as the murderers of her husband. Lysa responds that it was a warning to avoid them, not fight them.

It is then that Robert appears in the door grasping a doll. Lysa introduces Catelyn to Robert and calls him a beautiful and strong child, warning Catelyn not to believe the stories. Lysa insists that on his deathbed her husband said “the seed is strong” to let everyone know what a strong boy his son was. Catelyn attempts to bring back the subject of preparing for war, but Lysa insists that Catelyn be quiet because such talk will scare Robert. Lysa then exposes her breast and the six-year-old grabs for it and starts to suck.

The sight makes Catelyn think of her youngest son Rickon, who is half this boy’s age and five times as fierce. Catelyn continues to press Lysa to discuss preparations for war. Lysa replies that the if they could even bring an army up, everyone says the Eyrie is impregnable. Catelyn realizes that her Uncle Brynden had tried to warn her about Lysa. Lysa then asks what she is suppose to do with Tyrion and Robert asks if he is a bad man. When Lyas replies that he is, Robert says, “Then make him fly.” Lysa likes this idea.

Chapter 35: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing Littlefinger leads Ned to the brothel that Jon Arryn visited. There he talks to a young whore with a daughter that has the look of King Robert. As they are returning to the Red Keep, Ned’s party is ambushed by Jaime Lannister and about 20 of his men. In retribution for the abduction of his brother, Jaime has Ned’s escort killed. Ned’s leg is broken during the fight, and he loses consciousness.

Synopsis
Ned finds Littlefinger in the common room of the Chataya's brothel talking with an elegant black-skinned woman. His guardsman Heward is gambling for the removal of clothes with a whore while Jory watches from the window. Ned declares his business done, and Jory moves to bring the horses around while Littlefinger makes a joke about what part of the king’s anatomy the King’s Hand (who is said to dream the king’s dreams and speak with the king’s voice) might be filling in for in a brothel. Ned, in no mood for Littlefinger’s jokes, gruffly declares he is no longer the King’s Hand. Outside, it is raining as they mount up. As they ride the deserted streets, Littlefinger tells Ned that he is considering buying the brothel because they make much sounder investments than ships; they do not sink and pirates pay good coin like everyone else.

As they ride back toward the Red Keep in the rain, Ned remembers his sister Lyanna telling him on the night their betrothal was announced that Robert would never keep to one bed. Ned, who had held Robert’s first bastard daughter, had assured her that he was a good man who would love her with all his heart. Lyanna had responded that one could not change a man’s nature. After what he has seen this night, Ned cannot say his sister was wrong.

His business at Chataya's brothel had been to meet the prostitute with Robert’s bastard daughter named Barra. The child had resembled Robert, the girl had been proud to show him that the baby had the king’s nose and hair. Ned still remembers that Robert’s firstborn had the same hair. The girl had asked him to tell Robert how beautiful their daughter is, that she has not been with anyone else, and that she is waiting for him. Eddard vows that she and the child will be well cared for. As he rides, Ned reflects that he is cursed to always keep his promises, while Robert can swear undying love and forget it by the morning.

Ned thinks about Jon Snow and wonders why the gods give men such lust only to frown on bastards. Ned then asks Littlefinger about Robert’s bastards. Littlefinger says he does not know exactly how many there are. He goes on to speak in detail about Robert’s acknowledged bastard Edric Storm, the son a cousin to the king’s sister-in-law. Littlefinger also speaks of rumored pair of twins on a serving maid at Casterly Rock which Cersei had killed. Ned is surprised that Robert would have stood by and let such a thing happen, but then recalls that Robert seems to have grown adept at shutting his eyes.

Ned then asks why Jon Arryn would suddenly take such an interest in Robert’s bastards. Littlefinger suggests that maybe Robert asked him to. When Ned declares that Jon Arryn was killed for something more than that, Littlefinger says scornfully that maybe Lord Arryn had to be silenced for discovering Robert had bastard children, scoffing that next the man might be audacious enough to blurt out that the sun rises in the east. Ned thinks of Rhaegar Targaryen for the first time in years, and wonders if the Dragon Prince frequented brothels; somehow he thinks not.

Suddenly they are surrounded by at least 20 Lannister guardsmen. Jaime Lannister rides up and declares that he is looking for his brother who apparently had some trouble on the road. Ned tells him that Catelyn took Tyrion prisoner to answer for his crimes. This causes Littlefinger to groan in dismay and Jaime to move forward and draw his sword. Jaime demands that Ned show his steel, declaring that he will butcher Ned but prefers it if Ned will fight back. Jaime then turns to Littlefinger and suggests he leave if he does not want blood on his expensive clothes. Littlefinger needs no urging, but assures Ned that he will bring the City Watch.

The three Stark guardsmen have drawn their swords but it is three against twenty, so Ned reminds Jaime that if he dies, Catelyn will kill Tyrion. Jaime doesn’t believe him but is unwilling to chance it, so he tells his men not to harm Ned. Yet Jaime refuses to leave Ned entirely unchastened so he orders Ned’s guardsmen killed. Ned and his men are quickly overwhelmed and Heward and Wyl are quickly cut down. Jory manages to break free, but returns almost immediately and is killed. In the confusion, Ned’s horse slips and falls and Ned is blinded by the pain of his leg breaking.

When he opens his eyes again, Ned drags himself through the mud. When Littlefinger and the Gold Cloaks finally arrive they find him cradling Jory’s dead body. He is returned in horrid pain to the Tower of the Hand, where Grand Maester Pycelle attends to his injury.

Chapter 36: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: Vaes Dothrak

The khalasar enters Vaes Dothrak. As they ride up the godsway, Daenerys discusses the pros and cons of Dothraki combat skills with Ser Jorah Mormont. Once they have settled in, Daenerys invites Viserys to sup with her and makes a peace offering of new clothes. He becomes angry and grabs her. She hits him hard with a belt and tells him to leave.

Synopsis
The khalasar enters Vaes Dothrak under the Mother of Mountains and proceeds along the godsway, passing under the gigantic Horse Gate, a pair of bronze rearing stallions whose hooves meet a hundred feet up. Daenerys wonders why Vaes Dothrak needs a gate when it appears to have no walls, no buildings, and no people. All that Daenerys can see are ancient monuments that the Dothraki have sacked over the centuries in the grass on either side of the godsway.

As she looks back at her brother Viserys, who is now mounted again, Daenerys thinks back on the events of the long ride east. After the incident on the Dothraki Sea, Viserys had been forced to walk and the Dothraki had named him Khal Rhae Mhar, the “Sore Foot King.” Viserys did not realize that he was being mocked when he accepted a ride in a cart from Khal Drogo, which earned him another name, Khal Rhaggat, the “Cart King.” Daenerys had begged Ser Jorah not to tell Viserys the truth. Only after much pleading had Daenerys had convinced Drogo to allow Viserys to ride again.

Now, as they ride past the broke idols of fallen cities, Viserys tells Daenerys that all the Dothaki savages can do is steal things better men have built and kill, which is all he needs them for. He goes on to say the Dothaki cannot speak the language of civilized men, and then states how he is tired of waiting for Drogo to give him his army. Ser Jorah tells Viserys that Drogo will honor his promise in his own time. Fortunately few of the Dotharki can understand the Common Tongue. After Viserys leaves, Ser Jorah explains to Daenerys that the Dotharki are not merchants and do not trade; despite what Viserys thinks, Khal Drogo considers Daenerys a gift and will eventually give a gift in return.

When Daenerys asks, Ser Jorah admits that he does not believe that Viserys could with the Seven Kingdoms, but he does believe that somebody stronger could. He speaks to Daenerys of how, when he first came to Essos, he saw the Dothraki as half-naked barbarians and believed that a thousand good knights could put a hundred times as many Dothraki to flight. Now he is not so sure; the Dothraki are better riders. their bows (wielded from horseback) outrange the bows of the Seven Kingdoms, and there are so many of them. Drogo commands 40,000 men, the same number that Rhaegar brought to the the Trident, and only a tenth of Rhaegar's men were knights. When Rhaegar died, many fled the field; such a rabble would not last long against 40,000 Dothraki. However, the Dothraki have no patience for seigecraft and if the armies of Westeros stayed behind their castle walls they could hold out forever. Robert Baratheon might be fool enough to give them battle but the men around him are not: Stannis Baratheon, Tywin Lannister, and Eddard Stark, The way he says the last name leads Daenerys to ask if Ser Jorah hates the man. Ser Jorah replies that Eddard Stark took everything he loved from him for a few lice-ridden poachers and his precious honor.

They arrive at the city, which is both the largest and smallest that Daenerys has ever seen; it sprawls ancient, arrogant, and empty across the plain. The buildings are all different. Ser Jorah explains that they are built by slaves in the fashion they were familiar with. He also explains that the only permanent residents are the dosh khaleen, the crones of all the khals who have come before, yet Vaes Dothrak is large enough to house all the khalasars if they should all return at once, as is prophesized.

When they near the eastern market and dismount, each rider gives up all his weapons to a waiting slave for in Vaes Dothrak no man may carry steel or spill blood. The palace of Khal Drogo is a massive feasting hall of roughhewn logs that make a wall 40 feet tall with a roof of silk surrounded by horse yards and hundreds of earthen houses.

Daenerys is met by Cohollo, one of Khal Drogo’s bloodriders, who informs her that Drogo must ascend the Mother of Mountains that night to sacrifice for his safe return. As she speaks to Cohollo, Daenerys recalls that the khal’s three bloodriders are his sworn brothers who share everything with him except his horses. Daenerys is glad that Drogo does not hold to the tradition of sharing her with his bloodriders because some of them frighten her. Bloodriders are bound to their khal for life and when the khal dies, they die also, living only long enough to avenge him if required. Daenerys finds herself wishing her father was guarded by such men, remembering the stories of the Kingslayer who murdered her father and Ser Barristan Selmy who went over to the Usurper.

Daenerys, who is tiring easily as her child grows, is looking forward to a night of rest. She is led to one of the hollow hills that has been prepared for her. She decides to give her brother his gifts tonight. She has prepared Viserys several sets of clothes that she hopes will help him earn the respect of the Dothraki. She also intends the gifts as a way of apologizing to Viserys for shaming him. Daenerys orders Doreah to invite him to supper and Irri to go to the market to buy something other than horse meat, which Viserys hates.

Viserys soon arrives, dragging Doreah by the arm, furious that Daenerys would send Doreah to issue him commands. Daenerys attempts to explain that Doreah misspoke and then shows Viserys the clothes she has had made for him. Viserys only sneers at the clothes, calling them Dothraki rags. Her brother goes on to ridicule her for presuming to dress him and suggests spitefully that next Daenerys will want to braid his hair. Daenerys declares that he has no right to a braid because he has won no victories.

Viserys grabs her by the arm, hurting her, and for a moment Daenerys is a scared little girl again. Then she grabs hold of the first thing she touches, a medallion belt she meant to give Viserys, and swings it with all her strength. The belt hits her brother full in the face and leaves a deep cut. Daenerys tells Viserys to leave and pray that Drogo does not hear of this. Viserys leaves in a fury, telling her that when he comes into his kingdom she will regret this day.

Chapter 37: Bran
Pov: Bran Stark

Place: Outside Winterfell During his first ride outside Winterfell since his fall, Bran learns of Jaime Lannister’s attack on his father. Robb goes ahead to find the direwolves and Bran is attacked by six outlaws. Robb returns with the direwolves and defeats all but one. The last man holds a dagger to Bran’s throat until Theon kills him with an arrow from behind. Osha, the only survivor, is taken captive.

Synopsis
Bran is finally getting to ride outside of the castle in the oversize saddle that Tyrion Lannister designed for him. He has been riding a horse he named Dancer in the yard for the past fortnight, getting bolder each time. At first, the straps around his thighs and chest that keep him in the saddle felt uncomfortable.

Bran would have preferred to have gone out with just his brother Robb, but neither Maester Luwin nor the new Captain of Guard, Hallis Mollen, would allow it. The party includes the Robb, Joseth the Master of Horse, Theon, Maester Luwin, and the direwolves Summer and Grey Wind. As they pass through the village, Theon calls out to two serving wenches by the ale house. One blushes and Theon declares to Robb that she squirms like a weasel in bed but say anything to her in the road and she blushes. Before Theon can continue his ribald story, Robb insists he not talk about such things around Bran. Bran notes that Robb seemed to admire Theon, but Bran has never warmed to him.

Bran asks to go faster, and Robb tells him to go ahead. Robb is ahead when Bran brings Dancer to a gallop, and catches up to him at the edge of the Wolfswood. Bran exclaims his excitement at being able to ride, and Robb smiles, but Bran can tell something is bothering his brother. Robb notes that something is bothering the direwolves as well before admitting there was a raven the night before. The news recently from the ravens has not been good: Uncle Benjen has still not appeared and their mother has taken Tyrion Lannister captive. Robb had sent riders with commands throughout the north. Nobody had told him what was happening, but Bran knew it was about the Lannisters and not good—there is something about the Lannisters that Bran knows he ought to remember, but when he tries to think what it is he becomes dizzy and his stomach clenches.

The message was from Alyn in King's Landing about the murder of their father’s guardsmen and of their father breaking his leg in the fight with the Kingslayer’s men. Bran cannot understand why anyone would kill Jory, who he liked and had who had chased him across the roofs of Winterfell. Robb promises Bran that he “will not let this be forgotten.” Theon advises Robb to call the banners. Bran exclaims that only the Lord can call the banners, and Theon replies that if Eddard dies, Robb is Lord of Winterfell. Robb notes to Bran that the honor of the North is in his hands. Bran asks if Maester Luwin agrees with calling the banners, and Theon states the maester is as timid as an old woman. Bran tells Robb that father and mother listened to the maester’s council; Robb states that he listens to everyone.

The joy of the ride is over and Bran asks if they can go back because he is cold. Robb states that first they need to find the wolves and the brothers ride into the Wolfswood while Theon falls back to talk with a guardsman. Bran enjoys walking his horse in the woods while Theon and the guardsmen fall further behind. When they come to a stream, Robb asks Bran what is troubling him. Bran admits how he remembers Jory bringing them here to fish with Jon Snow. Bran ask if they will ever see Jon again and Robb reminds him that even Uncle Benjen came to visit. Then the wolves howl and Robb rides off to get them, asking Bran to stay there.

Bran is getting anxious about the others when four ragged men and two women surround him. Bran can tell they are neither foresters nor farmers and suddenly he thinks of how richly he is dressed. The biggest man asks if he is lost and Bran tells that his guard will be along shortly. Bran, seeing their clothes, believes that the rags could be black of the Night's Watch; he remembers that his father said a deserter is most dangerous because they know their life is forfeit.

The outlaws demand his silver pin and his horse. When Bran tries to explain that he cannot dismount, they do not believe him. The big man, whom the others call Stiv, grabs the reins before Bran thinks of turning and riding off. Finally, the tall woman, Osha, sees the straps. The short woman named Hali asks if he is a cripple. Angered, Bran declares that he is Brandon Stark and that they had better let go of his horse or they will be dead. With Bran’s arrogant outburst, the gaunt man named Wallen proclaims that only a Stark would threaten when a smarter man would beg. Hali tells the others to cut off his cock and stuff it in his mouth. Osha tells Hali that she is as stupid as she is ugly; Mance Rayder will pay well for a kinsman of Benjen Stark. Stiv states that he does not want to go back to the White Walkers, and cuts the strap on Bran’s saddle, cutting Bran’s leg in the process. Bran feels nothing, but starts to feel light headed.

Suddenly Robb calls out for them to surrender. Bran sees that Robb is still mounted, with the body of an elk over the back of his horse. The outlaws only laugh and point out that it is Robb who is outnumbered and should surrender. Then the direwolves appear at Robb’s whistle. Robb charges, killing one of the men and riding down Osha when she overextends with her spear. At the same time Grey Wind kills Wallen and the other unnamed man while Summer tears open Hali’s belly.

Now facing Robb and the direwolves alone, Stiv finishes cutting Bran free, hauls him from the saddle, and holds his knife to Bran’s throat. Stiv tells Robb to drop his sword and Robb slowly complies. Then Stiv tells Robb to call the direwolves off, which Robb does. Bran can see that Osha is still alive. Stiv commands Osha to kill the wolves, but she refuses to go anywhere near them. Instead, Stiv orders Robb to kill the wolves. Bran screams “No,” knowing that they will be defenseless without the wolves. Suddenly an arrow from Theon Greyjoy’s bow bursts from Stiv’s chest and the man collapses into the stream.

The Stark guardsmen appear and Osha throws down her spear and surrenders. The guardsmen grow pale and some even vomit when they see the carnage. Theon, ever smiling, is proud of his shot, but Robb scolds him for taking such a chance with Bran’s life; he might have missed or the knife could have slipped. Then Robb turns on the guardsmen, demanding where they were. They explain that at first they were waiting for Maester Luwin and Theon admits he lead them off to hunt a turkey. Robb is angrier than Bran has ever seen him.

As Maester Luwin examines Bran’s wounds he points out to Robb that two of the attackers wear the black of the Night's Watch. Robb orders their heads cut off for transport back to the Wall, but orders the bodies left unburied. The question of what to do with Osha comes up. The woman drops to her knees to beg Robb to spare her, proclaiming that she will serve him. When Robb asks what use he might have for an oath-breaker, Osha insists that, as a wildling, she broke no oaths. Theon suggests that they give her to the wolves, which causes Osha to shudder and even some guardsmen to look queasy. Maester Luwin advises that they question her, so Robb orders her bound and brought back to Winterfell.

Chapter 38: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: The Eyrie

Tyrion is held captive in one of the Eyrie’s sky cells. Eventually he bribes the jailer to take a message that he is ready to confess. When brought into the high hall, Tyrion manages to convince Lady Lysa to give him a trial by combat and the sellsword Bronn declares he will be Tyrion’s champion.

Synopsis
The ugly and sadistic jailer Mord brings beans for Tyrion, who is in one of the Eyrie's sky cells. As always, when Tyrion reaches for the plate, the oaf pulls it away from Tyrion, and then holds the plate over the edge of the cell, telling Tyrion to come get it. Tyrion is unwilling to step that close to the edge and Mord lets the plate fall. Tyrion curses Mord and gets a kick from Mord before he leaves, closing and locking the heavy gate. Tyrion crawls to the corner to huddle under a thin blanket that has replaced the shadowskin cloak stolen by Mord.

Tyrion reflects that he would gladly trade the cold and open sky cell for the dankest pit in Casterly Rock. When Mord had placed Tyrion in the cell he had promised him that, sooner or later, he would fly. To make things worse, the floor slants towards the opening, making Tyrion afraid to sleep.

Tyrion remembers when Lysa Arryn announced to her court that Tyrion slain Jon Arryn, Hand of the King. That was when Tyrion had put his foot in it with his “Oh, did I kill him too.” He had gone on wonder aloud when he had enough time to do all this killing. He should have been silent but he had been in a foul mood, having been humiliated by having to be carried the last leg of the climb to the Eyrie by Bronn. Lysa had warned him about where he was but he had threatened them with the wrath of Jaime Lannister all the same. He had even declared his threat a promise and driven even sickly young Robert into a frenzy. It had been only the intervention of Catelyn that saved him from being made to fly; Cat stated he was her prisoner. Then he was sent to the sky cells.

Tyrion had thought that they would not dare kill him out of hand, but now his is not so sure. He is getting weaker every day and it is only a matter of time till Mord’s kicks eventually do him serious harm. He is sure that his father will have sent riders out by now and Jaime might already be leading an army to rescue him. Cersei might get King Robert to sit in judgment himself, which even Eddard Stark could not object to. Tyrion is sure he can win a trial since the Stark’s have no proof.

Tyrion wonders which of his siblings set the footpad to kill Bran Stark and if they also conspired in the death of Jon Arryn. If Arryn had been murdered it had been subtly done whereas sending a footpad to kill Bran was unbelievably clumsy. This leads Tyrion to wonder if there is some other force involved that has made him a pawn. Tyrion hates being a pawn.

Tyrion decides then that he must free himself, and soon. He has no chance of overpowering Mord, so he must talk himself out. Tyrion hammers on the door, yelling for Mord. Mord is furious that Tyrion is making noise. Tyrion, remembering not to show fear, asks if Mord would like to be rich. Mord only strikes him with a leather strap. It takes a great deal of talk about Lannister gold while getting slapped before Mord finally starts to listen. Tyrion explains that, although she relieved him of his purse, Catelyn Stark would never rob him; therefore the gold is still his. Tyrion promises all of his gold to Mord in exchanged for Mord telling Lysa Arryn that he wishes to confess his crimes. Tyrion even goes so far as to lie that his brother Jaime wears solid gold plate (it is actually gilded steel, but Mord will never know the difference}. When Tyrion senses Mord’s suspicion, he offers to write down the deal and Mord brings him a pen and paper.

Tyrion is shivering in his sleep when Ser Vardis Egen arrives to bring Tyrion to Lysa. Before he leaves, Tyrion asks Mord for his shadowskin cloak and Ser Vardis orders the unhappy jailer to hand it over. The High Hall is filled with knights and retainers to hear his confessions. Tyrion is happy to see that young Robert is missing from the high throne. Tyrion is also pleased to see Bronn and Marillion among the witnesses; with a singer present, whatever happens will not remain a secret.

Lysa comments to her sister that the sky cells always break prisoners, but Catelyn only says that Tyrion does not appear broken to her. Tyrion declares to himself that the time has come “to roll the dice.” He starts by declaring himself a vile little man and that his crimes and sins are beyond counting: whoring, gambling, wishing his own father and sister dead, and speaking ill of the royal court. Soon he is interrupted by a furious Lysa and Catelyn tells him pointedly that he is there to confess to the attempted murder of Bran Stark and the murder of Jon Arryn. Tyrion merely replies that he cannot confess to those crimes because he is innocent.

Lysa orders Tyrion taken back to a smaller sky cell. Before he can be taken, Tyrion asks loudly if this is how justice is done in the Vale: he is accused of crimes, he denies them, and so he is thrown into a cell. He makes sure to show his bruised face to the crowd.

Tyrion demands a trial where he can defend himself and be judged by the gods and men. Lysa states that if Tyrion is found guilty, he will go through the moon door, which leads only to a fatal plunge to the mountainside below. Catelyn tells Lysa that this is unwise. Lysa states that her son will hear and judge Tyrion’s trial. Tyrion remembers Lord Robert stating the he wanted to see him fly.

Tyrion demands a trial-by-combat, which the fills the hall with derisive laughter. There are shout throughout the hall asking to be given the honor of championing her cause. Lysa declares that Ser Vardis Egen, the only silent man, will be her champion. Ser Vardis sinks to one knee, but declines the honor, insisting that to slaughter such a defenseless man would be shameful. Tyrion is quick to agree, demanding a champion the same as Lysa and naming his brother Jaime. When Lysa refuses Tyrion’s choice on the grounds that Jaime is hundreds of leagues away, Tyrion turns to Marillion to insist that—when he makes a ballad of these proceedings—he be sure to mention that Tyrion was denied a champion and sent bruised and hobbling against Lysa’s finest knight. Lysa tells him to name his champion and with a stirring in the back of the chamber, Bronn states he stand champion for Tyrion.

Chapter 39: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

Ned dreams of his duel at the Tower of Joy. When he wakes he finds King Robert angry about the abduction of Tyrion Lannister, demanding that Ned make peace with the House Lannister. Robert returns the badge of the Hand of the King to Ned and declares that he must sit the throne because Robert is going hunting

Synopsis
Ned, dreaming from the effects of the milk of the poppy, remembers the events at the Tower of Joy: seven facing three. The seven were Howland Reed, Lord Willam Dustin, Ethan Glover, Martyn Cassel, Theo Wull, Ser Mark Ryswell and Ned himself. The three were the Kingsguard missing from the Trident and the Sack of King's Landing because they were sent by Rhaegar to guard the Tower. These were no ordinary Kingsguard but Lord Commander Ser Gerold Hightower, Ser Arthur Dayne the Sword of the Morning, and Ser Oswell Whent. These three were living legends and they refused to bend the knee in spite of the death of Rhaegar. By the end, only Ned and Howland Reed remain alive. Ned is awoken from the dream in the midst of making a promise to his dying sister Lyanna after the battle.

Vayon Poole is calling and this wakes him. He is informed that it has been six days and King Robert has commanded to send Ned when he opened his eyes. Ned replies that he is too weak, but that he would be pleased to receive the king in his room. When Ned asks for his captain of the guard (remembering that Jory is dead), Alyn appears. He tells Ned that Jaime Lannister has left King's Landing, that he has put on extra guards, that his daughters have been with him every day, and that Jory, Heward, and Wyl have been given to the Silent Sisters to be sent north to Winterfell. Ned remembers that Jory’s father, Martyn Cassel—who was one of his seven at the Tower of Joy—was buried in the Dornish Marches with the others. That takes Ned back to his dream. He does not think it bodes well for him to dream that dream now. It is then that Poole announces the arrival of both Robert and Cersei. Ned does not think it bodes well that Cersei had come, either. Ned order that they be sent in, and that the others leave, as what is to be said should be kept secret.

When Robert asks if Ned knows what his wife has done, Ned states that Catelyn is blameless since she took action on his behalf and under his authority as Hand of the King. The king tells Ned he is unhappy: the King’s Hand is supposed to keep the peace, but seven men are dead (Cersei corrects this to 8, as a Lannister guardsman died of his wounds), Robert tell Ned that he will not have it and demands that Ned command Catelyn to release Tyrion Lannister and make peace with Jaime. Ned angrily replies that three of his men were butchered in front of his eyes because Jaime Lannister wished to chaise him.

Cersei leaps to Jaime’s defense, accusing Ned and his men of attacking Jaime while returning drunk from a brothel. Ned calmly reminds Robert that he should know him better than that, and that Littlefinger will confirm his story. Robert replies that Littlefinger only said they had been returning from a brothel. Ned angrily informs Robert that he was at the brothel to visit Robert’s bastard daughter. When Robert criticizes the girl’s choice of name Ned has a hard time keeping his temper as he demands to know how one could expect a 15-year-old whore to have better sense. He then tells Robert that the girl is in love with him.

Ned then asks for Robert’s leave to bring Jaime Lannister back to face justice. Robert tells him to leave it alone and make peace with Jaime. Ned declares that if that is Robert’s notion of justice he is pleased he is no longer Hand. Cersei declares, &quot;If any man had dared speak to a Targaryen as he had spoken to you—&quot; but Robert cuts her off by demanding if she mistook him for Aerys. Cersei presses on, regardless, telling Robert that she took him for a king, that Jaime and Tyrion are his brothers by marriage, and that Ned dishonors them all by driving off one brother and taking the second captive. She steps too far, however, when she declares that Robert should be the one in skirts and her in armor. Robert’s face goes purple with rage and he lashes out with a blow to Cersei’s face that knocks her to the floor. Cersei remarks that she will wear the bruise as a badge of honor before she is escorted out by Ser Meryn Trant.

Robert, in misery, asks Ned if he sees what Cersei does to him. He continues that he should not have hit her, but does not know how to fight someone if you cannot hit them. Robert then declares that Rhaegar won: Rhaegar has Lyanna and he has Cersei. Ned tells Robert that they need to talk, but Robert is sick of talk and intends to hunt on the morrow; whatever Ned wants to tell him can wait until he returns. When Ned reminds Robert that by then he will have departed as commanded for Winterfell, Robert throws the badge of the Hand onto the bed and tells Ned that he forbids him to leave. Ned then asks about Daenerys Targaryen and is told that is done. Ned continues by asking why Robert wants him as Hand if he will not listen to his advice. Robert states that somebody has to run the kingdom. As he leaves, Robert swears that if Ned resigns again, he will pin the badge on Jaime Lannister.

Chapter 40: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: The Eyrie

Catelyn gets news from Riverrun that House Lannister is gathering an army at Casterly Rock. As Catelyn and Ser Rodrik arrive for Tyrion's trial-by-combat they meet Ser Brynden, who has resigned his post and plans to join the defense of Riverrun. In the fight, Bronn kills Lysa’s champion and Lysa sets Bronn and Tyrion free outside the Bloody Gate to take their chances with the Mountain clans.

Synopsis
Catelyn watches dawn break over the Eyrie. Below is the waterfall called Alyssa’s Tears named after a woman who had seen her husband, brothers, and all her children slain but never shed a tear. Catelyn wonders how large a waterfall her own tears will make when she dies.

She asks and Ser Rodrik continues with his news. Ser Jaime Lannister is gathering an army at Casterly Rock. Catelyn’s brother, Ser Edmure, writes that he has commanded Lords Vance and Piper to guard the pass below the Golden Tooth. Edmure’s letter goes on to declare that he will yield no foot of Tully land without soaking it in Lannister blood. Catelyn is in a foul mood and asks why the letter makes no mention of her father, the lord of Riverrun; he would not give the defense over to Edmure unless he is very sick.

When Catelyn says that she should have been woken immediately when the letter arrived, Ser Rodrik explains that her sister Lysa thought it was better to let her sleep. He also mentions that her sister plans to speak with her after the combat. Catelyn declares the combat a mummer’s farce, angry that Lysa cannot see that Tyrion Lannister has tricked her. In Catelyn’s opinion it is past time that she and Ser Rodrik leave for Winterfell, planning to take a ship north from Gull Town. Ser Rodrik pales at the thought of another sea voyage.

As the servants dress her, Catelyn hopes that she can talk to her sister before the duel. The shy girl that she knew at Riverrun has changed. When the message had come that Tyrion wanted to confess, Catelyn had tried to convince Lysa to talk to the dwarf in private, but her sister had insisted on public show.

As they come to the doors of Lysa’s apartment, Ser Brynden the Blackfish is coming out. He is angry that Lysa has refused to grant him a thousand men to aid the defense of the Riverlands. He declares that he has resigned as Knight of the Bloody Gate and will go alone. Concerned about her uncle travelling the High Road alone, Catelyn suggests he return to Winterfell with them and receive his thousand men from her. Ser Brynden agrees and Catelyn and Ser Rodrik enter Lysa’s apartment.

Lysa’s apartment overlooks a grassy area scattered with statues (the remnants of a failed attempt to plant a godswood) where the duel will take place. An elegant looking Lysa is holding court on the terrace, surrounded by her many suitors. The young Lord Robert is in a chair on an elevated platform being entertained by a puppeteer. As she looks at Bronn, Catelyn is reminded again that it was no accident that he survived the ride to the Eyrie.

Catelyn tries to convince Lysa that the Lannisters (especially Jaime Lannister) will not be satisfied that they had a trial before executing Tyrion but Lysa insists that Tyrion’s head will serve as a warning to the Lannisters. Catelyn also tries to warn her sister about how dangerous Bronn is, but Lysa and her suitors insist that any knight is superior to a mercenary like Bronn.

Ser Rodrik asks Catelyn quietly if she truly thinks Tyrion did it. She states that she believes the Lannisters murdered Lord Arryn, but cannot say whether it is Cersei, Jaime, or Tyrion; Lysa had named Cersei in her warning letter, but now she seems certain it was Tyrion, perhaps because she has Tyrion as her captive. Ser Rodrik states that poison is said to be the weapon of dwarves and women but that Jaime is not the sort; he is too fond of blood to have used poison. Catelyn wonders how else they could have made it look a natural death.

When Catelyn hears her nephew shriek in delight at the antics of the puppets, she states that the boy is too undisciplined; he will never be strong enough to rule unless he is taken away from Lysa. Maester Colemon, having over heard, pipes in that Jon Arryn agreed and was planning to send the boy to Dragonstone. Catelyn corrects him that it was Casterly Rock, but the Maester states insists it was Dragonstone.

Tyrion Lannister is led forward and Robert asks if he can make him fly. Then the two champions appear from either side of the garden. Ser Vardis Egen is armored in plate from head to toe with a narrow slit for vision, but Bronn wears only ringmail over boiled leather and a half helm making him look almost naked next to the knight. Catelyn notices that Bronn is half a hand taller with a greater reach and 15 years younger than Ser Vardis.

The septon goes through his spiel before making a hasty departure. Robert is impatient for the fight to start. The knight’s heavy kite-shaped shield is strapped to his arm by a squire. When offered a shield, Bronn refuses. The knight is handed an elegant double-edged sword that Lysa announces belonged to Jon Arryn for ceremonial occasions. Lysa explains that she thinks it is only fitting that the Ser Vardis avenge Lord Arryn with his own blade but Catelyn notices that Ser Vardis shows some discomfort with the strange sword. Finally, Robert is allowed to initiate the fight. After an initial probing exchange of blows, Bronn starts to leap away from the knight’s advances. The crowd starts declaring that Bronn is craven, but Ser Rodrik tells that Catelyn that Bronn is trying to tire the knight.

As she watches the fight, Catelyn remembers the fight between Brandon Stark and Petyr. When Brandon had seen the limited armor Petyr was wearing, he had taken off most of his own armor. Petyr had begged her for a favor, but her father had promised her to Brandon. As she had given the favor to Brandon, Catelyn had begged him to not kill the boy that loved her and he had promised her. The fight was ended quickly with a deep cut to Petyr’s ribs, which Catelyn was sure was fatal. That was the last time she had seen Petyr until King’s Landing.

When Catelyn returns her attention to the fight she can tell Bronn is quicker. Robert complains that the combatants are not fighting properly but his mother assures him that the sellsword cannot run all day. Eventually Ser Vardis is addled by a fall, and loses sight of Bronn because of his narrow visor. Bronn uses this opportunity to place a serious blow to the knight’s elbow. Now the knight’s parries begin to grow slower and lower and Bronn attacks with more energy. Blind to the fact that Ser Vardis is losing, Lysa calls for him to finish the sellsword as if he were delaying the end on purpose. The knight charges and Bronn almost loses his balance but manages to jump back from the blow and push a statue onto the knight. With Ser Vardis pinned under the fallen statue, Bronn delivers the killing blow and a silence fall over the crowd.

Robert asks if it is over, and Lysa is force to admit it is. Robert than asks if he can make the little man fly and Tyrion joyfully says “Not this little man.” When Lysa makes a thinly veiled threat to execute Tyrion anyway, the dwarf asks if Lysa remembers House Arryn’s words: “As High as Honor.” Robert insists that he wants to make Tyrion fly, but Lysa is forced to admit that the gods have proclaimed Tyrion innocent. She orders Tyrion and Bronn escorted to the Bloody Gate and provided with supplies but they must take the High Road alone. Everyone in the court recognizes the proclamation as another sort of death sentence. Tyrion favors Lysa with a mocking bow, saying he and Bronn already know the way.

Chapter 41: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Castle Black

Ser Alliser anounces that he is passing eight recruits, including Jon. There is a celebration, but Jon realizes that Sam will not survive the others to protect him. Jon goes to Maester Aemon to ask him to allow Sam to become his steward since he can read, write, and do sums.

Synopsis
Five new recruits are being marched up the Kingsroad, so Ser Alliser is passing eight boys onto the Lord Commander: Toad, Stoney, Aurochs, Lover, Pimple, Monkey, Saloon, and Jon. He then tells the boys that some will now call them men, but they are fools to believe it and when winter comes they will die like flies. Then Ser Alliser leaves.

The recruits gather around and offer congratulations to those promoted. As the boys pass a celebratory wineskin around, Jon notices Sam standing by himself and goes over to him. Sam proclaims that Jon will be first ranger someday, like his uncle “was.” Jon corrects this to “is.” Halder interrupts to ask if Jon is going to drink the wine he is carrying. Then Pyp grabs the wineskin, and squirts it into Jon’s face. Soon the ecstatic boys start a snowball fight and by the time Jon can break free, Sam has disappeared.

The promoted boys are treated to a marvelous feast that night to celebrate. The group discusses and jokes about their assignments: ranger, builder, woodsman, steward. They are all convinced that Jon, as the best swordsman and rider, will be a ranger, like his uncle “was” the First Ranger. Jon corrects this to “is” once again before pushing his food away and leaving. Pyp follows and asks what is wrong. Jon explains that it is because Sam is not with them. Without them to protect him, Sam will be at the mercy of Ser Alliser. Pyp assures Jon that they did all they could for Sam, but that is not good enough for Jon. Jon goes to saddle his horse and goes for a long ride.

As he rides he thinks about the world outside the Night's Watch and reminds himself that he has not yet sworn his vow. He longs to go back to Winterfell to be with his half-brothers, but then remembers that Lady Catelyn will not welcome him. Jon decides that there is no place for him in Winterfell, or at King's Landing, not even his mother had had a place for him; whoever she was, his mother must be something dishonorable, otherwise why would Lord Eddard be too ashamed to speak of her? On the ride back Jon thinks about what he should do about Sam.

Jon visits Maester Aemon despite the late hour. Aemon’s stewards, Chett and Clydas, considered the ugliest men in the Watch, meet him at the door. Chett insists that the maester is asleep and orders Jon to come back in the morning. Jon puts his foot in the door to prevent it closing, and refuses to leave since tomorrow will be too late. Chett goes to get the maester, while Jon goes to the library and starts a fire as instructed.

When Maester Aemon arrives, he sits by the fire and assures Jon that a midnight visitor is a welcome diversion from the sleeplessness of old age. Jon asks that Sam be accepted as a sworn brother along with the others. Chett complains that it is no concern of the maester and Maester Aemon agrees that training is the responsibility of Ser Alliser. Jon continues on to explain about all he and the others have done to protect Sam.

Chett remains adamant that Ser Alliser will make a man of Sam or kill him trying. Jon replies that the Watch has need of every man and thus to kill one in futile training is stupid. Recalling Maester Luwin’s words about why a maester’s chain is made of many kinds of metal, Jon declares that the Watch (like a kingdom) needs all sorts of skills and knowledge. Then Jon asks why Sam could not be a steward. Chett objects saying that he is a steward and that it is not easy work fit for cowards: they keep the Watch alive by hunting, farming, gather firewood, make clothing, and bring up supplies. Maester Aemon calmly names a number of steward duties and Jon has to admit that none of them suit Sam. Then Jon declares that there is one thing Sam can do better than anyone else: help Maester Aemon, since he can do sums, read, write and is good with animals like the ravens. The maester considers for a while and then tells Jon that he will think on it.

Chapter 42: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: The High Road on the way to the Riverlands

Tyrion and Bronn make camp on the High Road. Tyrion wants to make a fire, which Bronn, who wants to avoid the Mountain clans, thinks is suicide. Tyrion sees no point in trying to avoid the clans and Bronn gives in. After Tyrion goes to sleep, the Stone Crows arrive, and Tyrion negotiates an agreement.

Synopsis
Tyrion and Bronn have taken shelter beneath some aspens just off the High Road. Tyrion is gathering wood and asks Bronn if a particular branch will do for a fire. Bronn asks him if he has a death wish, as a fire will bring the Mountain clans down on them. Bronn thinks that it is best to travel fast at night—make no noise or fires. Tyrion states that traveling fast at night is a good way to fall down the mountain and that the clans will find them no matter what they do. Bronn declares that that means they are dead man. Tyrion insists then that he would prefer to die comfortable and asks if Bronn can find some game; he does not look forward to the salt beef and hard bread that Lysa had provided them.

Bronn threatens to take Tyrion’s horse and leave, asking what Tyrion would do. Tyrion replies that he would probably die. When Bronn asks if Tyrion believes him, Tyrion admits he does, commenting that Bronn was quick to finish off Chiggen when he took an arrow in the belly. Bronn points out that Chiggen was as good as dead anyway and would have done the same for him.

Bronn explains that although he fought for Tyrion, he is not his friend and not his servant. Tyrion accepts this declaration with good humor, stating that he is mainly interested in Bronn’s sword, not his friendship. When Bronn asks how Tyrion knew he would be his champion, Tyrion explains that he anticipated Bronn to do what is in his sellsword nature: go for the gold. Bronn had gotten involved in the hopes of a reward from Lady Catelyn and would abandon her for the next hopeful venture which turned out to be rescuing Tyrion.

Bronn tells Tyrion that he has a bold tongue and that someday somebody will cut it out and make him eat it. Tyrion replies that everyone tells him that. Tyrion then declares that although Bronn is scum, he is not stupid, and he knew where his best interest lie, luckily for Tyrion. When Bronn quickly lights the fire with flint, Tyrion compliments him by saying he is scum, but useful and almost as good with a sword as his brother Jaime.

Then he asks what Bronn wants: gold, land, or women. He tells Bronn that if he wants it, keep Tyrion alive and he will have it. Bronn asks about what happens if Tryion dies. Tyrion answers that he will have one sincere mourner. Bronn then informs Tyrion that his is no man’s toady. Tyrion replies that is sure Bronn is no man’s friend, adding that he is sure that Bronn would betray him just like Lady Stark if there was a profit. However, Tyrion begs Bronn to remember that he will match any price offered to betray him because he likes living. Bronn disappears to go hunting at Tyrion’s request.

They are eating a goat they have roasted. Tyrion complains about the meat’s toughness, but states he will not complain too loudly since at the Eyrie he would have to dance on a precipice for a boiled bean. Bronn than complains that Tyrion gave the turnkey a purse of gold and Tyrion states that a Lannister always pays his debts (he had kept the silver). After giving the turncoat the purse, he had told him that if he becomes tired of Lady Arryn’s service, just got to Casterly Rock to get the rest. Bronn asks what Tyrion plans when they reach the river and Tyrion states a whore, a feather bed, and wine for a start and then to Casterly Rock or King’s Landing since he has questions about a dagger. As they settle down for a night, Tyrion states that their friends are taking their time. Bronn state that if he were them he would fear a trap with them being so open. Tyrion tells Bronn that they should sing to scare them away.

As Tyrion whistles a song, he asks Bronn if he has ever heard it, Bronn states he heard it in inns and whorehouses. Tyrion goes on to say the first girl he bedded use to sing it. Tyrion goes on to tell Bronn the story of when he and his brother Jaime rescued her. They had heard a scream and Tysha had come running onto the road chased by two men. Jaime had gone after the men while Tyrion dismounted to protect the girl. He tells how she is about a year older than him, low born, half-starved and unwashed. When Jaime left to get help from the Casterly Rock, Tyrion had taken her to an inn where they shared a meal and talked. The wine had gone to a 13-year old Tyrion’s head and he found himself in bed with her. When he broke her maidenhead she had wept and then kissed him. He had found a drunken septon to marry them and set her up a cottage of her own where they had played man and wife for a fortnight. Then the septon had sobered and told Tyrion’s father, and that was the end of his marriage. Jaime had been forced to confess that he set it up as a birthday present. Then Tywin had had each of his soldiers have her and paid her a silver for each one. Tywin had had Tyrion go last, having him pay her a gold coin since he was a Lannister.

Bronn states that he would have killed the man who did that to him and Tyrion states that he might yet; a Lannister always pays his debts. Tyrion rolls into the shadowskin to sleep, and dreams of the sky cells but this time he is the jailor, big with a strap, driving his father back to the abyss.

Bronn wakes him with a warning and Tyrion motions for Bronn to stay still. Then Tyrion calls out for the clansmen to join them and share their goat. A voice replies that since this is their mountain it is their goat. Tyrion agree that it is and asks their name. They declare themselves Stone Crows and a big man named Shagga, armed with two axes steps into the light first. Slowly the rest emerge, armed with a variety of weapons including pitchforks.

Tyrion introduces himself and declares himself a member of “Clan Lannister.” He offers to pay the clansmen for the goat they ate. One named Gunthor, who seems to be their chief, asks what he has to give them, and Tyrion tells them he has silver in his purse, and his weapons and armor. To this Conn states that Tyrion is going to pay them with their own coin; they can take what they want from their corpses. Gunthor states they have nothing to give them but their lives and asks Tyrion how he would like to die. He states “in his own bed, a belly full of wine with a maiden’s mouth around his cock at the age of eighty.” Shagga laughs but the others seem unamused.

Gunthor tells Conn to kill Bronn and take Tyrion to milk goats and make the mothers laugh. Bronn springs to his feet asking who dies first but Tyrion screams for him to stop. Tyrion asks the clansmen if their weapons are the best they could steal, declaring them good for killing sheep at most. He adds that his father’s smiths shit better weapons. Gunthor, thinking of the starving women and children of his tribe, is interested and asks what Tyrion will give them for their lives. In addition to the list of weapons suggested by the tribesmen, Tyrion offers them the the Vale of Arryn.

Chapter 43: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

As Hand of the King, Eddard Stark hears a petition from some bannermen of House Tully concerning raiding on their holdfasts by Gregor Clegane. He strips Clegane of all lands, titles, and his life and sends a force under Lord Beric Dondarrion to dispense the King’s Justice.

Synopsis
Ned is in the throne room where Robert’s hunting tapestries have replaced the Targaryen dragon skulls. He is extremely uncomfortable after hours on the Iron Throne; the throne’s spikes and jagged metal make it impossible to lean back and his shattered leg is throbbing more sharply each minute. Aegon the Conqueror, who had commanded his armorers to create the throne out of the swords laid down by his enemies, had said a king should never sit easy. At this point, Ned is damning both Robert and Aegon. His only conciliation is that at least he can sit, as can the three councilors in attendance: Varys, Littlefinger, and Grand Maester Pycelle. The rest--including the petitioners, lords, and guards--must stand.

The kingdom has been a tinderbox since Catelyn seized Tyrion Lannister, and Ned has the task of figuring out how best to stanch the hemorrhaging. Ser Karyl Vance explains that the smallfolk kneeling before him are all that remains of the holdfast of Sherrer, while those of Wendishtown and Mummer’s Ford are all dead. The villagers tell of the brutality, killing, rape, and destruction. The raiders were interested not in stealing but destruction, making them Lannister invaders. Ser Raymun Darry continues by explaining that the people of Wendishtown took refuge in their wooden holdfast but the perpetrators had burned the holdfast and shot any that tried to run out. The Sherrer holdfast was made of stone, so this tactic did not work.

Ned asks for proof that the raiders were from House Lannister and is told that there were 50 or 100 men, all mounted on war horses and armored in mail with good weapons. Their armor was plain and they flew no banners but the leader was as big as an ox: Gregor Clegane, the Mountain-that-Rides. Pycelle insists that there are many large men in the kingdom, but the petitioning knights insist there is none as large as the Mountain. Pycelle asks why the Mountain, who holds lands and is an anointed knight, would turn brigand. Ser Marq Piper calls the Mountain a false knight and Lord Tywin’s mad dog. Pycelle asks Ned to remind the knight that Lord Tywin is the father of their gracious queen. Ned sarcastically declares that the court might have forgotten if Pycelle had not reminded them. It is then Ned looks up to see men going out the door and also spots Septa Mordane with Sansa; he has a flash of anger since this is no place for a girl, but calms himself that the septa had no way to know this was no ordinary day.

It is then that Littlefinger asks where the knights, who were responsible for protecting these holdfasts, were when this destruction was going on. The petitioning knights reply that they had answered the call of their liege lord to marshal at Riverrun and below the Golden Tooth in anticipation of a Lannister invasion. They also declare that now Ser Edmure Tully has dispersed men to guard all the border holdfasts along the Red Fork. Ned thinks to himself this may be exactly what Lord Tywin wants: to bleed off the strength of Riverrun as Edmure scatters his swords.

Littlefinger asks what the knights are looking for from the Crown if they have already protected their lands. They reply that, as they still keep the king’s peace, they ask permission to retaliate. Ned is thankful that they have asked; Tywin Lannister obviously hoped to provoke a Tully invasion so that he might claim to be the aggrieved party. Pycelle insists that it is Lord Tywin’s responsibility to dispense justice to his bannerman Ser Gregor, but Ned reminds everyone that all justice flows from the king.

Pycelle immediately suggests that, in that case, they should wait for Robert to return, but Ned replies that as Hand he speaks for the king and declares he will do just that. He spies Ser Robar Royce, whose father is hunting with Robert, and tells him to ride to the king and advise him of the situation. Ned refuses the petitioning knights permission for vengeance and tells the villagers he cannot give them back what they had lost, but can give them justice. He continues by telling the villagers that the First Men believe that the man who passes judgment should wield the sword, but he must send another to do his killing. Ser Loras Tyrell asks for the honor of slaying Ser Gregor, but Ned denies him, reiterating that the goal is justice, not vengeance. Ned looks at the assembled lords and orders Lord Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, Ser Gladden Wylde, and Lord Lothar Mallery to each assemble 20 men. Ned also sends 20 men of Winterfell. Lord Beric is given command, as befits his rank. Then Ned announces in the name of Robert that these men are charged with bringing to justice the false knight Gregor Clegane, and that Gregor is stripped of all lands and tittles and sentenced to death. Then he tells them to ride at first light so it can be done quickly, and the throne will hear not more petitions.

At the base of the throne, Varys is still gathering papers everyone else has left. He declares Ned a bolder man than himself. He goes on to suggest that Ned should have sent Ser Loras, as a man who is an enemy of the Lannisters would do well to make the Tyrells his friends. Varys reminds Ned it was a slight not to send Ser Ilyn Payne since he is the King’s Justice. Ned does not like the man, but tells Varys that he would prefer not to send a Lannister man to kill a Lannister bannerman. Varys informs Ned he saw Ilyn in the back and he did not look pleased, likely because he so loves his work.

Chapter 44: Sansa
Pov: Sansa Stark

Place: King's Landing

Sansa wonders with Jeyne Poole why her father did not send the gallant Ser Loras to kill the monster Ser Gregor. The next day her father reveals that he is sending her and Arya back to Winterfell. Sansa insists that she cannot leave because she is to marry Joffrey, who is nothing like his father and will give her children with golden hair. This is an epiphany to Eddard.

Synopsis
Sansa is bewildered that her father did not send the Knight of Flowers after Ser Gregor Clegane, and tells her friend Jeyne Poole that she thinks it is because her father was in a foul mood from his leg wound. Sansa believes sending Ser Loras, who looks like a hero, to slay the monstrous Ser Gregor would have been just like the tales. Sansa tells Jeyne that she had said as much to Septa Mordane, but that the septa had only told her not to question her father’s decisions. The Littlefinger, who had overheard, had claimed that her father’s decisions could do with a bit of questioning. When Sansa had explained to him about monsters and heroes, Littlefinger had told her life was not a song.

Jeyne suggests that Lord Eddard should have sent Ser Ilyn Payne, but Sansa replies that he is like a second monster. Then Jeyne begins to speak dreamily about Lord Beric Dondarrion, telling Sansa how brave and gallant he is. Sansa can only think that even though Lord Beric is handsome, he is also old: almost 22.

Changing the subject, Sansa tells Jeyne that she has had a dream about Prince Joffrey taking the white hart the king’s party is hunting in the Kingswood; it was actually only a wish, but Sansa thinks it sounds better to call it a dream. In her heart, Sansa thinks that her prince is far worthier than his drunken father. Jeyne asks if Joffrey just touched the hart in the dream, since that is what heroes always do in the stories, but Sansa insists that Joffrey shot it with a golden arrow and brought it back for her because she knows Joffrey likes hunting and killing.

Sansa does not think Joffrey had anything to do with killing her father’s men; that was all his uncle Jaime Lannister’s doing. She knows her father is still angry about it, but believes that blaming Joffrey would be like blaming her for something Arya did. The mention of Arya leads Jeyne to speak of how she saw Arya walking on her hands. Both agree that they cannot understand why Arya does anything.

Next Sansa tells Jeyne about Yoren coming before the throne asking for more men to man the Wall. After seeing the dirty, smelly Night's Watch recruiter (nothing like her Uncle Benjen), Sansa had felt sorry for her bastard brother Jon Snow. No one would volunteer for the Watch, so her father had given Yoren his pick of the dungeons. Jeyne soon interrupts Sansa to suggest the go to the kitchen to get some lemon cakes and Sansa agrees.

The next morning Sansa wakes to watch Lord Beric depart with his men and thinks it is a song come to life. Afterward the Tower of the Hand is so empty Sansa is even happy to see Arya. Arya asks if the men have gone to hunt down Jaime Lannister and Sansa explains that they have gone for Ser Gregor Clegane. Sansa then asks Septa Mordane whether they will put the Mountain’s head on a spike over his own gate or bring it back to King's Landing. The septa is horrified that Sansa would discuss such a thing over breakfast.

Arya wonders why men were not sent after Jaime Lannister, since he killed Jory Cassel and the others, or after the Hound for killing her friend Mycah. Sansa declares that it is not the same thing because Mycah attacked Joffrey. Arya erupts that Sansa is a liar. Sansa responds snobbish that Arya can say whatever she wants but will still have to bow and call her “Your Grace” after she marries Joffrey. Arya throws an orange at Sansa, staining her beautiful ivory dress, driving Sansa to declare that it should have been Arya they killed, not Lady. The septa orders both of them to their rooms, where Sansa tears off her stained clothes and goes to sleep.

Sansa is dreaming of Lady when Septa Mordane wakes her and brings her to her father. Once Arya is brought, Sansa immediately launches into a long spiel about how Arya started it and ruined her dress. Eddard silences Sansa and Arya takes the opportunity to apologize and ask for Sansa’s forgiveness. Sansa is dumbfounded but eventually asks about her dress. Arya offers to wash it, or failing that to sew her a new one.

Eddard breaks in to tell them that he did not call them in to talk about dresses but to inform them that he is sending them back to Winterfell. Both sisters exclaim their unhappiness, and Eddard laughs that at last they can agree upon something. Sansa insists that she has done nothing wrong and tells her father to send Arya away since she started it. Eddard explains that he is not sending them away as a punishment, but to keep them safe.

Sansa insists that she cannot go; she is to marry Prince Joffrey, who she loves as much as Queen Naerys loved Prince Aemon. She wants to be his queen and have his babies. Eddard assures Sansa that he will find her an appropriate match and that Joffrey is no Prince Aemon. Sansa insists that she wants Joffrey and that she will give him a son with beautiful golden hair who will be the greatest king there ever was, as brave as a wolf and as proud as a lion. Arya points out that Joffrey is not a lion, but a stag, like his father, and a craven and a liar besides.

Eddard gets a strange look on his face before telling them that they will sail as soon as he can find a ship. He also warns them not to tell anybody. Septa Mordane returns to urge Sansa to stop crying while Arya insists that a journey by ship will be an adventure and that they will get to see everybody back at Winterfell again.

Chapter 45: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

Ned now knows the truth Jon Arryn died for. He also learns from Pycelle and Littlefinger that Tywin is preparing for a war. Later Ned meets with Cersei and tells her that he will tell Robert Baratheon the truth when he returns. Cersei warns that Ned has made a mistake.

Synopsis
Grand Maester Pycelle tells Ned that the pain means that the bone is healing, but Ned only replies that he will be happy when the leg stops throbbing. Pycelle provides him that the milk of the poppy for the pain and Ned tells him that he sleeps too much already. Pycelle tells him sleep is good for healing.

Pycelle informs Ned that Cersei has received a bird from Lord Tywin stating that he is angry about Ned sending men to bring Ser Gregor Clegane to justice. Ned replies that it does not bother him. He tells Pycelle that Lord Beric Dondarrion rides under the the king’s banner and that he will have Robert to answer to, and that the only thing Robert likes better than hunting is making war on defiant lords. Pycelle leaves, telling Ned that he will come again the next day.

Ned knows Pycelle is Cersei’s creature, and doesn’t care. He is not actually confident of Robert, but he does not want Cersei to know that. He calls for honeyed wine, which will not cloud the mind as badly as the milk of the poppy, because he needs to think. Ned thinks how sometimes a child’s innocent eyes can see things that grown men are blind to and how some day he will have to tell Sansa how she had made it all come clear to him.

Littlefinger pays a visit an hour after Pycelle leaves, bringing news that Varys has heard whispers that sellswords have been flocking to Casterly Rock. Ned asks about Robert and is told that, having found the white hart dead, the king is now after a fierce boar. Most of the hunting party has returned, including Prince Joffrey and the Hound. Littlefinger states that he would have liked to have seen the Hound’s reaction to learning that Beric Dondarrion is after the brother he hates. With that Littlefinger leaves for a dinner, but not before noting the book of The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms, and teasing asking if it is a sleeping potion.

Ned considers that outside of his retainers, there is not a man in the city he trusts: Littlefinger leaving before the slaughter of his guard rankles him, Varys knows too much and does too little, and Ser Barristan is too rigid in his sense of duty.

Arya and Sansa will sail in three days. Ned knows that honor will require him to go to Robert with all he knows when he returns. Last night he had dreamed of when Lord Tywin had presented the bodies of Lord Rhaegar’s children to Robert: he must find a way to save the children. Ned remembers that Robert could be merciful if a man were brave and honest; he had pardoned Ser Barristan, Varys, Pycelle, Balon Greyjoy, and Littlefinger and let them keep their office for an offer of fealty. However poison in the dark he will never forgive and would kill them all. Bran must have learned some part of the truth; otherwise they would not have tried to kill him.

Ned calls in Fat Tom, now in command of the Hand’s guard and asks to be taken to the godswood. Ned also orders the guard doubled despite the short supply of guardsmen. Ned sends Tom to find Queen Cersei and give her a letter inviting her to join him. As he sits in the godswood, Ned feels the presence of his gods under the faceless heart tree and his leg does not seem to hurt as much.

When Cersei arrives at nightfall, Ned notes that she is proudly displaying the bruise Robert has given her. For the first time in a long time, Ned can see her beauty. When he declares that he knows the truth Jon Arryn died for, When Cersei suggests that scoffs that he has brought her here to pose riddles or to kidnap her, Ned replies that if she believed such things she would not have come. He then asks about the bruise, and if Robert does such things often. She replies that it has never been on the face before and that her brother Jaime would have killed Robert if he knew.

When Ned suggests a correction of “brother” to “lover,” Cersei does not trouble to deny it. Cersei admits that she and Jaime have been lovers since they were children and that when Jaime is in her she feels whole. When Ned asks about his son Bran, Cersei admits that he saw her and Jaime, offering her love for her own children as a reason for the attempted murder. Ned counters with a declaration that all three of Cersei’s children are Jaime’s. The last time a Baratheon had a child with a Lannister was 90 years before when Tya Lannister wedded Gowen Baratheon; the single child was large and lusty boy with a full head of black hair. Thirty years before that a Lannister had taken Baratheon maid; all the children had black hair. This is always the case in The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms that the children of a Lannister and a Baratheon had black hair.

Ned asks Cersei how it is possible that she never had a child by the king and she tells him that she almost did, but that she had the child aborted. Cersei goes on to claim that she cannot stand to even touch Robert now, and has not let him inside her for years. Instead she pleasures the king in other ways when he leaves his whores long enough; Robert is always so drunk that he never remembers.

When Ned asks what made her hate Robert so much, Cersei reveals that on their wedding night Robert had called her “Lyanna” in the midst of sex. The story leads Ned to declare that he does not know which of them to pity more, but that he must still do his duty. Cersei makes a sexual advance on Ned while telling him that the realm needs a strong Hand and that he will never regret being kind to her. Ned immediately rejects the advance by asking if she made the same offer to Jon Arryn and she slaps him. Offended by Ned’s honorable persona, Cersei brings up Jon Snow and accuses Ned of many other possible debaucheries.

Ned makes it clear that he intends to tell Robert all when he returns and warns Cersei to leave King's Landing. He recommends that she take a ship to the Free Cities with all her immediate family, including her father, to escape Robert’s wrath. Cersei stands, laughs, and declares Ned a fool for not taking the throne himself fourteen years before when he forced Jaime to surrender the seat. Ned replies that of the thousands of mistakes he has made, that was not one of them. Cersei insists that it was, saying “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.”

Chapter 46: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: Vaes Dothrak - Womb of the World

Daenerys eats a stallion heart as part of a Dothraki pregnancy ritual. Afterwards she baths in the Womb of the World and goes to the reception feast. Viserys soon arrives, drunk and screaming. He draws his blade and demands what he is owed. Khal Drogo gives him a crown of molten gold.

Synopsis
The stallion’s heart is still raw and steaming when it is placed before Daenerys. As part of the ancient Dothraki motherhood ritual she begins to eat the tough, stringy flesh. The Dothraki believe that the heart of the stallion will make her son strong and swift and fearless. If she chokes on the blood or retches the omens are less favorable: the child could be weak, deformed, stillborn, or female. In preparation, Daenerys has eaten bowls of blood and dried horse flesh and fasted for a day and a half, yet still her stomach roils and her jaw aches.

Khal Drogo stands over her as she eats, his face hard, but as she continues Daenerys begins to see pride in his eyes. When she is done, Daenerys pronounces the words she has rehearsed to the dosh khaleen, the crones of Vaes Dothrak. Even the most powerful khals bow to the wisdom and authority of these crones, each of whom is the khaleesi of a dead khal.

The crones proclaim “The prince is riding; a boy, a boy, a strong boy” and begin to chant. After the crowd finishes chanting there is silence. Then one of the crones announces the greatness of the new prince, the Stallion Who Mounts the World. Then Daenerys reveals the name of her son: Rhaego, in honor of her older brother.

Khal Drogo leads her out of the pit with his bloodriders behind, followed by the rest, down the godsway. As they walk, Drogo asks about the name of their son and Daenerys explains about her brother, a fierce warrior who died before she was born; the last of the dragons. Drogo declares that it is a good name.

Eventually they arrive at the lake called the Womb of the World. Here Daenerys strips out of her soiled clothing and enters the lake. She cleanses her face and body of the dried blood. When she emerges from the lake, Doreah brings her a robe of sandsilk, but Drogo waves her away. Daenerys can see his manhood through his trousers and helps him unlace; with three quick strokes, he is done.

They ride down the godsway to Drogo’s tent-hall where there is a great feast prepared for those too low of rank to attend the ceremony. As Dany rides up the aisle, the crowd hails the life within her. When she dismounts, Daenerys cannot find her brother. She sees Ser Jorah in a place of respect in the midst of the hierarchy and invites him to her own table.

When he arrives she asks about Viserys, Ser Jorah explains that her brother went to the market to find wine. Daenerys then questions why he was allowed to go alone since the Usurper would pay well for his head. Ser Jorah assures her that Viserys should be safe as nobody can carry a blade or shed a man’s blood in Vaes Dothrak. Daenerys states that men still die; some of the merchants have huge eunuchs to strangle thieves bloodlessly. Ser Jorah declares that her brother should be wise enough not to steal anything. The knight goes on to explain that her brother was going to steal her dragon eggs until he threatened to cut off Viserys hand. Daenerys declares that if he had asked, she would have given Viserys an egg: she does owe him for their survival and that he is all she has. Jorah tells her that she now belongs to the Dothraki now.

Daenerys now asks about the Ser Jorah about the Stallion Who Mounts The World. He explains that the Stallion is the Khal of Khals, who is prophesized to unite the Dothraki into a single khalasar and lead them to conquer the world.

Doreah interrupts Daenerys to point out her brother entering the hall in rags, drunk, and carrying a sword. Angry mutterings rise all around her and the music dies away. Daenerys has a sense of dread and asks Ser Jorah to stop him and bring him to her. Viserys starts screaming for his sister and reproaching the indignity of starting the feast before his arrival. Ser Jorah is quickly by his side and tries to stop him, but Viserys jerks free. When he moves to sit with Drogo and the other khals.

Drogo rises and declares through translation that Viserys’ place is not on the high bench but at the back where the lowest of the low sit shrouded in shadow so that others do not have to look upon them. Viserys declares drunkenly that that is no place for a king, but Drogo emphasizes that it is his place, mocking him as the Sore-foot King and the Cart King. Viserys draws his blade, angering the Dothraki. Then he spots Daenerys and stalks over. She begs him to throw away the sword but Viserys ignores her. Viserys now demands his crown or else he taking Daenerys back, but he will be happy to cut out her child and leave it for Drogo. Viserys presses his sword against her belly hard enough to prick her navel through her silks.

Jhiqui is sobbing in fear, stating that she dare not translate Viserys’ words; if she does she fears Khal Drogo will drag her behind his horses up the Mother of Mountains. Daenerys agrees to translate instead. After hearing the translation, Drogo makes a statement in Dothraki and steps down from the high bench with his bloodriders. Viserys asks and Daenerys translates: “You shall have a splendid golden crown that men shall tremble to behold.” Viserys smiles and declares that that is all he ever wanted. His smile is what saddens Daenerys the most.

Drogo orders his bloodriders to seize the man who was her brother, breaking his arm and taking away his sword in the process. Drogo puts his belt of golden medallions into an emptied stew pot. Viserys finally starts to realize what is happening and begins to plead and struggle. Ser Jorah tells Daenerys to look away, but she refuses. When the gold is half melted, Drogo declares, “Crown for Cart King!” and upends the pot over Visery’s head. Soon it is over; not a drop of blood is spilled. Daenerys thinks, surprisingly calmly, that he was no dragon, because fire cannot kill a dragon.

Chapter 47: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

Eddard Stark learns that Robert Baratheon is dying. When he arrives, Robert has Ned write his will, which declares Ned the Regent. Ned arranges for one of his men take a letter to Stannis Baratheon on Dragonstone, offering him the throne as the rightful heir. He then declares his intentions to Littlefinger, and asks for Littlefinger to arrange for the City Watch of King's Landing to support him.

Synopsis
Ned is dreaming of walking through the crypts beneath Winterfell. The Kings of Winter watch him with eyes of ice, and the direwolves at their feet snarl. Finally, he comes to the tomb where his father, Lyanna, and Brandon sleep. Ned hears Lyanna statue whisper “Promise me, Ned” and her eyes weep blood. Ned jerks awake with someone pounding at his door.

The king’s steward tells Ned that King Robert demands his presence. When Ned reaches Maegor's Holdfast, he finds Kingsguard guarding the bridge and inside the royal apartments. Looking at Ser Barristan Selmy, who is waiting outside the king’s bedchamber, Ned can tell something is terribly wrong.

Inside the bedchamber, he finds Robert in bed with Grand Maester Pycelle, Renly Baratheon, and Cersei Lannister gathered around him. The room smells of smoke, blood, and death. Tattered and blood-stained clothes litter the floor. Ned can see that his friend is dying. Robert explains that it was a boar and that he had too much wine and missed his thrust. When Ned asks where the rest of them were, Renly explains that Robert had called everyone off to try to take the boar himself. Ned lifts the blanket and verifies that they have done what they can to close the rip from groin to nipple but it is not nearly enough. The smell of death is horrible and overpowering; Robert declares that even he can smell it, but still takes pride in having killed the boar.

Robert then orders everyone but Ned to leave. Pycelle tries to give Robert the milk of the poppy before leaving, but Robert refuses. Once they are gone, Ned damns Robert for being so headstrong. Robert damns Ned right back, declaring that he killed the bastard and should have done the same to Ned for not leaving him to hunt in peace. He then admits that Ned was right about Daenerys Targaryen and asserts the boar was sent by the gods to punish him. Robert then expresses gratitude and admiration that Ned was the only one to tell him that he was wrong.

Robert tells Ned to write his final testament, in which he names Ned as Lord Regent and Protector of the Realm until his son comes of age. Ned cannot bring himself to tell Robert that Joffrey is not his son, so instead he clandestinely changes the words to “my heir,” feeling soiled as he does so. Ned tells Robert that he cannot die because the realm needs him, but Robert replies that the realm knows what a wretched king he was; bad as Aerys. Ned insists that Robert was not as bad as Aerys and Robert declares that at least this one thing he did right: he has declared Ned as Regent and Ned will do it well.

Robert signs the document and tells Ned that they are to serve the boar at his funeral feast. He then asks that Ned rescind the death warrant on Daenerys and also to help his son be better than he was. Before Ned leaves the king mumbles that he ought to laugh at being killed by a pig, but it hurts too much.

The queen has left, but the rest come back in. The king has Renly and Pycelle bear witness to his placing the seal on the letter. Then the king asks for and drinks the milk of the poppy. As he fades off to sleep, he asks Ned if he will dream and Ned assures him he will. Then Robert declares that he will give Ned’s love to Lyanna. Last of all Robert requests that Ned guard his children; unable to tell the truth and unable to lie, all that Ned can think of is Robert’s bastards when he tells him that he will.

Pycelle tells Ned that he had done all that he can, but the wound had already mortified; it had taken two days to get Robert back. When Ned asks how long, he is told that by rights the king should be dead already. Renly adds that Robert was always strong, though perhaps not wise, recounting that Robert slew the boar even with his guts hanging out. Ned replies admiringly that Robert was never one to leave the battle with an enemy standing.

Ser Barristan is still standing outside and Ned tells him that the king is not to be disturbed. Ser Barristan tells Ned that he has failed his sacred trust. Ned reassures the old knight that no one can defend a man against himself. Ned tells the knight that the king even blamed the wine. The knight tells Ned that the king had been reeling. Varys, who has just appeared, asks who gave Robert all the wine, and the Lord Commander tells them it was the King’s elder squire, Lancel Lannister. Varys states that he hopes the lad does not blame himself. Ned informs Varys that the king wants the arrangements for the assassination of Daenerys canceled. Varys tells him that those birds have flown but will do what he can.

Tomard and Cayn are helping Ned across the bridge when Lord Renly arrives and asks for a private word. Renly asks if Robert’s will makes him regent and, knowing his answer, tells Ned that he has 100 swords to offer him. Renly declares that if they strike now, they can take the Red Keep and seize the children. Ned refuses, stating that while Robert is still alive he will not shed blood in the castle. Renly tells him that every moment he delays gives Cersei more time to prepare. Ned declares that they should pray for Robert’s recovery; sometimes the gods are merciful. Renly answers that the Lannisters are not.

By the time he returns to his Tower, Ned wonders if he should have accepted Renly’s offer; if the queen fights he will need every sword he can get. He has no taste for these intrigues. Ned first asks Cayn to bring Littlefinger to him and then commands Tomard to take 20 men to guard his daughter’s to the ship to take them to Winterfell. He then tells Tomard to stop at Dragonstone on the way and deliver a letter to Lord Stannis, for his eyes only. After Tomard leaves, Ned sits in grief for his great friend and thinks how some will say that he had betrayed his king’s friendship and disinherited his sons, but that the gods will know better and that Robert will learn the truth in the land beyond the grave. He then composes a letter to Stannis, telling him of his brother’s death and offering him the throne as the rightful heir. As he seals the letter he thinks that his regency will be short and he can return to Winterfell.

Littlefinger arrives and congratulates Ned for being named Protector of the Realm. When asked how he knows, he states the Varys told him, and that Ned has just confirmed it. Ned damns Varys and his birds, and states that he does not trust him. Littlefinger declares that Ned is learning. Ned tells him he knows the secret that Jon Arryn was murdered for. Littlefinger's lack of reaction to the truth shows that he obviously knew the secret all along.

Ned declares his intention to offer the throne to Stannis, but Littlefinger tells him he is a fool if he does not bow to Joffrey. Stannis is not friend of Ned’s and that his brothers cannot stand him because he is hard and unyielding. Stannis's ascension will mean war for the realm; he will seek the heads of Cersei and the children to secure his position on the Iron Throne (an act that will incite Tywin Lannister and the houses sworn to Casterly Rock to an uprising), those of Lords Tyrell and Redwyne as revenge for the siege of Storm's End, and even Lord Balon Greyjoy for his rebellion. According to Littlefinger, any who stood by the Targaryens during Robert's Rebellion or rose with the Greyjoys will have cause to fear Stannis's ascent to the throne.

Littlefinger proposes another course of action: that Ned make his peace with the Lannisters, wed Sansa to Joffrey, his heir to Myrcella and his younger daughter to Tommen and rule as Hand of the King and Protector of the Realm until Joffrey comes of age in four years’ time. This should be sufficient to deal with the threat of Stannis and, should Joffrey prove unsuitable, they can reveal the truth of his parentage and place Renly on the throne. Ned tells Littlefinger that what he is proposing is treason. Littlefinger replies that it will only be treason if they lose. Ned tells him that he forgets Jon Arryn, Jory Cassel, and the attempt to kill Bran. Littlefinger states that he did forget he was talking to a Stark.

Ned then declares that he is going to call on the aid Littlefinger promised Catelyn. Cersei has a dozen knights and 100 men-at-arms, enough to overwhelm his household guard. Littlefinger then points out there are lords that have no love for the Lannisters that have guards. Ned states they are not enough—that he needs Littlefinger to secure him the City Watch of King's Landing. Littlefinger insists that when the Hand proclaims one king and the Queen another, the Gold Cloaks will side with the one who pays better. With that in mind, Littlefinger states that he will meet with the Watch Commander with a bribe of 6000 gold dragons.

Chapter 48: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Castle Black - Godswood beyond the Wall

Jon is disgusted to learn that he will join the stewards, not the rangers. Sam convinces him that his assignment as the Lord Commander’s steward is actually an honor meant to groom him for command. Jon and Sam go to a godswood beyond the Wall to take their vows. After they have taken their vows, Ghost returns with a hand in his jaws.

Synopsis
Sam excitedly tells Jon, who is eating breakfast, that he has been passed out of training and will be working for Maester Aemon; the maester needs somebody that can read and write to work in the library and with the birds. Sam is concerned about getting to the sept in time, otherwise they may change their mind.

After they arrive in the sept, all the officers arrive together. The Lord Commander makes his customary speech about taking vows and being a member of the Night's Watch. When Mormont asks if any wish to leave before taking their vows, no one does. Then Mormont asks if any of them follow the old gods and Jon speaks up. This brings whispers between the recruits about there being no godswood at the Wall. Mormont confirms that Castle Black has no need of a godswood: the Haunted Forest beyond the wall stands as it did in the Dawn Age. There is a weirwood grove half a league from the castle. It is then that Sam speaks up that he also wants to swear his vow at the Heart tree, even though he was born in the Faith of the Seven; the seven have never answered his prayers.

At the end of the ceremony, the Lord Command announces the assignments: Halder and Albett to the builders; Grenn, Pypar, Todder, and Matthar to the rangers; Samwell, Dareon, and Jon to the stewards. Jon is flabbergasted but then he sees a smile on Ser Alliser Thorne’s face. The Lord Command pronounces his last words and leaves. The Firsts call the recruits from each of the groups.

After the rest are gone, Bowen Marsh states that Sam will work in the library and rookery with Maester Aemon, since Chett has been reassigned to the kennels. Dareon will be sent to Eastwatch to work with the merchants. Jon will be personal steward to the Lord Commander at Mormont's request. Jon sarcastically suggests a number of duties for himself and is told “certainly” and given several more duties. When Jon asks if they take him for a servant, Maester Aemon answers that they took him for a man of the Night’s Watch.

Outside, Sam quiets Jon by telling him it means the Lord Commander probably intends to groom him to succeed him. Sam emphasizes his point by explaining that his father had once insisted that Sam be at his side for all important events but once Sam fell out of favor his father no longer cared. Suddenly Jon is ashamed; Sam has accepted his situation like a man, while he has been playing the boy. Jon admits that Sam is right and agrees to take his vows.

They proceed through the cold tunnel under the Wall and through three gates that Bowen Marsh must unlock. When they are finally outside again, Sam worries about the wildlings, but is told they have never come this close to the Wall. They are joined by an escort of rangers. Jon whistles and Ghost lopes out of the tunnel and then into the woods. The Haunted Forest is much like the Wolfswood around Winterfell, but its feel is very different, more ominous. It is dusk when they finally arrive at a clearing with nine weirwoods; nine weirwoods is unheard of south of the Wall. Sam looks at the faces on each of the trees, and says that he can feel the gods.

As night falls, Jon and Sam say their vows. When they are finished, Bowen Marsh declares that they knelt like boys and now to rise as men of the Night’s Watch. The gnarled forester Dywen tells them that they should be getting back because there is something in the night he dislikes. Then Ghost returns, his red eyes and white face eerily like the faces carved in the weirwoods; in his jaws is a human hand.

Chapter 49: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

After King Robert’s death, Ned convenes the Small Council to proclaim him Protector of the Realm but council is interrupted by a summons to the throne room. King Joffrey demands oaths of fealty from the Councilors. Cersei destroys Robert’s will and Ned declares Joffrey has no right to the Iron Throne. When Ned calls for the City Watch to seize Cersei, the Gold Cloaks instead kill Ned’s men and Littlefinger reveals his betrayal.

Synopsis
Ned wakes to the thunder of Lannister guardsmen drilling in the yard. He curses Cersei for not fleeing.

At breakfast, Arya is given permission for short lesson with Syrio Forel before they leave. Sansa, who is very despondent, asks again to see Prince Joffrey before she leaves. Septa Mordane states she can escort Sansa, but Eddard insists it is not wise. Sansa continues to complain, and runs weeping from the solar. Septa Mordane rises to follow but Eddard stops her declaring that he will try to explain when they return to Winterfell.

An hour later, Grand Maester Pycelle arrives with news that King Robert is dead. Ned orders the maester to convene the Small Council. The maester objects that they can wait a day, but Ned insists. When Littlefinger arrives in the same cloths he wore the previous day, he informs Ned that the task is done. It is Varys that gives Ned the news that Lord Renly has left the city, along with Ser Loras and all their retainers. Ned is discomforted by the news.

Ned entrusts Ser Barristan to read the writ naming him Protector of the Realm until the heir comes of age. Ned thinks to himself that, as it happens, the true heir is of age. Ned plans to keep his knowledge that Joffrey is a bastard until his daughters are safe; he does not trust Varys or Pycelle, and Ser Barristan is honor bound to protect the boy he thinks is his rightful king. Ned asks the council to proclaim him Protector of the Realm as Robert wished. However, the meeting is interrupted. Fat Tom enters with the royal steward with news that the king requires the Small Council’s presence in the throne room. Ned is surprised; he has not imagined Cersei would strike so fast. Ned orders Tom to assemble an escort.

As they enter the throne room, Ned is reassured by the number of Gold Cloaks visible. The Kingsguard is also all present, except for Jamie. Behind them, Joffrey sits the Iron Throne with Cersei and his siblings below. Twenty Lannister guardsmen stand behind the throne, and Gold Cloaks line the walls, outnumbering the Lannisters five to one.

Joffrey demands that council to make arrangements for his coronation which is to be held within the fortnight. Ned has Varys deliver Robert’s will to Cersei. The Queen tears it up, saying the realm has a new King now, leading honorable Ser Barristan exclaims that those were the king’s words. Cersei continues regardless, advising Ned that if he bends the knee and swears fealty to Joffrey he’ll be allowed to return to Winterfell. Instead Ned declares that Joffrey has no right to the throne and that Stannis is the true heir.

Cersei orders Ser Barristan to seize Ned as a traitor, but the old knight is quickly surrounded by Ned’s guardsmen. At Cersei’s command, the Lannister guardsmen draw their swords. Ned responds by ordering Janos Slynt to have his Gold Cloaks take the Queen and her children into custody. As Ned is stating he wants no bloodshed, a Gold Cloak shoves a spear through Tomard’s back. A brief fight ensues, quickly killing all of Ned’s guardsmen. As Ned’s men die around him, Littlefinger takes the dagger from Ned’s belt, holds it to his throat, and says, &quot;I did warn you not to trust me, you know.&quot;

Chapter 50: Arya
Pov: Arya Stark

Place: King's Landing

Arya’s training with Syrio Forel is interrupted by Ser Meryn Trant and a party of Lannister guardsmen. When Ser Meryn demands Arya come with him, Syrio senses something odd and fights the guards, giving Arya time to escape. At the stables Arya finds her sword Needle and kills a stable boy who attempts to capture her before escaping via the dungeons of the Red Keep.

Synopsis
Arya is training with Syrio Forel before they are due to board ship for Winterfell. She is sore from a blow at her breast, and Syrio tells her she is dead. She complains that Syrio cheated by telling her one direction and then striking from the other direction. He tells her his words lied but not his eyes or his arm. Syrio tells her that it is now time to listen; he will tell her the story of how he became the First Sword of Braavos.

When he became First Sword there were many who were stronger, faster, or younger. Syrio explains that he became First Sword because he can see the truth. The ships of Braavos sail to the faraway lands and bring strange animals for the Sealord’s menagerie. After the death of the previous First Sword many were called to the Sealord and many had been sent away. Finally Syrio had been called before the Sealord who had a fat yellow cat on his lap. The Sealord had told him that the animal was brought to him from a faraway land by one of his captains. Then the Sealord had asked Syrio if he has ever seen its like, but Syrio had told him that he had seen its like at night in the city. That day Syrio had been named the First Sword. Arya says she does not understand and Syrio explains that the other men all expected a marvelous beast, and so that is what they saw; see with your eyes and ears before you think. Then Syrio tells her that when they get to Winterfell it will be time to put this “Needle” in her hand.

It is then that the great wooden doors fly open to reveal five Lannister guardsmen and Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard. Ser Meryn orders Arya to come with him to see her father. Arya is about to follow when Syrio stops her and asks why Lord Eddard would send Lannister men instead of his own. Arya immediately realizes the truth of Syrio’s statement and grabs her stick sword. When Ser Meryn insists he is trustworthy as a member of the Kingsguard, she replies that so is the Kingslayer.

When a guard approaches Arya, Syrio stands before her and tells him to speak to him with respect. The guard goes for his sword but Syrio is faster and breaks the man’s fingers with his wooden sword. Then Ser Meryn orders the Lannister guards to attack and Syrio instructs Arya to go to her father. As the guards attack Syrio, Arya can see that Syrio was only toying with her during their practices; by the time Arya reaches the far end of the hall, Syrio surrounded by five dead or dying men. Then Ser Meryn, in his heavy plate armor draws his sword. Syrio tells Arya to go, but she watches as the First Sword lands many blows onto Ser Meryn’s armor before Ser Meryn breaks Syrio’s wooden sword. Arya turns and runs through the kitchen, crying.

As she runs, Arya thinks of everything Syrio has told her: “Swift as a deer. Quiet as a shadow. Quick as a snake. Calm as still water. Fear cuts deeper than swords. Strong as a bear. Fierce as a wolverine. Fear cuts deeper than swords. The man who fears losing has already lost. Fear cuts deeper than swords…”

Her sword grip is slick with sweat when she reaches the tower. She wonders if she should go up or down. She then remembers Syrio telling her to do the unexpected, so she goes down to a cavernous cellar, but she knows it is a dead end. She climbs up to a window. Outside the window she can see the stout door to the Tower of the Hand is splintered and the corpse of one of her father’s guards is on the ground and she can hear fighting. She thinks about when she had heard a man state that if one hand can die, so can another. As she moves, Arya pretends that she is catching cats but the thought comes that she is the cat and is dead if they catch her.

Outside the stable she finds Hullen on the ground looking dead. When she approaches him he opens his eyes and tells her to warn her father before dying. Inside, Arya finds more dead men including Desmond, who had told her he would protect her father. There is only a single Lannister body, and Arya remembers Desmond’s claim that every northerner was worth 10 southerners.

As Arya collects horse tack, she finds her broken chest on the ground. She gropes around inside the chest for Needle, hidden under her clothes. A stable boy appears behind her with a pitchfork and she asks him to help her saddle a horse, saying her father will reward him. The boy responds that her father is dead and that the queen will reward him. When he grabs her arm, Arya forgets all Syrio’s lessons, only remembering the lesson that Jon Snow taught her. She sticks the pointy end through the boy’s belly, killing him.

As she saddles her mare, Arya realizes that the gates will be closed and the guards will let no one out; she has to go another way. Immediately she wonders if she can find the room with the monsters again. The walls are crowded with more Gold Cloaks and soldiers than she has ever seen. Reciting Syrio’s words to herself, she walks slowly across the yard to the empty Royal Sept, hiding Needle under the cloak she has put on; it is the scariest thing she has ever done. Taking two of the candles in the sept, she crawls out a back window.

It takes Arya more than an hour to find the room: crawling through windows, over walls, and through cellars. She goes back to light her candle and returns. Now the monsters do not frighten her; there are rats in the dungeons but they do not scare her either. The crypts of Winterfell had been scarier than here; she and her brothers had been taken there by Robb and to visit their own waiting tombs. Jon had suddenly appeared covered in flour, pretending to be a ghost, but that had not scared her. The memory of her safe home at Winterfell makes Arya smile as she plunges deeper into the darkness of the tunnel.

Chapter 51: Sansa
Pov: Sansa Stark

Place: King's Landing

Three days after sneaking out to tell Queen Cersei of her father’s plans to send her away, Sansa is summoned from her house arrest. She is brought before the queen and the Small Council. There she is informed that her father is a traitor and is convinced to write letters to her relatives explaining what has happened.

Synopsis
Sansa is locked in her room with Jeyne Poole, who does nothing but cry hysterically about her father. Sansa, thinking Jeyne was acting childish, has told her friend that she will ask Queen Cersei to let her see her father, but it does not seem to have helped.

Sansa herself had wept the first day. She was used to the sound of fighting in Winterfell, but knowing it was real, with the shouts for help and sounds of wounded men, was different. At first she pleaded for help, including from her gallant prince, but she gotten no answer. Then they had shoved Jeyne into the room with her and she had said they were killing everyone and that the steps were slick with blood. The next day Sansa had seen the Lannister guardsmen patrolling the walls. The servants who bring them clothes and food will not answer any questions. They heard the bells tolling from the Great Sept of Baelor proclaiming King Robert’s death. Sansa is afraid for her beautiful prince and her father and at night she dreams of Joffrey on the throne with her beside him and everyone she knew coming before them to bent their knee.

Ser Boros Blount comes for her on the third day. Sansa, knowing her courtesies, complements the knight. She is brought to the council chamber and presented to Queen Cersei and the Small Council, but her prince is not there as she had hoped.

The queen asks if she has been well taken care of and Sansa affirms that they have, though no one will tell them what happened. Sansa's use of the word &quot;them&quot; leads to confusion until Sansa explains that Jeyne is staying with her. Cersei is surprised to discover that Jeyne has been put in with Sansa and expresses concern about what absurd tales Jeyne might have told Sansa. Sansa asks about Vayon Poole, not imagining that anyone would kill a steward who does not even carry a sword. Cersei asks what to do with Jeyne and Littlefinger states that he will find a place for her. The queen then instructs that Jeyne be taken to Littlefinger’s apartments and to tell her that Littlefinger will take her to her father, which should calm her down. Sansa asks where Vayon is and where Jeyne is being sent, wondering why Littlefinger must be involved.

Cersei tells Sansa that Joffrey loves her, but then informs her that her father, Lord Eddard, is a traitor. The queen explains that her father, who had sworn to protect King Robert’s children, was planning to turn the kingdom over to Stannis Baratheon. She then shows Sansa a document with the seal of Winterfell that had been taken off the captain of her father’s guard. Sansa insists that it cannot be true because her father was the king’s friend.

Cersei informs Sansa that she cannot allow Sansa to marry her son because she is the daughter of a traitor. Sansa cannot understand why what her father has done should affect the marriage to her beloved betrothed. Cersei states that she knows Sansa is innocent since the moment Sansa had come to her with Lord Eddard’s plan to take her away. Sansa states that she did this because she loves Joffrey. Sansa remembers that she had felt very wicked sneaking away to the queen. She had wanted to go to the king, but the king had always frightened her, being loud and rough voiced. She had also believed the king would probably have sent her back to her father. After having informed the queen of her father’s plans, Sansa had been locked in her room, under guard.

The Small Council discusses whether Sansa could also turn out to be traitorous. Varys and Grand Maester Pycelle express the opinion that the child of a traitor will likely also become traitorous. Littlefinger points out how she reminds him of her mother. Queen Cersei states that she is not sure that Sansa can be trusted; after all her sister had turned her wolf on Joffrey. Sansa replies that she is nothing like her traitorous sister; she only wants to be Joffrey’s wife.

Queen Cersei then tells the council that if the rest of Sansa's kin prove loyal it should rest some of the Council’s fears. Therefore, Cersei asks that Sansa write her lady mother and her brother Robb explaining how Lord Eddard betrayed his king. Sansa states she does not know what to say and Queen Cersei replies they will provide her the words. The important thing is that the Starks keep the King’s Peace; otherwise it will go hard on them and on Sansa. Sansa is also told to inform her family that she is being well cared for and that they must come to King's Landing and pledge fealty to Joffrey.

Sansa asks to see her father and is told that if she truly is loyal she should not want to see him. Sansa states that she is concerned about him and what will happen to him. She is told that her father is well and that the king will decide his punishment. Sansa realizes that the king is her gallant Joffery whom she knows he would never hurt her father and who is sure to listen to her pleas. Perhaps her father will only be exiled for a few years. However, if her mother or Robb did something treasonous it would all go wrong.

Sansa agrees to write the letters and ends up writing four letters: to her mother, Robb, her Aunt Lysa, and her grandfather Hoster Tully. It is only when she is drifting off to sleep that night that Sansa realizes she has forgotten to ask about Arya.

Chapter 52: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Castle Black

The bodies of two men that accompanied Benjen Stark are found. Ser Jaremy Rykker states that Mance Rayder must be responsible, but Sam points out odd characteristics about the bodies. When they return to Castle Black Jon learns that King Robert is dead and that his father is charged with treason. At dinner that night Ser Alliser Thorne mocks Jon and his father, and Jon attacks him. That night Jon finds the wight of one of the dead men in the Lord Commander’s room. Jon kills the monster, saving the Lord Commander.

Synopsis
Ghost has led the party to the bodies of two rangers, the hounds being useless. The area makes both the hounds and the horses nervous and even Jon feels uncomfortable. Ser Jaremy Rykker identifies them as Othor and Jafer Flowers, two of Benjen Stark’s men. It was Jafer’s right hand that Ghost had brought to Jon in the weirwood grove. The corpse’s remaining hand is black as the cloak he wears. Both of the corpses have the same pale skin, black hands, and staring blue eyes.

Remarking that they are only two of the six men that Benjen took with him, Lord Commander Mormont asks Ser Jaremy how it is possible that two men died so close to the Wall without the rangers knowing; Othor even wears a hunting horn. Ser Jaremy insists that no horn was blown or it would have been heard. He goes on to complain that he does not have sufficient men to patrol and mentions the Lord Commander’s own order to stay close to the Wall following Benjen’s disappearance.

Mormont asks how the men died. A quick examination shows that Jafer was killed with an axe blow to the neck and that Othor is riddled with wounds. The old forester Dywen suggests that Othor was known to carry an axe. Ser Jaremy points out that wildlings carry axes as well, suggesting it to be the work of Mance Rayder, which Mormont finds questionable so close to the Wall. Ser Jaremy questions who else it could have been. Jon knows the answer, they all know the answer, but the Others have been gone for 8,000 years if they ever existed at all.

Mormont declares that if Benjen had been attacked so close to Castle Black he would have returned for more men before going after the attackers. Ser Jaremy suggests that, sometime in the six months that Benjen has been gone, his party was attacked by wildlings and that Othor and Jafer were only the last survivors. To support this claim, the knight points out that the two bodies cannot have been dead more than a day.

Sam now speaks up. The fat boy is present to be the eyes of blind old Maester Aemon, but Jon had had to force the cowardly boy to even look at the bodies. Now Sam insists that Ser Jaremy is wrong about the bodies. At the Lord Commander’s urging, Sam continues. He points out that the blood in the corpses’ veins is dry and crusty, as if they have been dead for a long time. However, the bodies do not stink and have not begun to decompose; they are also untouched by maggots or scavengers. Suspicious of the untouched nature of the corpses, Mormont orders Chett to bring one of the hounds closer, but no matter how hard he tries, the hound fights to stay away from the bodies. In addition, Sam points out that there are no pools of blood to indicate the men were killed there, indicating that the bodies have been moved. The old forester Dywen and Ser Jaremy also note that they do not recall either Othor or Jafer having blue eyes.

Several of the other rangers urge that the bodies should be burned, but the Lord Commander wants Maester Aemon to examine them further. It proves impossible to tie the bodies to the horses, who panic at their proximity to the corpses, so the corpses are carried back on crude slings.

Lord Commander Mormont also orders Ser Jaremy to search the area for ten leagues around, using hunters and foresters if he does not have enough men. If Benjen or any more of his men are around he will have them found, and if there is anyone else around, he will have them found as well.

As they ride back, Jon follows the Lord Commander and it is too warm with the wall weeping copiously. This weather is called by the old men “Sprit Summer,” when the season is giving up its ghosts. This means that winter is coming, and a long summer means a long winter. Jon now thinks back to the stories that Old Nan told of the Others coming riding in the dark and everything, including cities, falling before them and how they feed their servants on the flesh of human children.

When they finally see the Wall Lord Commander Mormont calls for Sam and compliments him, telling him that he is fat but not stupid.

When they arrive at the tunnel, the Lord Commander is told by Bowen Marsh, the Lord Steward, that there has been a raven. Mormont orders the bodies put in a storage room. Meanwhile, Jon notices everyone is looking at him and knows something is wrong. Jon searches out his friends and Pyp tells him that his father’s friend King Robert is dead. Jon thinks that might mean that his father will return to Winterfell and that when he visits perhaps he could find out about his mother. There are questions about the bodies, and Jon says they were queer.

As he walks to the Lord Commander’s Tower Jon notices the stares, and when he arrives he is told that Mormont wants to see him. When he enters, Mormont surprises him with an offer of wine and asks him to sit. Jon states that it is grievous news about his father and the king which Mormont confirms. The Lord Commander tells Jon of how it is said that the king loved to hunt and how the things we love destroy us every time. He then states if it had not been for the love a woman, his son Jorah, would not have thought to sell poachers into slavery. Jon does not understand, but the Lord Commander gives no answer but a repeated order to sit and drink.

Now Jon is told that his father has been imprisoned as a traitor; it is said that he plotted with Robert’s brothers to deny the throne to Prince Joffrey. Jon denies that his father could ever be a traitor, but then recalls that he fathered a bastard; where was the honor in that? Then the Lord Commander explains that he is going to contact people he once knew at King's Landing to ensure that Eddard is allowed to take the black; they could use men of Eddard’s ability on the Wall. Jon thinks that it would terrible injustice to strip his father of Winterfell but that it would be better than death. Then he remembers the new king, Joffrey, mocking Robb Stark and Ser Rodrik Cassel and not even noticing a bastard like Jon. Jon asks if the king will listen to him, and is told that he may listen to his mother and then adds that it is too bad Tyrion Lannister is not there. Mormont declares it a bad thing that his mother took Tyrion captive, but Jon corrects the Lord Commander, saying Catelyn is not his mother. Jon then asks about his sisters and Mormont promises to ask about them. Then Mormont states that he hopes that Jon is not going to do anything stupid; his duty is now here and his old life ended when he took the black. He then dismisses Jon, telling him that he can help write the letter the next day.

Jon leaves, still thinking that they are his family, wondering how it cannot be his concern and whether his father could possibly be a traitor. At the evening meal Jon realizes that everyone knows, and then his friends try to comfort him. He thinks how they are now his brothers. Then Jon hears Ser Alliser mocking both Jon and his father. In the blink of an eye, Jon jumps over the table, about to attack Ser Alliser with a knife. It is only his friends Sam, Pyp, Grenn and Todder that stop him. He is marched to his sleeping cell.

Later the Mormont visits him and tells him he told him not to do anything stupid. Now the high officers will meet to decide his fate. A guard is left at his door, and his friends are not permitted to visit him, but the Lord Commander lets Ghost stay.

Jon goes to sleep and when he wakes Ghost is scratching at the door, and it is very cold. When he opens his door, Jon finds his door guard dead. He hears noises above from the Lord Commander’s chamber. Taking the dead guard’s sword, Jon goes to the Lord Commanders chamber where the door is open and Mormont's raven is squawking. He sees the shadow of a man in black with icy blue eyes going into the Lord Commander’s sleeping chamber.

Ghost attacks the man, and Jon pulls down the curtains so that he can see. The man has his black hands around Ghost’s throat. Jon takes off an arm with a stroke of his sword and Ghost is able to wrench free. The next stroke cuts half way through the man’s face, and now Jon can see it is Othor. The severed hand now claws at his calf and Jon pulls it off. Ghost attacks the hand while Jon strikes the undead man in the neck, but Othor slams into him, knocking him down. In the fall, Jon loses his sword. Othor is on top of Jon and attempting to choke him, but is finally pulled off by Ghost. As he regains his feet, Jon spots the Lord Commander standing in the doorway naked with an oil lamp as the hand approaches him. Jon grabs the oil lamp from the Lord Commander and throws it on the drapes, setting them afire. Then Jon grabs the burning drapes and throws them onto Othor, praying that the wight will burn.

Chapter 53: Bran
Pov: Bran Stark

Place: Winterfell

Bran watches the Karstarks and then goes to the Godswood to pray for Robb and his family. Osha, who also prays to the Old Gods, disturbs his thought. She offers to go but Bran asks him to stay and tell him about hearing the gods. Then she tells him of the Others in the north, and that Robb should be marching north not south. Bran tells her he will tell his brother, and only has an opportunity to tell Maester Luwin. Then Robb marches his army south.

Synopsis
Bran is watching the last of Lord Eddard’s bannermen arrive at Winterfell from a guard turret through Maester Luwin’s fareye. When his brother Robb had news that their father was taken captive in King's Landing, he had called the Stark bannermen to gather for war. The Karstarks are the last to arrive: Lord Rickard Karstark leads them with his sons Harrion, Eddard, and Torrhen riding beside him. The Karstarks are said to have Stark blood in them, going back hundreds of years, but they do not look like Starks to Bran, big and fierce.

Bran has not been allowed to leave the castle since the incident in the Wolfswood. Robb insist that there are no men available to guard him and is not dissuaded by Bran’s argument that he can take Summer. The incident in the Wolfswood shames Bran that he is not able to protect himself; even Rickon would have been able to kick them. A year ago he would have visited the village anyway, climbing over the walls, but now he can only watch with Maester Luwin and Hodor.

Maester Luwin has taught Bran all the banners and now he has faces associated with them. Bran asks how many knights there are and Luwin tells Bran that there are over 12,000 men, but only 300 knights because the North holds to the Old Gods; knights are anointed in a sept of The Faith of the Seven. Luwin tells him, &quot;a man’s worth is not marked by a Ser before his name.&quot; Bran asks when they will leave and is told they must leave soon or the countryside will be eaten clean. Robb has a long way to go and the fighting has started. More men will join Robb as he travels south.

Bran tells Hodor that he does not want to watch anymore. Maester Luwin reminds Bran that is brother is busy greeting the Karstarks but Brans tells him that he wants to visit the Godswood. Hodor has been carrying Bran in a basket strapped to his back, an idea Luwin had gotten from baskets used by the women to carry firewood. Being carried this way does not shame Bran the same as being carried like a baby, although there is the problem that Hodor sometimes forgets Bran is on his back when going through a doorway.

When Bran exits the castle there are Karstarks arriving. Some men mock him, but Bran had been warned of this by the master. His attitude is to let them mock; he does not want to stay in his bedroom where no one will mock him. Bran calls for Summer, and the Karstark horses reel as the direwolf goes by.

When Bran arrives at the Godswood, he pulls himself out of his seat on Hodor’s back using a branch of the Weirwood. Then he lets Hodor lower him down beside the water and Bran tells Hodor that he wants to be alone with Summer. Bran has been finding himself drawn more to the Heart Tree and now he takes comfort from the deep red eyes of the Heart Tree; the old gods are looking over him. He feels safe and it gives him time to think, which he has been doing a lot of recently.

Bran prays that Robb will not go away, for the safety of his family, and for Rickon to understand. Rickon had been wild and violent since he had learned the Robb was leaving. The youngest Stark had disappeared once, and had finally been found in the crypts with Shaggydog. When he was found, Rickon had slashed at them with a sword and Shaggydog, who was also wild, had bitten Gage on the arm and taken a chunk out of Mikken’s thigh; it had taken Robb and Grey Wind to bring Shaggydog under control. Now Farlen had chained Shaggydog in the kennels and Rickon now cries more.

Luwin and Bran have both asked Robb to stay but he has refused, saying he has no choice. Bran believes this is only half a lie because Robb could have sent somebody else in charge of the force to guard the Neck. Robb’s response is that their father would not send others to die while he stayed behind the walls of Winterfell. Robb denies all who request being given supreme battle command. Many of the lords try to test Robb by making demands but he is able to handle them much as father did and bend them to his will, even when anger flairs. When Greatjon Umber demanded right to command, he drew his sword against Robb. Grey Wind immediately reacted by biting off two of his fingers. Since the incident, the Greatjon was Robb’s staunchest supporter. That night, Robb had come to Bran’s bedchamber pale and shaken. Robb had also told Bran that the most frightening bannerman is Roose Bolton, who never says a word but only looks at him. When Bolton does this, all Robb can think of is the room in the Dreadfort where they hang the skins of their enemies. Bran states that this is only a story of Old Nan’s, but then asks for confirmation.

There are many horrible stories that come with travelers, and it is impossible to say which is real, although some are obviously untrue. Then the letter from Sansa arrives with the seal of House Stark. After Robb had read the letter he crushed it. Sansa had said nothing of Arya and Robb had asked what is wrong with her. Bran had replied that Sansa has lost her wolf, remembering the day four of the guardsmen returned with bones of Lady. They buried the bones in the cemetery with the faithful servants of Winterfell; she went south and only her bones returned, like Lord Rickard Stark, Brandon Stark, and two hundred men, and none had returned. Now father, Arya, Sansa, Jory Cassel, and Fat Tom have gone south and not come back and later mother and Ser Rodrik had gone and not come back. Now Robb was going south and it frightens Bran. Bran prays that the gods look after Robb and his men going south, and that that they should defeat the Lannisters and bring father back.

Bran is surprised by words from Osha, who was apparently able to move quietly in the shackles she has to wear. She tells him that she can hear the gods answering him. When Summer comes around the pool to sniff her, she flinches. Bran calls Summer back and asks Osha, who he had not seen since she was taken captive, what she is doing here. The spearwife replies they are her gods too and the only gods beyond the Wall. Bran notes that she looks more womanly with her longer hair and her dress of brown spun. She tells Bran how Gage lets her out to do her prays from time to time while she lets him do what he wants under her skirt when he feels the need; it is nothing to her and she likes the smell of four on his hands and he is gentler than Stiv.

She offers to leave but Bran asks her to stay and tell what she means about hearing the gods. She tells him to open his ears, to which Bran replies that it is only the wind. Osha asks him who sends the winds, insisting that the Old Gods can see him and hear his words. Bran asks what they say and Osha replies that they are sad because they cannot help his brother in the South. The Old Gods have no power there because all the weirwoods were destroyed thousands of years ago; they cannot watch over his brother because they have no eyes.

Now Bran listens and it seems there is sadness in the wind, but then he only hears Hodor, who arrives naked. When Osha sees Hodor she declares that he his size denotes giant blood in him. When Bran tells her that Maester Luwin taught him that there are no more giants, Osha tells him that the Maester should ride beyond the Wall. The giants sometimes breed with men beyond the Wall, producing half-breeds, though it goes much worse on the woman that have sex with a giant. She then asks Bran is he knows what she is talking about and he tells her he has seen animals.

As Hodor returns to dress at Bran’s command, Bran admits that he is very big. Osha confirms there are giants beyond the Wall, and worse than giants: when men leave their fires they often do not come back and sometimes when they do they are wights with blue eyes and cold black hands. Osha explains that she tried to tell Robb, Maester Luwin, and even Theon Greyjoy of this, but they would not listen. She asks Bran why else she would flee south in the company of Stiv and the rest of those fools. She goes on to declare that Mance Rayder, once a sworn brother of the Night's Watch, thinks he can fight the wights, but what does he know. Osha states that she, unlike Mance, is of the north, from a long line of the Free Folk. Osha laments again that she cannot get Robb to listen and Bran suggests that perhaps Robb will listen to him. Osha is dubious but gives Bran the message,“You tell him this, m’lord. You tell him he’s bound on marching the wrong way. It's north he should be taking his swords. North, not south.”

Bran does not get to tell his brother because Robb takes his meal in the solar with the great lords to make final plans for the march while Bran has to act the host to the Karstarks in the Great Hall. When he arrives in the hall, Bran can feel the eyes on him, and then hears them murmuring about him being broken. He whispers under his breath that he wants to be a knight, which Maester Luwin overhears. He tells Bran that some call his order the “knights of the mind”, and that Bran could forge a maester’s chain at the Citadel in Oldtown. Bran states that he wants to learn magic and the crow promised he would fly. The maester tells him that he can teach Bran many things but no one can teach him magic. Bran replies that the Children of the Forest could teach him. Then he remembers what he promised Osha, and tells the maester of the threat in the north. The maester promises to talk to Osha, but it is obvious even to Bran that what he has said has made little impression.

Two days later, Robb and his army march south. Robb tells Bran that now he must be a lord, the Stark in Winterfell. Bran—who has never felt so little, alone, or scared—does not know how to be a lord. He is told to listen to Maester Luwin and to take care of Rickon; Rickon has refused to come down, stating that no one ever comes back. Robb states that mother will be home soon and he promises to bring father back. As Robb’s force leaves, Bran remembers Osha’s words: he is marching the wrong way. Then he hears the cheers from the village, and thinks they will never cheer for him. All that seems to be left in Winterfell are women, children, old men, and Hodor.

Chapter 54: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: Vaes Dothrak

Daenerys has been unable to convince Khal Drogo to assault the Seven Kingdoms to regain her throne. After Drogo leaves for a hunt, Daenerys goes to the market where a wine merchant offers her a cask of wine. When Ser Jorah insists that the merchant drink first, the merchant refuses and attempts to flee. When Drogo learns of the attempt to poison Daenerys, he makes the decision to attack the Seven Kingdoms.

Synopsis
Khal Drogo is telling Daenerys that he has no need of an iron chair. Daenerys tells him that it is prophesized that the Stallion will ride to the ends of the earth but Drogo responds that the earth ends at the salt sea which no horses can cross. Daenerys tries to explain ships to him but Drogo is not interested and leaves to go hunting. She can only hope that his hunting goes well and that he might return with more willingness to listen; maybe he will even kill a hrakkar, the white lion of the plains. Although he is brave even by Dothraki standards, Drogo still fears the sea, like all Dothraki.

Daenerys sends for Ser Jorah. When he arrives, she tells him that he needs to convince her husband to ride west. Ser Jorah explains that Drogo has never seen the Seven Kingdoms and probably thinks of them as small islands; the riches of the east seem a lot more tempting. He continues that she should have patience and not make her brother’s mistake. Ser Jorah promises that eventually they will go home. The Seven Kingdoms is something Daenerys has never seen either, and she wonders if the dosh khaleen is her future.

Ser Jorah also brings word that a great caravan has just arrived and asks if she would like to visit the Western Market; the caravan may carry a letter from Magister Illyrio. She likes this idea since it will nice to see the treasures, to hear the sound of the Valyrian language, and (since Drogo is gone) travel in a litter; she does not want to appear weak in front of her husband by not riding a horse.

Daenerys finds the market quiet compared to what she is used to. The caravans come from east and west not so much to sell to the Dothraki as to trade with each other. The Dothraki do not understand the concept buying and selling, but the merchants are welcome as long as they do not disturb the peace or profane the Mother of Mountains and give the traditional gifts to the dosh khaleen. Daenerys enjoys the wonder and magic of the Eastern Market, with its strange foods and people, but the Western Market reminds her of home. She tells Ser Jorah about how she loved to play in the bazaars of the Free Cities when she was a little girl even though they seldom had money to buy anything.

Ser Jorah tells Daenerys that he will look for merchant captain to ask about letters from Illyrio, but when Daenerys offers to join him he is insistent that he go alone. Daenerys finds this curious and wonders if the knight plans to visit a brothel afterwards. Daenerys wanders joyfully around for half the morning, even laughing for the first time since her brother’s death.

Turning a corner, they come upon a wine merchant offering thimbles of wines. Daenerys accepts a taste of the wine, speaking in Valyrian, which surprises the merchant, until Doreah steps up to declare all of Daenerys’ titles. The merchant immediately insists that the wine he was going to offer her is not worthy of a princess and offers her a cask of fine wine. Daenerys graciously accepts the cask, knowing that Drogo has acquired a taste for fine wine from his time in around the Free Cities.

As Daenerys is ordering the cask taken back to the litter, Ser Jorah appears and states he wants a taste of the wine. The wine merchant resists, insisting that Ser Jorah is not fit for such wine, but relents and pours two cups when Ser Jorah threatens him. Then Ser Jorah orders the merchant to drink. Instead, the merchant throws the cask at Daenerys and flees. Ser Jorah pushes Daenerys out of the way and Doreah just barely catches her before she falls on her pregnant belly. Jhogo uses his whip to trip the merchant. The ruckus brings a dozen caravan guards and merchant captain running. The merchant captain seems to guess what has happened. He orders the merchant taken away to await Khal Drogo and gives the merchant’s goods to Daenerys as a gift. Daenerys asks Ser Jorah how he knew but the knight insists that he only suspected because the letter from Magister Illyrio had made him fearful. As they return, Daenerys notes that her baby is moving restlessly and she comforts him with words about being the blood of the dragon.

When they get back to hollow hummock that serves as her home, Daenerys orders the rest to leave her with Ser Jorah. The knight explains that the letter from Magister Illyrio brings news that the Usurper has offered lands and a lordship to anyone that kills Daenerys and her child or her brother. Daenerys observes, with a laughing sob, that the Usurper owes Drogo a lordship for killing Viserys.

Daenerys then thinks that the Usurper has woken her dragon and looks over to her dragon eggs. She commands Ser Jorah to light the brazier despite the heat and then asks him to leave. She then pushes the eggs under the coals, wondering if she is destroying the eggs. Nothing happens and Daenerys is very disappointed, but wonders even to herself what she had expected.

Drogo returns with the carcass of a hrakkar as the stars comes out. After he tells her that he will make a cloak of the skin, Daenerys tells him what has happened. Drogo becomes very quiet as Ser Jorah tells him that this will not be the last attempt. For their roles in saving his khaleesi, Drogo gives his Ser Jorah and Jhogo their choice of his horses. Drogo also proclaims a gift for his unborn son, Rhaego: the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Drogo then swears to the Mother of Mountains that he will take his khalasar west and take the wooden horses to Westeros to kill the men in their iron suits and tear down their stone houses and rape their women.

Two days later, the khalasar leaves Vaes Dothrak, headed southwest. The wine seller is forced to run naked, chained behind Daenerys’ silver. No harm will come to the man, so long as he keeps up.

Chapter 55: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: Moat Cailin

Catelyn meets Robb’s army at Moat Cailin with the host from House Manderly and Ser Brynden Tully. When they are alone, Robb shows her the letter from Sansa, which Catelyn immediately recognizes as a veiled threat by Cersei. Catelyn tells Robb that they have no option but to win or die. Robb decides to go south in support of Riverrun with a feint down the Kingsroad to keep Lord Tywin’s force occupied.

Synopsis
Catelyn arrives at Moat Cailin, an ancient fortress of the First Men which guards the Neck. Most of the fortress has rotted away; all that is left is 3 out of 20 towers, all green with moss.

Catelyn is happy that they are not too late. She is accompanied by Ser Brynden Tully, and Ser Wylis and Ser Wendel Manderly with their 1,500 men—including 20 knights and 200 mounted men. Lord Wyman Manderly, who is too fat to sit a horse, has remained to see to the defenses of White Harbor but sent his two stout sons (who would have been the fattest men Catelyn had ever seen if she had not seen their father).

Ser Brynden, upon seeing the fortress, thinks it is a deathtrap. Catelyn reassures him that, according to her husband, it is more formidable than it seems. The three remaining towers command the only causeway across the impenetrable bogs of the Neck; to assault any one of the towers an enemy must wade through waist-deep muck and lizard-lion-infested moats then climb the moss-covered towers while exposed to attack from the other two towers. In addition, there are also supposed to be cold, vengeful ghosts of the North that hunger for southron blood. Ser Brynden jests that he, as a southron, should not linger in this place.

Catelyn heads for the Gatehouse Tower, understanding the lone Stark banner to mean that Robb has made his seat there. She arrives to find Robb surrounded by his father’s bannermen in a drafty hall. At first, Robb does not notice Catelyn but his wolf does. After his bannermen fall quiet, her son looks up and is happy to see her. Each of the lords pay their respects to her, Theon Greyjoy being the last. He expresses surprise at Catelyn’s presence, so she explains that she learned Robb had called the banners when she came ashore at White Harbor. She then introduces the Manderly brothers and her uncle.

When Robb asks, Catelyn explains that she has sent Ser Rodrik back to Winterfell to act as castellan and assist Maester Luwin in military matters. After some of the lords give Catelyn reassurance that Winterfell is safe, Lord Roose Bolton states that it is rumored that she holds Tyrion Lannister, who would be a good hostage. Catelyn admits she lost the dwarf because the gods saw fit to free him with help from her sister. She goes on to explain that, before leaving the Eyrie, she had attempted to convince her sister to let her take Robert Arryn as a fosterling; Lysa’s rage had been frightening.

Catelyn then sends the bannermen and Theon away to speak to Robb alone. Once they are gone, Catelyn notes that her son looks older, especially with his new beard. Catelyn, who is afraid for him, notes to Robb that he is only 15 and leading a host to war. Robb insists that there was no one else. Catelyn argues that he could have given command to any of the bannermen, or even Theon, although he would not have been her choice. Robb responds that none of them are Starks. Catelyn then reminds Robb that he was fighting with wooden swords less than a year ago. Robb’s eyes flair with anger but he softens and asks if she is sending him back to Winterfell. Catelyn explains that she cannot do such a thing; if she did the bannermen would lose respect for him, which will hurt him when he becomes Lord of Winterfell one day. Robb’s relief is obvious.

Robb asks if Catelyn knows about Lord Eddard's capture and she says she does; Robert’s sudden death and Eddard’s fall had scared her greatly. Catelyn asks about the girls and Robb tells her that a letter addressed to each of them from Sansa had arrived at Winterfell. Robb returns with a crumple parchment and hands it to her. She reads it—concern giving way to disbelief, then to anger, and then to fear. She exclaims that it is Cersei’s letter, and that they have Sansa hostage and mean to keep her. Robb points out that there is no mention of Arya and that he had hoped Catelyn still held Tyrion to exchange for his sisters.

Robb then asks about the knights of the Vale and is told that Lysa will do nothing and only one will ride to war: the best, Ser Brynden Tully. Robb asks Catelyn what they are going to do with the 18,000 men he does have with him. Catelyn can tell that Robb is caught in indecision and this will not do; he is worried about his father and sisters. Catelyn explains to her son that if he goes to King's Landing to bend the knee he will never be allowed to leave and if he retreats to Winterfell his lords will lose respect for him; in either case, Cersei can then do as she likes to her captives without fear. Their only hope is that Robb can defeat the Lannisters in the field; Cersei cannot harm her captives because she will need them as hostages if things go against her. However, if Robb loses there is no hope for any of them and they will suffer the fate of the Targaryen children; there is naught but stone at the heart of Casterly Rock. Robb states that that makes it simple: he will not lose.

Catelyn then asks about the situation in the Riverlands. Robb informs her that the war has begun. A fortnight past, Ser Jaime Lannister smashed the Tully force led by Lords Vance and Piper at the Golden Tooth and is now advancing on Riverrun. Meanwhile, Lord Tywin has come up from the south with an even larger army. This army ambushed the party of Lord Beric Dondarrion sent to bring Gregor Clegane to justice, killing Raymun Darry and most of the men from Winterfell. Lord Beric may have escaped, but no one knows for sure. Now Lord Tywin is marching north to Harrenhal, burning as he goes.

The news is worse than Catelyn has imagined. She asks Robb if he plans to await Lord Tywin’s army at Moat Cailin, but Robb says that no one thinks that Tywin will be stupid enough to come that far; instead he will take the castles of the river lords one by one. Robb believes that they should march south to meet him. Catelyn questions the idea of leaving their strong position at Moat Cailin, fearing that her son has no chance against seasoned battle commanders like Tywin and Jaime Lannister. Robb explains that his supplies are running low and that an army the size of his cannot live long off this land forever; now that Lord Manderly’s force has arrived, they need to march. Catelyn realizes the truth in what Robb says, remembering that Robb’s is not a standing army, but a levy of fishermen and farmers that will not stay cohesive if left idle.

Declaring that marching is all well and good, Catelyn asks Robb where he plans on marching to. Again Robb is uncertain; the Greatjon believes they should take the battle to Lord Tywin, while others think they should join with Ser Edmure Tully to defend Riverrun. Catelyn tells her son that, since he appointed himself battle commander, he must command; he cannot appear indecisive in front of his lords.

Catelyn asks Robb again what he intends to do. He declares that both plans have their merits, but he does not think a commander as experienced as Lord Tywin will be easily surprised and his forces are too strong to defeat easily. Robb decides to have his infantry continue down the Kingsroad but to send his horse across the Green Fork and then south to relieve Riverrun. This will put the river between his two forces but also between Tywin’s and Jaime’s forces. However, the only available crossing of the Green Fork is at the Twins, which is controlled by House Frey. Although a bannerman to House Tully, Lord Walder Frey has never been the most loyal; all Catelyn can think of is that the “Late” Lord Frey failed to arrive at the Trident until after the battle was done. She tells Robb that her father has never trusted Lord Walder and that he should not either.

Catelyn, impressed by Robb’s plan, asks who will command each force. Robb informs her of his plan to lead the mounted force to Riverrun himself, while command of his main army of foot soldiers moving south to intercept Lord Tywin will be given to the Greatjon. In an attempt to show Robb his error, Catelyn points out that his father considered the Greatjon one of his most fearless men, but that his father is not fearless; He is brave, but that is different. Robb reconsiders and decides he needs a man of caution and cold cunning to lead the main force. Robb realizes that he should put Roose Bolton, whose cold cunning scares even him, in command; hopefully Bolton will scare Lord Tywin as well.

Robb states that wants his Catelyn to return to Winterfell. She insists that her father is dying and her brother is surrounded by foes; her place is with them at Riverrun.

Chapter 56: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: Crossroads Inn

Tyrion arrives with his force of the Mountain clans at his father’s camp. As he is meeting with his father, the clansmen burst in, but Lord Tywin handles them coolly. When news arrives that Robb Stark’s host is coming, Tywin offers all the rewards his son promised and more to the clans if they fight for him.

Synopsis
Chella of the Black Ears is the one who locates Lord Tywin’s army, which she deduces to be 20,000 men. Tyrion has gathered a force of over 300 men from the Mountain clans and Gunthor is collecting more. He wonders what his father will make of his little army.

Tyrion wants to meet his father without the clans, but Ulf expresses distrust and Shagga insists that he will go with the “boyman,” and if he lies, Tyrion will lose his manhood. Tyrion is forced to quickly give in to the demands of his captor-followers (he’s still not sure which they are) and selects representatives from each clan to accompany him. As a parting jibe, he asks the remaining clansmen to try not to kill each other while he is gone. Tyrion dislikes having to work with the clans because they think everyone’s voice should be heard in council, which causes them to argue endlessly.

When they come to the first strongpoint, which Tyrion approaches alone, the captain recognizes Tyrion and gives them an escort. They travel past burned land and buildings. There are many carrion birds, although there are no bodies. When they arrive at the guarded camp containing hundreds of campfires, they are met by a party lead by Ser Flement Brax. Ser Flement is surprised by the appearance of Tyrion and his companions. He tells Tyrion that his father has taken the Crossroads Inn as his headquarters, which Tyrion finds a fitting full-circle to his unpleasant abduction.

As they pass the many banners, Tyrion guesses that Chella’s count cannnot be far wrong. He also notes that his clansmen are awed, which pleases him; if they are impressed with the power of Lannisters they will be easier to control. When they arrive at the inn, Tyrion is pleased to see the body of its now former innkeepter Masha Heddle rotting in a gibbet. When the stableboys emerge hesitantly to take their horses, Shagga is suspicious of surrendering his horse but Tyrion is able to convince him. Houseguards at the door direct Tyrion to his father in the Common Room.

Lord Tywin Lannister is sharing ale with his brother, Ser Kevan Lannister. Kevan sees Tyrion first and expresses surprise, but all that his father can say is that the rumors of his demise were unfounded. Tyrion tells his father that he is sorry to disappoint him, feeling uncomfortable with his deformities under his father’s gaze. Tyrion quickly covers his discomfort with a quip that he is thankful they started a war for his sake. His father takes the opportunity to chastise Tyrion for going meekly with a woman; his brother Jaime would not have gone without a fight. Tyrion replies that Jaime is also taller.

Lord Tywin then explains that Lannister honor demanded they go to war after Tyrion was captured. Tyrion asks them how that war is going. His father explains that Jaime has been covering himself in glory, smashing the forces of Lords Piper and Vance at the Golden Tooth and pushing on to defeat the main Tully forces outside Riverrun and capture Edmure Tully. Lord Blackwood has fallen back to hold Riverrun against Jaime, but the other lords have dispersed to their own lands. Many of these lords have now fallen to Lord Tywin’s army, one by one. That leaves only the Freys and the Mallisters to oppose them. Lord Tywin in not concerned; he knows that Walder Frey will not bestir himself until the winner is clear and Jason Mallister lacks the strength to stand alone. The only real threat is that the Arryns and the Starks will interfere.

Tyrion tells them that they need not worry about the Arryns, but the Starks are another matter. He is informed of Eddard Stark’s captivity and that his son Robb has called the Stark banners. Tywin remains unperturbed, declaring that Robb Stark is only a child. When Tyrion questions how Cersei has convinced King Robert to imprison his dear friend Ned, he learns that the king is dead and his nephew reigns. Tyrion immediately understands that his sister is the true ruler and knows that things will be very different.

Tyrion is then offered a command in the army: he is to handle Marq Piper and Karyl Vance, who have been raiding Jaime’s supply trains across the Red Fork, and Beric Dondarrion, who has been harassing Lord Tywin’s forging parties. Tyrion is not impressed since this would be a command of perhaps 20 men, so he reveals to his father he has a promise to keep: weapons and armor for 3,000 and wagons to carry them.

Then the door opens with a crash as the Captain of the Guard flies across the room. Shagga stamps in, followed by the other clansmen. Lord Tywin coolly asks who they are and Tyrion explains that they followed him and he wants to keep them. The clansmen tell Lord Tywin that free men have the right to sit on war councils. Lord Tywin asks Tyrion to introduce the clansmen. Once that is done, Tyrion introduces his father to the clansmen, complete with all his titles. Lord Tywin then tells the clansmen that even in the west they have heard of the prowess of the Mountain clans, and then asks what brings them here. The reply is horses, silk, and steel.

It is then that news arrives that Robb Stark’s host is coming down the Kingsroad. Lord Tywin is pleased that he will be given a chance to easily defeat House Stark so he can turn his attention towards Stannis Baratheon. He gives orders that Ser Addam Marbrand fall back to draw the northerners further south, harassing them. He then orders assembly, and compliments the mountain clans that he has heard they are without fear. He also promises that if they ride against his enemy he will provide them with all that his son promised them and more. The clansmen insist that they are being promised what is already owed. Tywin quickly covers by saying that his words were a courtesy and that his boldest knights fear to face the northerners. Timett takes the bait and declares that the Burned Men fear nothing. With the Burned Men agreeing, all the other clans agree, but only if Tyrion accompanies them into battle until the promises he made them are honored.

Chapter 57: Sansa
Pov: Sansa Stark

Place: King's Landing

Sansa attends King Joffrey’s first court session. First there is an announcement for the lords that are to appear to pledge fealty, including her family. Next, Janos Slynt, Commander of the City Watch of King's Landing, is raised to lord of Harrenhal and put on the Small Council. Then Ser Barristan Selmy is dismissed from the Kingsguard and storms out. In his place, The Hound is the made a member of the Kingsguard. Finally Sansa comes forward to ask for leniency for her father. This is granted if he admits his guilt.

Synopsis
Sansa attends King Joffrey’s first court session. As a reward for being good and promising not to leave the Red Keep, Sansa has been granted freedom of the castle by Queen Cersei. However, even Sansa realizes that it is an empty honor; she could not get past the guards in any case, and has nowhere to go. In addition, the queen has attached an “honor guard” to accompany Sansa everywhere.

The throne room has been stripped of all the hunting tapestries that King Robert loved so well. Sansa also notes that there are no smallfolk and only a very few lords, perhaps 20 where a hundred had been accustomed to wait on King Robert. As she passes among them, none of the men will meet her eyes.

Joffrey and Cersei are announced by a herald and enter escorted by members of the Kingsguard. Once seated on the throne, Joffrey declares that it is a king’s duty to punish the disloyal and reward the faithful and asks Grand Maester Pycelle to read his royal decrees. The list of those that must present themselves to swear fealty goes on for a long time. Finally, near the end, the names of Sansa’s own family are called, even down to Arya and Rickon. The naming of Arya suggests to Sansa that her sister must have escaped and be safe in Winterfell.

It is then announced that the king’s grandfather, Lord Tywin Lannister is to take up as Hand of the King in place of the traitor Eddard Stark. It is also decreed that Cersei Lannister, as Queen Regent, be seated on the Small Council and that Janos Slynt, Commander of the City Watch of King's Landing, be raised to the rank of Lord and granted the ancient seat of Harrenhal as well as a seat on the Small Council. Janos Slynt then enters the hall, displaying his new lordly sigil, to take his seat at the council table. The elevation of Slynt, a butcher’s son, to the lordship of Harrenhal visibly angers many of the knights and lords present. Finally, Pycelle reads a decree that, in these times of turmoil, the council considers the safety of King Joffrey to be of paramount importance.

Queen Cersei stands and calls forth Ser Barristan Selmy. She proceeds to thank the old knight for his many years of service in the Kingsguard but declares that the time has come for him to set aside his burden. Ser Barristan is confused by her remark until the new-made Lord Slynt explains bluntly that he is being relieved as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Ser Barristan is plainly stunned by the pronouncement, but when he protests that only death may relieve a Kingsguard of his sacred trust, Cersei asks whose death: his or his king’s. Joffrey goes even further, accusing Ser Barristan of letting his father die and declaring him too old to protect anyone.

Ser Barristan reminds them that he has long ago forsaken his ancestral lands and keep and a wife-to-be in order to serve in the Kingsguard. He goes on to recount his history as a member of the Kingsguard, protecting and serving three kings. Littlfinger notes that all three of these kings are dead. Then Cersei reiterates that Ser Barristan’s time is done because Joffrey needs young and strong men around him, and that Ser Jaime Lannister will succeed him as Lord Commander. Ser Barristan is outraged that a man that killed the king he had sworn to protect should be made the Lord Commander.

Varys attempts to calm the situation, insisting that they are not ungrateful to Ser Barristan and that Lord Tywin Lannister has agree to grant Ser Barristan a tract of land in the Westerlands with men and gold sufficient to build a stout keep and servants to see to his every need. Ser Barristan venomously declares such a gift a hall to die in and men to bury him. He removes his white cloak and armor, dropping them on the floor, declaring that he will die a knight. Littlefinger quips “A naked knight, it would seem,” which raises laughs from the entire hall, even the remaining members of the Kingsguard.

The laughter ends abruptly when Ser Barristan draws his sword, but the old knight insists they should have no fear, even though he could still cut down the remaining five Kingsguard with ease. He adds in disgust that any man who would serve under the command of the Kingslayer does not deserve the white cloak. Then he throws his sword at the foot of the Iron Throne, declaring to Joffrey, “Here, boy. Melt it down and add it to the others.” Before he leaves, the old knight suggests that perhaps Stannis will depose Joffrey and sit upon the throne. The knight’s footsteps echo through the hall as he takes the long way out.

Joffrey is incense at Ser Barristan’s talk of Stannis and at being call a boy. He orders Ser Barristan seized and questioned. Finally, Janos Slynt announces that his Gold Cloaks will see to it. It is then announced that Sandor Clegane will fill the vacancy created by the departure of Ser Barristan. Joffrey asks the Hound what he thinks, and Clegane declares that he has no lands or wife to forsake, but that he will not take a knight’s vows. Ser Boros Blount of the Kingsguard protests that the members of the Kingsguard have always been anointed knights but is quickly rebuffed.

The time has finally come for Sansa when she hears the herald ask for any further business. She nervously comes forward, thinking that she must be as strong as her lady mother. She calls out and Joffrey, seeing her, tells her to come forward, which emboldens her. She begs mercy for her father. Queen Cersei expresses displeasure, but Varys only claims that she is a child who does not understand what she says. Joffrey tells the others to let her speak.

The Small Council questions her about Eddard’s treason, and Sansa knows better than to deny it. Instead she tells them that others must have lied to her father, and that he only claimed Joffrey was not the king because of the pain from his broken leg and the effects of the milk of the poppy. Joffrey calls for his mother, who states that if Lord Eddard confesses his crime, then they will know he had repented. Sansa is praying that her Joffrey be as kind and noble as she believes he is. Joffrey agrees if Eddard admits his guilt and swears fealty he will be granted mercy. Sansa assures them that he will.

Chapter 58: Eddard
Pov: Eddard Stark

Place: King's Landing

Ned is visited in the black cells by Varys, who brings him news. Cersei Lannister will visit the next day and Varys urges Ned to admit to treason, tell his son to lay down his sword, and denounce Stannis and Renly. When Eddard states his life is not worth that much, Varys tells him that Cersei has Sansa’s, whose life is also at stake.

Synopsis
The cell that Ned has been imprisoned in contains nothing but straw that stinks of urine. There are no windows, so the darkness is absolute. Ned thinks back to Robert’s words, “The king eats and the Hand takes the shit,” and thinks, “The king dies, and the Hand is buried.” The cell is deeper under the Red Keep than Ned could imagine. He remembers the story of Maegor the Cruel murdering the masons to keep the secrets. He remembers Cersei’s words, “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die,” and he knows that he has played and lost.

As his injured leg throbs, Ned damns them all, but can only blame himself; he was a fool. To keep himself sane, he thinks and plans aloud. Stannis and Renly Baratheon are both likely gathering armies at Dragonstone and Storm's End. Catelyn will raise the North and the armies of River and Vale will join her.

As time drags on, Ned finds himself thinking more and more of Robert Baratheon as he was in the flower of his youth. In the darkness of his cell he can hear Robert ask him, “Gods, how are we come to this? You here and me killed by a pig.” Ned broods on how he failed Robert by hiding the truth and letting them kill him.

Finally, when Ned is half asleep, a jailer arrives with water, which he drinks eagerly. He asks the jailer for news but is ignored. As his solitude grows, Ned remembers when he was 18 at the Tourney at Harrenhal, when Rhaegar Targaryen won the joust. Ned remembers the moment when all the smiles died, as Rhaegar rode past his own wife to bestow the queen of beauty’s laurel on Lyanna. It was a crown of winter roses. In his delirium, when Eddard grasps the laurel there are thorns underneath and blood trickles down his fingers. Then he remembers his promise to Lyanna again.

The jailer continues to come with a jug of water, and eventually Ned no longer asks questions. He is sure that Cersei will not kill him as long as Catelyn holds the Imp.

A new jailer arrives with wine, but no food. The voice that tells him to drink is familiar; it is Varys in a very effective disguise. Varys tells him that his younger daughter escaped (which is for the best since Joffrey has no love for her), and that Sansa is still betrothed to Joffery and kept close by the queen. Sansa had pleaded for his life in court a few days previous. Ned reminds Varys that Cersei will not kill him because Catelyn holds her brother. Varys replies that Tyrion is the wrong brother. Besides, Catelyn has let Tyrion escape and he is probably now dead in the Mountains of the Moon.

Ned accuses Varys of standing by while his guards were slaughtered; Varys replies he was unarmored and unarmed and surrounded by Lannister soldiers. Varys continues by telling him that he plays his part: a courageous informer would be as useless as a cowardly knight. Ned asks if Varys will free him from this pit, and is told that he could but he would be the prime suspect. When asked if he would deliver a message, Varys admits that he will read it and then decide if it serves his purpose first. When asked his purpose, Varys states it is peace.

Varys tells Ned that he has struggled to keep Robert alive and protected him from his enemies for 15 years, but could not protect him from his friends. Then Varys asks what madness led Ned to tell the queen he knew the truth of Joffrey’s birth. Ned tells him that it was mercy; he had hoped to save the children’s lives. Varys remarks that he often forgets that Ned is one of the few honest men in the world, but he also notes that when he sees the reward Ned has earned he understands why. Ned then asks if Varys questioned Lancel Lannister about the wine. Varys explains that Cersei gave Lancel the wineskins, telling him it was the king’ favorite vintage. In any case, if it had not been the boar, it would have been something else because Cersei needed to be rid of Robert to deal with his brothers: Stannis the iron gauntlet and Renly the silk glove. Varys then points out to Ned that he should have taken Littlefinger’s advice and supported Joffrey—Ned is shocked that Varys knows about the offer.

Varys then informs Ned that the queen will visit him tomorrow and that she is frightened of him, but she fears other enemies more: Jaime Lannister fights the Riverlords, Lysa does not love the queen, the Martells lust for vengeance for the murdered Elia and her babes, and Robb Stark marches down the Neck. Robb may only be a boy, but he is a boy with an army. Then there is Stannis who has a true claim to the throne, is a skilled military tactician and is utterly without mercy. Most of all, Cersei fears that while her father battles the Starks and their allies, Stannis will descend on King's Landing, kill her and her children and proclaim himself king.

However, Varys explains, Cersei knows that that “a tame wolf is more use than a dead one,” but that telling her Stannis is the true heir will only lose him his head. Ned asks if he is expected to serve a woman that killed his king and crippled his son. The reply is that Varys expects him to do his duty: tell the queen he will admit his treason, tell his son to lay down his sword, denounce Stannis and Renly and carry Cersei’s secret to the grave. Cersei knows Ned is a man of honor and will let him take the black. Ned accuses Varys of being Littlefinger’s man, but he denies it, saying Littlefinger is the second most devious man in the kingdom. Varys only feeds him choice whispers so that Littlefinger thinks he is his, just like the queen. Ned continues that that sounds just like Varys and asks who the eunuch truly serves. Varys replies that he serves the realm, and the realm needs peace.

When Varys asks what his answer will be, Ned says his life is not worth that much. Varys brings up Sansa, telling Ned that neither he nor queen has forgotten about her. Varys notes that Rhaenys Targaryen was a child also when the Lannisters broke down her door. As he leaves he tells Ned that the next visitor can bring him either some bread, cheese, and Milk of the poppy or Sansa’s head. The choice, Varys says, is up to Ned.

Chapter 59: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: The Twins

Robb’s host arrives at the Twins, where Catelyn negotiates their crossing of the Green Fork with Lord Walder Frey.

Synopsis
Catelyn’s apprehensions grow as Robb’s host moves south towards the Twins. She fears for her father, her brother, her husband, her girls, and her sons in Winterfell. However, there is nothing she can do for any of them, so she must save her strength for Robb and for that she needs to be as fierce and hard as the north.

As she watches her son’s actions, Catelyn realizes that he has learned so much from Ned, but worries about what he has not learned. Ser Brynden leads a hundred outriders to scout and screen their movements. His reports state that Lord Walder Frey had gathered 4,000 men at the Twins and that Lord Tywin’s host is days to the south. Lord Frey should have gone south to join the host at Riverrun. When Catelyn rides forward to her son, Robb is telling his companion of the day that Lord Frey must be waiting to join his power to theirs. Catelyn reminds her son that if he expects nothing from Lord Frey he will never be surprised and that Lord Frey was always too friendly with the Lannisters for a bannerman to House Tully,

After they make camp, Theon Greyjoy brings another report from Ser Brynden. A dozen Lannister scouts have been killed, and the Lannister force under Ser Addam Marbrand is retreating south, burning as they go. Theon declares there is no way the Lannisters will know they have split their forces, but Catelyn cautions that Walder Frey may tell them. She encourages them to place archers to kill any ravens leaving the Twins, but Theon says it has already been done.

As she wonders what the Freys have been doing, Catelyn is told that there has been some fighting between the Freys and Ser Addam’s men, but most of the Frey strength is at the Twins. This gives hope to Robb that Lord Frey will honor his vows, but Catelyn points out that it is one thing to protect one’s land and another to engage in open battle.

The only way across the Green Fork north of the Ruby Ford is the bridge at the Twins, especially with the river running high and no wood for rafts. Theon suggests that that they can storm the Twin if they must (they have five times Lord Frey’s numbers), but Catelyn responds that it would not be easy. There is also no time; while they laid siege to the Twins, Lord Tywin would bring up his host and attack from the rear. Catelyn can see that Robb is unsure as he asks her what his father would do. Catelyn insists that he would find a way across no matter what it takes.

Ser Brynden arrives with the dire news that Edmure’s host has been defeated under the walls of Riverrun and scattered. Edmure himself has been wounded and captured, but some survivors have taken refuge inside Riverrun. Other news is that Lord Frey has withdrawn his strength inside his twin castles. Robb is frustrated, and states that he will pull the walls down around Lord Frey. Catelyn rebukes him, telling he sounds like a sulky boy and that sometimes words are needed. She explains that the Freys have never failed to extract their toll in the 600 years that have controlled the crossing. What this toll will be, they have yet to learn but if Robb is unwilling to pay the toll, the only option Catelyn can see is to retreat to Moat Cailin to meet Lord Tywin in battle. She rides away, not wanting to make it seem that she was usurping Robb’s authority and ask herself if her husband has taught their son wisdom, or how to kneel.

It is near midday when they arrive at the Twins, two ugly stout castles on either side of the Green Fork with a wide bridge between them. The Freys have gotten rich off the tolls from this bridge. Upon seeing the castles, the northern lords can see it would be very nearly impossible to take by storm. A dozen knights lead by Ser Stevron Frey, heir to Lord Walder, come forward from the sally port. Ser Stevron asks who leads and Robb rides forward to be told that Lord Walder invites him to share meat and mead with him in the castle and explain his purpose. None of Robb’s lords like this, fearing that Robb could easily captured and sold to the Lannisters. Catelyn can tell that Stevron is not pleased by the accusations, and attempts to save the negotiations by volunteering to go herself. There are objections, but she tells them the Lord Walder, as her father’s bannerman, will not harm her, hoping it is true. It is agreed and Stevron’s brother, Ser Perwyn Frey, remains as a hostage to her fair treatment.

The frail 90-year-old Lord Walder Frey meets Catelyn in the great hall with all but one (the hostage, Perwyn) of his 21 sons, 36 grandsons, and countless other descendants. Walder is impolite and direct; even some of his sons point out his impoliteness, but he does not respond well to their criticism. Catelyn knows that she has to be careful about her words and explains that she is there to ask him to open his gates so they can proceed to Riverrun where she would have expected to find him. Lord Walder insists that he was still gathering his strength when her brother lost the battle. Catelyn doubts Lord Walder’s version of events, but does not press the issue. Catelyn asks that they talk privately, and Lord Walder commands all the others to leave.

Once they are alone, Lord Walder declares that his descendants are all waiting for him to die, then asks why he should let Robb’s host cross. When Catelyn makes a very subtle threat about the size of Robb’s army, Lord Walder retorts that her son’s army will be 20,000 fresh corpses when the Lannister’s arrive. When Catelyn reminds Lord Walder of his vows to House Tully, the old man counters that he also swore allegiance to the king, making her and her son nothing but rebels. Lord Walder then takes his turn at threatening: if he had the sense the gods gave a fish he would deny them the crossing and let the Lannister have them. However, the old man quickly reveals that he does not care for the Lannisters either, with their gold, and their lions, and their arrogant pride. Lord Walder goes on to say that if the Lannister want his help they must ‘‘ask’’. Catelyn humbly stresses that ‘’she’’ is asking, as is her father, brother, sons, and husband with her voice.

Now Walder complains about her father insulting him by not being present for his last weddings; an insult despite Lord Hoster’s failing health. Then the old man complains about Lord Tully not marrying Edmure to one of his daughters, then he complains about how his heirs were defeated in a tourney he attended. The complaints continue, when he complains that Jon Arryn would not foster two of his grandsons, or let him foster his son. When Lord Arryn had announced that his son was going to be fostered at with Lord Stannis, Lysa had stormed off and all the Jon could do was apologize. Catelyn asks if it was not Lord Tywin that Robert Arryn was to be fostered with, but Lord Walder insists that he knows the difference between Lord Stannis and Lord Tywin. Then Lord Walder asks again why he should allow they to cross and the haggling begins.

Catelyn returns to Robb followed by Ser Jared Frey, Ser Hosteen Frey, Ser Danwell Frey, Walder’s bastard Ronel Rivers, and a long column of pikemen. She tells Robb that he has been granted the crossing and that all but 400 of Lord Frey’s forces will join his army. In exchange, two of Lord Walder’s grandsons will be fostered by the Starks atWinterfell, Olyvar Frey will become Robb’s squire, Arya will marry Walder’s youngest son Elmar, and Robb himself will marry his choice of Lord Walder’s daughters when the fighting is done. Robb, realizing he has no choice if he wants to cross, consents. Catelyn suggests that he should leave 400 archers and swordsmen at the Twins to ensure Lord Walder keeps faith under a reliable man—Robb suggests Ser Helman Tallhart, and Catelyn agrees.

Robb and his cavalry cross that evening as Lord Walder Frey watches from a litter while Roose Bolton and the infantry stay on the east bank to march south to confront the Lannisters.

Chapter 60: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Castle Black

Jon is presented with the Valyrian steel sword Longclaw by Lord Commander Mormont. Jon attempts to refuse, but the commander insists. Later, Jon gets a message that Maester Aemon wants to see him. The maester knows that Jon is divided between his duty and his family loyalties and explains that he sympathizes. When Jon rejects his empathy, the old man reveals that he is Aemon Targaryen, son of King Maekar.

Synopsis
Jon lies that he is well when asked by Lord Commander Mormont. When he had thrown the burning curtains onto the wight of Othor, Jon had burned his hand more seriously than he realized. His right hand is swathed in bandages halfway to the elbow and pains him constantly, but Maester Aemon has assured him that there will be no permanent damage aside from the scars. Jon is glad, however, that only Ghost can see him writhe and weep from the pain at night. Yet, when he does manage to sleep, Jon has nightmares of battling a wight with his father’s face that are far worse.

Jon notices that the Lord Commander looks old and grumpy without his beard, which has been shaved after it was badly singed in the fire. Mormont explains to Jon that the rangers’ search has found no sign of his uncle or more wights; two of those had been bad enough. Still both Mormont and Maester Aemon are sure there will be more because the cold winds are rising.

Jon states there was a bird last night, saying he was hoping there was something about his father. Mormont tells Jon that he would have told him if there was a message about his father. This message brought word that Ser Barristan Selmy has been cast out of the Kingsguard and is now wanted for treason, having killed two gold cloaks sent to arrest him. Mormont’s distaste is plain for men who would send gold cloaks to arrest a knight with the renown of Ser Barristan the Bold. The Lord Commander goes on to lament that they have white shadows in the woods, undead stalking the halls, and a boy on the Iron Throne.

Grand Maester Pycelle had not included any included any news about Jon’s sisters—they only tell them what they want them to know. Jon thinks that he is only told what they want him to know—he has heard nothing of his brother Robb Stark in the south.

Mormont asks when Maester Aemon believes Jon will be able to resume using his hand. Jon says soon and the Lord Commander brings out a sword, declaring that Jon is ready for it. Jon is puzzled but is told to take the sword. He recognizes it as being a bastard sword (hand-and-a-half sword) of Valyrian steel. Mormont explains that the sword is named Longclaw and has belonged to House Mormont for five centuries. After it was burned in the fire in his tower, Mormont has had the pommel remade into the likeness of a white wolfshead with red garnets for eyes.

When he was young, Jon had dreamed of doing great deeds, imagining saving his father’s life and being granted Ice in reward, but he knew it was a folly. Now the memory shames him to think that he might wish to steal his brother’s birthright. Jon does not feel that he deserves Longclaw, either, and attempts to decline but Mormont insists he had earned it with his quick thinking of using fire to destroy the wight. Jon accepts but thinks the Mormont is not his father—Eddard Stark is—and he dreams of Ice.

Mormont tells Jon that he will now have to practice his two-handed strokes as well, suggesting that Ser Endrew Tarth from the Shadow Tower, who will assume the duties of master-at-arms, can help him. Ser Alliser Thorne has been sent to King's Landing with the hand of Jafer Flowers to attempt to get the boy king’s attention. Mormont explains that a message from an anointed high-born knight should get more attention than from an old crow; it also puts a thousand leagues between Jon and Ser Alliser.

Mormont insists, however, that none of this means that he approves of Jon’s actions: it takes a man to wield Longclaw and he expects Jon to act the part. Jon agrees, thinking again that it is not the blade he would have chosen, but a fine blade, and glad that he is free from Ser Allister. Then Mormont sends Jon to fetch his supper. As he leaves, Jon sees the guards smiling; one man comments on the sword’s quality and another tells Jon he earned it. Jon is angry but cannot say why.

Outside, Jon’s friends are waiting for him, wanting to see the sword. Pyp jokes that Jon is probably the only man in the entire history of the Night’s Watch to be rewarded for burning down the Lord Commanders Tower. Even Jon has to smile; no one blames him for setting the fire that destroyed the wight, even if it did gut the top two floors of the tower. The other wight had been hacked to pieces, but not before killing Ser Jaremy Rykker and four other men. The thoughts of the wights sour Jon’s mood and he quickly leaves his friends, stating that he has to get the Lord Commander’s supper.

Jon is deeply affected by facing the wight, but does not blame his friends for not understanding. They cannot understand; they did not see the pale glow of the blue eyes or fee the cold black hands. They also do not know of the fighting in the riverlands.

Ghost is lying beside the door to his room. Jon thinks back to when he had found the direwolf hidden against the snow. He shows Ghost the pommel of the swords, stating it is him. Then Sam arrives. He does not want to see the blade, stating he has seen his father’s Valyrian steel blade and it was so sharp he feared he might hurt one of his sisters. Sam then announces that Maester Aemon wants to see him. Jon is puzzled since it is not time for his bandages to be changed, but then accuses Sam of telling the maester that he knows about the riverlands. Sam insists that he thinks the maester knew anyway. Jon tells Sam that he will find the maester himself.

Clydas is helping the master in the rookery when Jon arrives. The maester dismisses Clydas and ask Jon to assist him with feeding the ravens. As they work, Maester Aemon explains that, although other birds can be trained to fly messages, the Night's Watch has always preferred ravens. The old man goes on to explain to Jon that the sworn brothers do not wed because love is the bane of honor and duty, which the Night’s Watch cannot afford; they must be totally committed to defending the realm from the darkness to the north.

When Jon fails to understand, the maester explains that in every man’s life there comes a day when he must choose between his vows of duty and his love for his family and that only one man in ten thousand is strong enough to choose duty. Jon questions if the maester believes this is his day. Maester Aemon only replies that he knows the choice is always hard. Jon insists that the old man does not know what it feels like to be in his situation.

Maester Aemon sighs and sadly tells Jon that his vows have been tested three times: once as a boy, once in his prime, and once as an old man. The old maester elaborates that the last was just as hard as the others, regardless that he was blind, frail, and helpless. When his ravens would brought the news from the south of the ruin of his House and the death of his brother’s grandson, and his poor son, and even the little children.

Jon asks who Maester Aemon is, almost in dread. The old man insists that he is only a maester of the Citadel bound to Castle Black and the Night’s Watch, but that his father was Maekar, the First of His Name, and that his brother Aegon ruled after him in Aemon’s stead. Jon is astounded, but Aemon continues on to declare that he does know how Jon feels, and has kept his vows and lived with the choice and its consequences, as he states Jon must also...

Chapter 61: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: An unnamed Lhazareen settlement of the Dothraki Sea. {{Ref|aGoT|61&lt;ref&gt;The settlement where Mirri was first encountered was built further north than the areas usually claimed by the Lhazareen.&lt;/ref&gt;

Khal Drogo’s khalasar has defeated another khalasar, capturing a town and many captives. When Daenerys sees Dothraki warriors raping the women, she intervenes. When she finds Drogo, Daenerys is concerned about her husband’s wounds and calls for the healers. Mirri Maz Duur, one of the women she has rescued, speaks up that she is a healer, and Drogo agrees to let her tend to his wounds in her temple.

Synopsis
Daenerys moves through the trampled fields filled with the dead and wounded around the burning town of the Lamb Men, or Lhazareen. Khal Ogo’s khalasar had been attacking the town when Khal Drogo had arrived. Daenerys remembers that Khal Ogo was among those who shared the high bench at the feast when Viserys was crowned. However, this is not Vaes Dothrak.

Daenerys suspects that some of the villagers probably mistook them for deliverance, but once Khal Ogo had been defeated Drogo’s khalasar had plundered the town just as badly.

Now the captives from both the village and Ogo’s khalasar are being collected for slaves. The Dothraki captives do not seem to fear slavery, but the villagers are different, stumbling in fear and sorrow. The Lhazareen look similar to the Dothraki, but now Daenerys can see the difference. The thousands of slaves they have captured will be exchanged for gold to pay ships for the invasion of Westeros.

Ser Jorah Mormont meets her at the entrance to the village. The knight brings news that Drogo has killed Khal Ogo and his son, taking only minor wounds. He also informs Daenerys that most of the rival khalasar has fled, but there could still be as many as 10,000 captives. Ser Jorah goes on to say he has suggested they drive the slaves south to Meereen where they will fetch a better price; more than enough gold to hire the ships they need to reach the Seven Kingdoms. As she watches the carnage around her, Daenerys can only think about it being the price of the Iron Throne.

The scenes of rape that she witnesses disturb Daenerys the most. She orders Ser Jorah, and her bodyguards Jhogo and Quaro to stop the rape of a wailing girl. Ser Jorah tries to explain that this is not wise since she is depriving the riders of their reward for shedding blood for their khal. Jhogo and Quaro point out that the Dothraki believe the girl should be honored and even Daenerys’ handmaid Irri agrees. Daenerys is not dissuaded and commands Ser Jorah and the others to stop the rape. Ser Jorah declares that she truly is Rhaegar Targaryen’s sister and obeys.

To stop the rape requires the death of two of the rapers. When asked what to do with the raped girl, Daenerys commands Doreah to tend to her hurts, mainly because the blonde-haired Lysene girl does not look Dothraki. Daenerys then continues on into the city and begins to rescue all of the other rape victims she sees. Ser Jorah tries to explain that she cannot save them all, but Daenerys refuses to believe him.

Daenerys finds Drogo with an arrow through his arm and an arakh cut that has taken off one of his nipples. Drogo insists that they are only scratches and tells her that he personally slew not only Khal Ogo, but also his son Fogo, who was khal after Ogo. Daenerys praises her husband.

Then a warrior named Mago, who rides with the khas of Ko Jhaqo rides up with angry words about Daenerys’ actions. After listening to both sides, Drogo explains to Daenerys that this is the way of war. Daenerys insists that the Lhazareen women should be made wives and given a place in the khalasar. A bloodrider named Qotho asks haughtily if a horse breeds with sheep, but Daenerys replies that a dragon feeds on both horse and sheep. Drogo laughs at this and proclaims that his son inside her that has made Daenerys fierce. The khal goes on to tell Mago to find another lamb to mount, as these belong to the khaleesi.

When Drogo reaches out to Daenerys, he winces and Daenerys cries for the healers. She is told that Drogo sent the healers away to tend the more grievously wounded. It is now that Mirri Maz Duur, one of the Lhazareen women Daenerys rescued, speaks up, saying she can help. Aggo is about to cut her throat when Daenerys demands that the woman, who wears the remains of fine clothing, be allowed to speak. Mirri Maz Duur explains that she is a healer and godswife. Drogo’s bloodriders mistrust her, calling her a healer of sheep, and name her a Maegi.

Daenerys asks Mirri Maz Duur how she learned to become a healer, and the godswife states that she has learned from many including a maester. The learning from a maester immediately interests Ser Jorah, and he asks for details. Ser Jorah then tells Daenerys that maesters know much of healing.

Mirri Maz Duur continues by stating that the Great Shepherd sent her to earth to heal all his lambs. Drogo finally speaks up and permits the godswife to heal him. Mirri Maz Duur suggest that the healing magic will be stronger inside her temple. Drogo rises to walk and refuses Haggo’s offer to aid him. Seeing that her husband is weak, Daenerys moves up to help him telling him she is no man so can help him.

Mirri Maz Duur brings Drogo into the remains of her temple, and tells them that is it best if the rest leave, but Drogo’s bloodriders and Daenerys refuse. Daenerys states Mirri Maz Duur will do no harm, feeling she can trust her since she saved the woman from rape. The godswife tells them that if they insist on remaining they can help hold Drogo down. She pulls out the arrow, pours boiling hot wine on the wound, then sews the skin back in place. Next, she applies a plaster of leaves to the chest wound and tells Drogo not to drink wine or milk of the poppy or to remove the poultice for ten days. When told he will have a great scar, Drogo declares, “I sing of my scars.”

Daenerys asks the godswife about an earlier comment about birthing songs and learns she is also a midwife. Therefore, she asks Mirri Maz Duur to attend her when she gives birth. Drogo tells her, “You don’t ask a slave, you tell her.” Then Drogo commands that the khalasar must ride and leaves. Qotho lingers long enough to remind the godswife, “As the khal fares, so shall you.”

Chapter 62: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: By the Green Fork of the Trident

Tyrion and his clansmen are assigned to the van under the command of Ser Gregor Clegane. When he returns to his tent, Tyrion finds his new servants and a whore, Shae, that Bronn has found for him. Tyrion wakes to horns—Robb Stark’s host has made a night march and is preparing for battle. In the fight, the clansmen do well, the enemy is routed, and Tyrion captures a knight. Afterward, Lord Tywin Lannister learns that Robb Stark is headed with most of the horse to Riverrun.

Synopsis
A long table draped with a gold cloth has been set up on a hill over the Kingsroad for Lord Tywin Lannister and his chief knights and lords bannermen for the evening meal. Tyrion, arriving late, is embarrassed as he waddles up to the table. Lord Tywin mocks that Tyrion should be charged with burying the dead if he plans to arrive as late to battle as he does to table. Tyrion replies sourly that surely a peasant or two could be found for him to kill.

The news from Ser Addam Marbrand is that Robb Stark has moved south from the Twins with Frey levies in tow. Tyrion mockingly protests that he is about to eat and Tywin asks if the thought of coming to grips with Robb unmans him. Tyrion jests that he would prefer coming to grips with the roast pig, which is far more tender and better smelling than Robb.

The army’s quartermaster, Lord Leo Lefford, who has had to supply Tyrion’s 300 clansmen, uses this opportunity to quip that he hopes the clansmen are braver than Tyrion. Tyrion assures him that the arms and armor will be put to good use. Ser Kevan, who Tyrion knows is giving voice to Lord Tywin’s thoughts, takes the opportunity to inform Tyrion that he and his clansmen will fight in the vanguard since they seem so ferocious. Tyrion stresses the ferocity of the clansmen by recounting their recent lethal fight over a sausage.

Lord Tywin uses this as evidence of a poor commander who cannot maintain discipline. Tyrion knows that his brother could always make men follow him eagerly, but Tyrion lacks such charisma and must use gold and his family name to get men to follow him. Tywin then tells Kevan that because the clansmen have no discipline, maybe they should not be in the vanguard. When Lord Tywin suggests that he should guard the baggage instead, Tyrion angrily agrees to command the vanguard, only to learn that he will not command, but be under Ser Gregor Clegane. Disgusted, Tyrion excuses himself after only eating one bite of the delicious pork.

Tyrion gets lost in the camp and only finds his clansmen by following the sounds of Shagga’s laughter in the dark. Conn calls for him to share their meat and Tyrion agrees to join them when it is cooked, doubting it will be before the battle. From there he finds his tent where Bronn is sharing wine his new servants—a groom, a body servant, a squire named Podrick Payne, and slim young dark-haired whore named Shae. Tyrion had told Bronn to find him a young one with a pretty face and to be sure to tell her who and what he is, so as to avoid the displeasing look of revulsion that sometimes greets him.

Tyrion likes the girl Bronn has found. He invites Shae into his tent. When he asks if she is a maiden, Shae tells him that finding out will cost him double and Tyrion decides they will get along fine. Tyrion explains that her duties besides sleeping with him include serving him and monogamy. When they have sex, Shae expresses pleasure, which pleases Tyrion, who decides he does not care if it is feigned. Tyrion also finds it good to be with a woman after nearly a year of enforced abstinence.

Afterward, he sneaks out of the tent without waking Shae. Outside, he asks Bronn where he found her and is told that she was stolen from a knight because all the pretty ones were taken. Tyrion comments that he did not ask Bronn to make him an enemy, but agrees to keep Shae. When Tyrion asks for the name of the knight so he can avoid him in battle, Bronn insists that Tyrion will have him for protection. Tyrion then tells Bronn that if they both survive the battle, he can name his reward. Bronn asks who would want to kill Tyrion and Tyrion explains who has put them in the vanguard. Bronn only laughs and jests that a small man with a big shield will give the enemy archers fits.

Tyrion returns to the tent to find Shae. When Tyrion asks her whom Bronn has taken her from, she tells him that the knight was a minor figure and a small man. Tyrion mockingly asks if she takes him for a giant, but Shae insists she does, calling him ‘’my giant of Lannister.’’

Tyrion wakes before dawn to battle horns and Shae’s cries. Outside, Bronn informs him that the Stark host has come down the Kingsroad at night are forming up for battle a mile north. Tyrion’s well-fitting suit of armor is at Casterly Rock, so Podrick Payne and Shae help him into the ill-fitting oddments that have replaced it. Tyrion asks Shae to weep for him if he dies, but she only asks how he will know. He is helped onto his heavily armored horse and given his battle-axe. Shae tells him he looks fearsome, but Tyrion disagrees. He instructs his squire Podrick to take her safely home if they lose. As the sun rises and he rides north, the clansmen fall in behind him.

At the battlefield, Lord Tywin commands the reserve in his armor that puts Jaime’s to shame. Ser Kevan commands the center and Ser Addam Marbrand the right, where Lord Tywin has massed his armoured knights. The northmen will be tired after their long sleepless march; Tyrion wonders what Robb Stark was thinking.

Tyrion spies the massive Ser Gregor Clegane with the vanguard massing on the left. Bronn, looking at Ser Gregor, states that it is best to always follow the big man into battle since he attracts all the archers, which Tyrion finds amusing. They hear Ser Gregor tell his men that if anyone ran he would cut them down himself. Tyrion receives his orders to hold the left of the left next to the river. When Tyrion’s clansmen reach the river, Tyrion commands them to keep themselves between the enemy and the river. Then the clansmen raise their battle cry of “Halfman!”

Although the van is all mounted, it is comprised of misfits and sweepings, including half-trained boys. Tyrion notes that the force is unfit to hold the left, and wonders what his father was thinking. When the enemy appears, their numbers seem great, but Tyrion knows that his father has more. He also notes that the Freys are among the enemy.

The northerners charge and are answered first by the Lannister bowmen. Ser Gregor orders the charge, and the clansmen quickly leave Tyrion in their dust. The charge nearly breaks against the Karstark spearmen opposing them, but Ser Gregor’s horse crashes through the shield wall as it dies. The monstrous knight rises from his fallen mount and begins slaying men all around. Before the gap in the enemy line can close, Shagga rides through right behind Ser Gregor, followed by the other clansmen.

The northmen’s line begins to crumble under the assault. Then Tyrion and Bronn are in the fight and Tyrion successfully defeats a number of enemies, including a close fight with a tall northerner that Tyrion only overcomes because his horse bits his cheek, giving Tyrion the opening to kill him. Then a knight with a morning star comes at Tyrion, wounding and unhorsing him. The knight calls for Tyrion to yield, but Tyion uses the spike on his helmet to eviscerate the horse, which falls on the knight, disabling and trapping him. The knight yields to Tyrion. Tyrion can now see that the battle has moved past him. The northerners are being pushed against the hills and pelted by arrows. Finally, Bronn rides up and Tyrion sees his father ride by with the reserves to break the northerners. Tyrion finds the remnants of his clansmen; of whom perhaps half, including Conn and Ulf, are dead.

Tyrion searches for his father and finds him sipping wine as his armor is removed. Lord Tywin tells him that his clansmen fought well. Tyrion asks if that surprised him and if they were supposed to be butchered. Lord Tywin admits that he expected the left to collapse, hoping that Robb Stark would press into the breach where they might capture him. Tyrion demands to know why he was not informed. His father declares that a feigned rout is always less convincing and that he is not in the habit of trusting men who consort with savages and sellswords. Lord Tywin continues that the Stark boy proved more cautious than expected, but it is a victory. Then Tywin notes that Tyrion is wounded and Tyrion asks that he call for his maesters.

At that moment, Ser Addam Marbrand rides up with the news that Lord Cerwyn, Ser Wylis Manderly, Harrion Karstark, and four Freys were captured while Lord Halys Hornwood is dead. The bad news follows: Lord Roose Bolton has escaped, and Robb has crossed with most of his horse at the Twins and is riding hard forRiverrun. Tyrion remembers his father’s words that the Stark boy would be more brave than wise and thinks that he would have laughed if it didn't hurt so much.

Chapter 63: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: The Whispering Wood, in the vicinity of Riverrun

Robb Stark has managed to lead his host to Riverrun without detection. Now Catelyn waits with her guards as her son leads his host to ambush a force led by Jaime Lannister. Once the battle is over, Robb returns with Jaime as a captive. However, the death of several of Robb’s party mars the sweetness of the victory.

Synopsis
Catelyn is protected by 30 men under the command of Hallis Mollen, the Winterfell captain of the guards, as Robb’s host waits to descend upon Ser Jaime Lannister in the Whispering Wood. Robb had wanted to leave her 50 guards and Catelyn had only wanted 10, so neither of them had left happy.

Robb’s army had ridden hard all the way from the Twins to catch Jaime by surprise. Along the way, the Mallisters had joined them and they had gathered some of the forces scattered after Edmure’s defeat, but Ser Jaime Lannister still outnumbered them three to one. However, the Lannisters have been forced to separate their 12,000 foot and two or three thousand horse into three different camps separated by rivers in order to besiege Riverrun, leaving them vulnerable. In addition, Catelyn’s uncle Ser Brynden had led a screening force of 300 picked men to kill the few outriders that Ser Jaime Lannister bothered to post, allowing their advance to remain unknown to Ser Jaime.

Before they face the siege, however, Robb and his men have concocted an elaborate trap. Unable to endure the boredom of a siege, Jaime Lannister has personally ridden out three times to chase raiders. To exploit this, Robb had sent a few hundred men with Tully banners to lure Jaime and his men into an ambush in the narrow valley of the Whispering Wood.

As she waits, Catelyn realizes that she is again waiting for a man that promised to return from war, as she has done all her life. First, she had waited for her father when she was young. Then it had been for Brandon Stark, who had never come back. Then she had waited for Ned Stark, who had left a fortnight after he married her to fight against the the Targaryens. At least Ned had left her pregnant with Robb, whom she must wait for now.

Robb had shown no fear as the battle had approached, but Catelyn still feared for the life of her son, remembering him as a babe at her breast. As Robb’s squire Olyvar Frey had helped with his shield and helm, Catelyn had seen a tall young knight appear where her son had stood. Robb had left her to let his men see him before the battle, as his father had once recommended, with his direwolf Grey Wind shadowing him.

Horns blow and arrows fly as the trap closes. Catelyn can initially see the moonlight on the lances, but soon can only hear the sounds of the battle. Eventually the sounds fade, and then Robb returns on different horse with the blood of one of his bodyguards on his arm. They drag Ser Jaime before Catelyn and he tells her that he would offer his sword, but he seems to have mislaid it. She asks him to return her husband and daughters, but he replies that he mislaid them as well.

Theon Greyjoy calls for his head but Robb considers the Kingslayer more valuable alive and, like his father, refuses to condone murder of prisoners. Robb orders Ser Jaime taken away with a strong guard in part to protect him from Rickard Karstark, who will want his head for killing his sons Torrhen and Eddard along with Daryn Hornwood. Catelyn then learns that when Jaime had seen he was lost, he had charged Robb’s party, hoping to cut down Robb. Robb states that he would be dead if not for Lord Karstark’s sons and the others.

Despite this, the battle is a resounding victory for Robb. They have taken close to a hundred knights and a dozen lords bannerman captive. Catelyn points out that they have only won one battle, not the war. Although they took the leader, most of the Lannister host is still besieging Riverrun, and they still have to deal with Lord Tywin Lannister. Robb tells the others that Catelyn is right, and that they still have the siege of Riverrun to defeat.

Chapter 64: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: Dothraki Sea

Khal Drogo falls off his horse. Daenerys orders the halt of the khalasar for the day and calls for Mirri Maz Duur. When the godswife arrives, she states that Drogo will die, and, after Daenerys begs for some option, tells her that blood magic can save him. As the rite is being performed in the tent, Drogo’s bloodriders arrive, and want to kill the godswife. A fight ensures where Ser Jorah Mormont is injured and all of Drogo’s bloodriders are killed. At the same time, Daenarys starts to hemorrhage. Afterward Ser Jorah carries her into the tent.

Synopsis
Khal Drogo is looking drawn and swaying in his saddle. He makes no reaction as the large bloodflies circle and bite him. This concerns Daenerys who is used to seeing her husband catch the hated insects with his hands, quick as a snake, when they come too near.

Drogo tore off the poultice Mirri Maz Duur had prepared for him six days ago, complaining that it itched. Instead, he used the soothing mud plaster of the herb women. He has also been drinking poppy wine, fermented mare’s milk, and pepper beer heavily but not eating much. At night, he thrashes violently.

As Daenerys reaches for him, Drogo reels from the saddle and falls heavily to the ground. Daenerys rushes to him. On half conscious and struggling in her arms, Drogo insists that he must ride, for the khal who cannot ride is no khal. Now Drogo has fallen from his horse and it has been seen.

When his bloodriders come up, Daenerys commands that they will halt for the day and that the slaves be called to erect Drogo’s tent. The bloodriders are not happy with either command; the region is not a camping ground and a woman cannot command. Regardless, Daenerys commands Qotho to find Mirri Maz Duur.

Once the tent is erected, Daenerys and her handmaidens bring the feverish Drogo inside and bathe him. Finally, Ser Jorah Mormont arrives with news that word of Drogo’s fall is all over the camp. He asks Daenerys to send her maids away and breaks the plaster from Drogo’s wound. The wound has festered and is rank with corruption. Ser Jorah declares that Drogo is beyond saving and that they must flee before he dies.

Daenerys asks why she should run; her son will be khal after Drogo. Ser Jorah explains that the Dothraki follow only the strong; the khalasar will not follow a baby. Indeed, the kos will fight for the leadership and her baby will be killed as a challenge to their authority. Daenerys insists that her khas and Drogo’s bloodriders will keep her child safe, but Jorah reminds her that the bloodriders last duty is only to return her to the dosh khaleen in Vaes Dothrak and then follow their khal. Daenerys does not want to return to join the dosh khaleen, but she also refuses to leave Drogo.

Mirri Maz Duur, looking exhausted, arrives with Qotho. Both Qotho and Haggo, taking one look at Drogo, believe it to be the godwife’s fault and start beating her. When Daenerys demands that they stop, Qotho threatens to stake Daenerys out to be rape along with the maegi. Ser Jorah intervenes and eventually the bloodriders leave.

After they leave, Ser Jorah explains that the bloodriders die with their khal and are now beyond fear because they see their death approaching. Daenerys tells Ser Jorah to don his armor. Once the knight has left, Daenerys tells Mirri Maz Duur to heal Drogo. The godswife states that he is beyond help and will be gone by morning. Daenerys pleads with her, declaring that there must be a way, a magical way. Mirri Maz Duur states that she does know some dark magic learned at great cost from a bloodmage from the Shadow Lands; it will cost a life. Daenerys asks if it means her life, but Mirri Maz Duur assures her it does not.

They lower Drogo into a bath and bring his stallion into the tent. Jhogo pleads with Daenerys not to use forbidden bloodmagic and to allow him to kill the maegi. It takes Rakharo, Quaro, and Aggo to force the frightened stallion to the tub while Mirri Maz Duur chants. The godswife uses a red bronze knife covered in glyphs to cut the horse’s throat and fill the tub with blood. The godswife then orders Daenerys, now filled with fear, to leave the tent; no one must look upon the old and dark powers the godswife’s spell will wake. Outside, the gathered crowd stares at her. When Ser Jorah, now in his armor, sees the bloody footprints Daenerys leaves he asks what foolish thing she has done.

Daenerys can now hear the maegi’s voice and see the shadows moving inside the tent. The Dothraki start to mutter and draw back. Drogo’s bloodriders return with the healing eunuchs. When Qotho sees what is happening he moves toward the tent, intending to kill Mirri Maz Duur and then Daenerys. He pushes Daenerys aside as she tries to interfere and she screams for her khas to stop him. Quaro is quickly cut down, but Ser Jorah steps forward to confront Qotho. Without his helmet, the knight is hard pressed by Qotho’s rapid strikes. Then Qotho’s arakh cuts into Ser Jorah’s hip and catches on the bone, giving Ser Jorah the opportunity to dispatch Qotho.

Meanwhile, the other bloodriders and members of Daenerys’ khas have also come to battle. Jhogo’s whip catches Haggo around the neck, giving Rakharo the chance to kill him. Daenerys is hemorrhaging from the birth of her child and crawling toward the tent, screaming that the price is too high. The bloodrider Cohollo catches her and is about to kill her when Aggo’s arrow takes him in the chest.

When Daenerys raises her head again, the crowd is dispersing, some saddling horses and riding off as the sun sets. She cannot rise and the shadows are whirling inside the tent. Ser Jorah comes to assist her and calls for her handmaids to get the birthing women. Doreah informs him that they believe Daenerys is cursed and are gone. Then she hears someone (possibly Aggo) telling them to take her to the maegi. Daenerys knows she does not want to go into the tent, but cannot speak. Irri and Doreah both agree that they heard Mirri Maz Duur say she knows about birthing.

Ser Jorah carries Daenerys into the tent.

Chapter 65: Arya
Pov: Arya Stark

Place: King's Landing

Arya is surviving on the streets of King's Landing by hunting pigeons. When she hears the summoning bells, she follows the crowd to watch her father confess his treason. Once the confession is done, King Joffrey demand his head. Arya attempts to go fight to him but first the crowd and then Yoren of the Night's Watch stop her. He tells her that she is coming with him.

Synopsis
Arya is catching pigeons on the Street of Flour. Compared with catching cats, pigeons are easy. She uses her wooden practice sword to knock one from the air and snaps its neck.

After taking the pigeon, Arya walks by a cart filled with tarts. When she asks for one she is charged 3 coppers that she doesn’t have. The man also declines to trade for her pigeon. Arya uses the seeing taught by Syrio Forel and decides she could steal one and get away, but the seller guesses her intention and points out the two Gold Cloaks a distance behind her. Even though they were paying her no attention, the sight of the Gold Cloaks ties her stomach in knots and she lets the man pass.

At the castle, which she avoids, Arya can see the heads rotting on spikes. There are all sorts of stories among the smallfolk: Lord Renly killed King Robert and fled, or the king died hunting a boar, or the king died eating a boar, or the king was poisoned by Varys or by the queen. The stories only agreed that the king is dead.

Arya wants to leave King's Landing, but the seven city gates are either closed completely, open only to entering, or closely guarded by Lannister guardsmen and gold cloaks, who search everything and ask questions. Once she considered swimming the river, but the current is treacherous and she cannot afford a ferryman or a ship. Arya imagines that if she can escape to the countryside, she can dig for roots, find orchard, pick berries, and travel north.

There are pot shops in Flea Bottom where she can get her birds cooked or exchanged for some bread or stew, but the people in them seem dangerous. Arya had even been chased a couple of times when leaving, probably for her boots or cloak, but she had outran them. She often goes hungry rather than endure the stares of the people in the pot shops.

The first night she spent on the street, her silver bracelet and her bundle of good clothes were stolen while she slept. All the thieves had left her were the clothes and cloak she was wearing, her practice sword, and her real sword “Needle,” which she had been sleeping on.

She misses her brothers. She tried to talk to the other children, but must have talked wrong (likely with a northern accent) because the young ones all ran away and the older ones asked questions, called her names, or tried to steal from her. One girl, twice her age, had even knocked her down to try to steal her boots and had been rewarded with a smack from her practice sword.

On her daily circuit to check the city gates, Arya decides to go to the riverfront on her way to the Mud Gate to see if she might be able to stow away on a ship. The wharfs are too quiet. On a pier she sees men in the livery of Winterfell guarding a ship. She learns from a passing longshoreman that the ship is called the Wind Witch out of Myr, which is the same ship that her father contracted to take her and Sansa home. As she approaches the ship she suddenly remembers to use the seeing that Syrio taught her again and realizes she does not know the guards. They call to her and she plays the part of a boy trying to sell them the pigeon, knowing they will recognize her if she runs. The ploy works and they send her away dismissively.

Somehow, Arya finds her way back to Flea Bottom and discovers her pigeon is gone, either stolen or dropped. Then she hears the bells of Baelor's Sept and wonders what it means this time. From one of the passersby she hears that it is a summoning and from another she hears that the Gold Cloaks are carrying the Hand of the King to the Sept.

Arya follows the masses. All around her the townsfolk discussing her father and the rumors of his treason. She pushes through the crowd and finds herself next to the statue of Baelor the Blessed, the Septon King, and climbs up so she can see. From this vantage point she can see her father supported by two Gold Cloaks in a rich velvet doublet and a grey cloak, his face drawn with pain and thinner than Arya has ever seen. With him on the pulpit are the High Septon, King Joffrey, Queen Cersei, the Hound, four other members of the Kingsguard, Varys, Littlefinger, and Sansa; Arya wonders why Sansa is there and why she is looking so happy.

Then her father makes a speech in which he confesses that he betrayed the trust of King Robert. A stone from the crowd strikes him, causing a gash on his face and more stones follow. The High Septon intones that Blessed Baelor taught mercy along with justice and asks Joffrey for his verdict. Joffrey declares that his mother and his betrothed have requested that Lord Eddard be allowed to take the black but then states that, while he is king, treason shall never go unpunished. He then calls for Ser Ilyn Payne to bring him Eddard’s head. This causes an uproar around Joffrey as the High Septon, Cersei, and even Varys protest the decree.

Arya jumps to the ground, drawing Needle, but the crowd quickly engulfs her. She sees Ser Ilyn raise Ice—he has Ice!—and hears Sansa screaming. She continues to fight toward them, using Needle to cut a path. Next thing she knows, a hand shoots out to grab her and hold her tight, forcing her to drop her sword. The smelly old man who has grabbed her tells her not to look and calls her a boy. Then she hears a soft sighing noise.

Then Arya looks at the smelly man and recognizes him as Yoren of the Night’s Watch, who talked with her father. He tells her to keep her mouth shut and that she is coming with him. Yoren shakes her hard when she tries to speak. Once the crowd starts to disperse, he hands her back Needle, telling her he hopes she can use it. He keeps calling her a boy and does not give her the opportunity to deny it, insisting that she is trying to say she is not a smart boy.

Yoren shoves her inside a doorway and a blade flashes at Arya’s face; she wrenches back her head but cannot escape because Yoren has a strong grip on her hair.

Chapter 66: Bran
Pov: Bran Stark

Place: Winterfell

Bran Stark and Rickon Stark have the same dream about seeing their father in the crypts. Maester Luwin takes Bran down to the crypts to show him his father is not there. They find Rickon already there. They go back to the Maester’s turret where Luwin tells them about coming of the First Men, the treaty with the Children of the Forest and the coming of the Andal men. A raven arrives with news of Lord Eddard’s death.

Synopsis
Bran is watching Ser Rodrik Cassel train the new young recruits in the yard of Winterfell. Maester Luwin is taking measurements of the comet through his lens tube. Bran tells Luwin that they do not fight very well, and is told that Lord Eddard took the cream of the guard with him to King's Landing and then Robb took the rest along with all the likely men for leagues around; men are needed to walk the walls of Winterfell. Bran stares resentfully at the boys below thinking how he had knocked Prince Tommen down many times. Then Bran advances the idea of fighting from the back of Hodor, but Luwin dismisses the idea as impractical. Bran talks about the blind knight Symeon Star-Eyes, but Luwin insists that is only a story and that he must put his dreams aside.

The mention of dreams brings Bran to his dreams of the three-eyed crow, a dream that was very sad. He tells Luwin how the crow brought him down to the crypts and father was there; Father was sad, because of Jon. When he woke up, he wanted to go down to the crypts to see if Father was there, but Hodor will not carry him down into the crypts. Luwin tells Bran that Eddard will be down there someday, but that will not be for many years. Bran insists the dream was real and that his father was there. In order to dispel the boy’s delusion, Maester Luwin calls for Osha, who tells them that she has lived beyond the Wall, a hole in the ground will not scare her. Because of Osha’s good behavior, the chains from her shackles removed, but the shackles remain to show she is not totally trusted. She carries him with sure steps in her arms, but Bran does not mind.

The vault seems very dark and gloomy. Summer and Osha seem uncomfortable. When Bran states that the men represented by the granite statues were the Kings of Winter, Osha tells him that winter has no king; if he had seen it he would know. They proceed down the long corridor, past the statues, but Summer refuses to leave the steps. Bran tells the accomplishments of the different lords and kings: Jon Stark, Rickard Stark, Theon Stark, Brandon the Shipwright, Brandon the Burner, Rodrik Stark, Torrhen Stark, and Cregan Stark. When they get to the end with the statues of Brandon Stark, Lyanna Stark and Lord Rickard Stark, Luwin sticks his arm into the future tomb of Eddard, and Shaggydog springs out and savages Maester Luwin's arm.

Bran calls for Summer, who slams into Shaggydog, knocking the wolf off Luwin. Osha has goes to assist Luwin. As the wolves fight, Rickon appears at the mouth of Eddard’s tomb, telling Luwin to leave his father be. When Bran tells Rickon father is not there, Rickon states that he saw him last night, and that he is coming home. Luwin now, looking unsure, tells Rickon that Shaggydog was supposed to be chained. Rickon replies that he does not like to be chained, and Luwin states that he is now the third man that Shaggydog has savaged and it will only be a matter of time before he kills someone. Bran calmly states they will wait in Maester Luwin's tower, which Luwin states is quite impossible. Osha replies that the Bran is the lord. Rickon agrees to come if Shaggy comes too. Maester Luwin reluctantly follows.

They enter Maester Luwin's cluttered turret, where Osha proceeds to bandage the maester's wound, following his instructions. Luwin tries to explain to the boys about the logic of them both dreaming the same dream. He tries to say the Rickon is too young to understand, to which Rickon states that he is four. Then he tells Bran that he is old enough to know that dreams are just dreams. Osha adds in that some dreams are just dreams and some are not; the Children of the Forest could teach him something about dreams.

Bran starts to go into the stories that Nan told about the Children of the Forest: they knew the songs of the trees, fly like birds, swim like fish, talk to animals, and make beautiful music. The Maester says that a man who trusts in spells duels with a glass sword. Luwin takes out several arrowheads made of dragonglass, or obsidian, which the children of the forest forged. He tells them that the children used shirts of woven leaves and greaves of bark in place of armor and carried blades of obsidian; Osha comments that they still do. Bran and Rickon each take some arrowheads.

'The Children lived during the Dawn Age, before the coming of men in the land now called the Seven Kingdoms. They lived in the depths of the woods, in caves and crannogs and secret tree towns. Their wise men were called greenseers and carved the faces in the weirwoods to watch over the forest. No one knows how long they reigned or where they came from.' Twelve thousand years ago, the First Men crossed the broken arm of Dorne before it was broken. The First Men were mounted, tall of stature and wielded bronze weapons.

The First Men chopped down the weirwood trees to build holdfasts, and the Children of the Forest, enraged, started a war. The greenseers supposedly used dark magic to make the sea rise and break the landmass that is now the broken arm of Dorne. Finally, a truce was called and the leaders of both races met on the island in the God's Eye now known as the Isle of Faces. After the Pact was forged, the greenmen formed to keep watch over the Isle of Faces. The First Men eventually adopted the gods of the wood worshiped by the Children. The signing of the Pact ended the Dawn Age and began the Age of Heroes. The Pact started 4000 years of friendship between the Children and the First Men. While the kingdoms of the First Men endured, so did the Pact, all through the Age of Heroes, the Long Night, and the birth of the Seven Kingdoms.

Eventually the Andal invaders came with steel, fire, and the seven-pointed star of the new gods. The war lasted for hundreds of years, and the Andals burned most of the weirwoods remaining in the south, slaughtering the Children where they found them. The Children fled north. During the story, Osha adds that there are still children north of the Wall, and also giants, and other old races; Maester Luwin is not happy with Osho filling the two boys with folly.

Luwin’s tale is cut off when the two direwolves start howling. Now Bran is sure that he had known it. The direwolves quiet and a bloodied raven appears. Even Maester Luwin is not sure he wants to know what is in the message. Bran, hugging Rickon hard, asks about the message and Osha tells him he knows, while putting a hand gently on his head. Maester Luwin reads the message and tears up as he tells them that they will need to find a stone carver that knew their father’s likeness well.

Chapter 67: Sansa
Pov: Sansa Stark

Place: King's Landing

Sansa is in a depression after the execution of her father. Joffrey arrives to browbeat her into attending him in court. After court, Joffrey takes her to the ramparts to see the head of her father and household. Joffrey tells her he will give her Robb’s head, and she tells him that maybe her brother will give her his. For a fleeting moment, Sansa has the opportunity to push Joffrey off the wall, but it disappears too soon.

Synopsis
Sansa stays in her room in Maegor’s Holdfast, sleeping, sobbing, and sleeping again. She does not eat the food that the servants bring. When she dreams, she relives her father’s beheading. She remembers wanting to look away, but not being able to. She remembers that all the people were screaming and she remembers Joffrey smiling and feeling safe until he had said those words.

Sansa believes she will be executed and the thought does not bother her; she knows songs will be sung about her. She even considers throwing herself from her window, but cannot summon the courage and runs back to her bed sobbing. She has dream of footsteps that belong to Ser Ilyn Payne coming for her with Ice. In the dreams, when Ser Ilyn is at her door she realizes she is naked, and covers herself and screams out that she will be good.

Finally, Joffery arrives with the Hound and two others of the Kingsguard. Joffery throws the curtains of the bed open and tells her that she will attend him in court that afternoon. Sansa begs him to leave her be, but Joffery threatens to have his Hound force her. When she does not move, he orders the Hound to get her out of bed. She struggles as her blankets fall away to show that she only wears a thin bed gown. The Hound then tells her “Do as you are bid, child; dress.” He pushes her to the wardrobe almost gently.

She tells Joffrey that she did as she was asked, and now only wants to go home. Joffrey tell her that his mother says he is still to marry her, so she will stay here. She responds that she does not want to marry him because he killed her father despite promising mercy. Joffrey insists he was merciful: he gave her father a clean death. Sansa now really sees Joffrey for the first time, and cannot believe she had ever found him handsome. Sansa whispers that she hates him. Joffrey tells her that his mother has said he should not strike his wife, so he orders Ser Meryn to strike her with the back of his gloved fist. Sansa sprawls senseless to the floor, her ear bloody. She agrees to attend court and all but the Hound leave. The Hound tells her that she should save herself some pain and give Joffrey what he wants: she is to smile, smell sweet, and be his lady love.

Two maids creep timidly into the chamber. Sansa instructs them to prepare a bath and to get powder to hide the bruise on her face. She is amazed at how dirty her bathwater becomes, despite not having washed since her father’s execution. She chooses the green silk gown she had worn at the Tourney of the Hand when Joffery had been sweet to her—maybe he would remember and be gentle.

Ser Meryn escorts her to the throne room. From her observation of Ser Meryn, Sansa realizes that he feels nothing towards her; she is only an object. Sansa tells Ser Meryn that he is no true knight, which she thinks the Hound would find amusing, and gets no reaction.

She is alone on the balcony as Joffrey dispenses what he considered justice. Mostly he let his Small council make the decision, but when he intervenes he will not be dissuaded. She sees the ugly face of Janos Slynt at the council table and remembers how he threw down her father for Ser Ilyn to behead. She also notices how he nods at each of Joffrey’s brutal judgements. She wishes some hero would cut off his head but knows there are no heroes, remembering Petyr Baelish telling her “Life is not a song.” Sansa thinks “In life, the monsters win.” The last case is a singer accused of singing a song ridiculing King Robert Baratheon. He is made to sing the song before the court and Sansa thinks it is funny; in some verses it seems like he was singing about the queen. Joffrey gives the man the option of keeping his fingers or his tongue.

When the court is dismissed, Sansa flees the balcony only to be met by Joffery, Ser Meryn, and the Hound. Joffrey examines her and tells her she looks much better, and Sansa thanks him with hollow words. Joffrey then tells her to walk with him—the touch of his hand now makes her skin crawl. He asks her what she will get him for his coming nameday, but Sansa admits that she was unaware it was near. Joffrey tells her that she is a truly a stupid girl, and that his mother had said so, and is worried their children will be stupid as well. Despite her expectations, the words still hurt Sansa and she realizes that the Hound was right: she is “only a little bird, repeating the words they taught her.” Joffrey then tells her that he will get her with child as soon as possible, and if the child is stupid, she will lose her head and find a smarter wife. He now asks when she can have children and she tells him, not being able to look at him, that Septa Mordane told her twelve or thirteen.

Sansa now realizes they are going up onto the battlements and begs not to go there. Joffrey insists that he wants to show her how traitors are punished. He also threatens to have Ser Meryn drag her if she refuses. The Hound encourages her to go and Sansa realizes that one way or the other she must go up, so she goes willingly. It seems like she climbs a thousand steps to the top. Sansa looks out across the city to the countryside beyond and lets her imagination cross the hundreds of leagues north to her home in Winterfell. Joffrey demands to know what she is looking at and instructs her to look at the heads of her father, her septa, and a dozen more. Her father’s head does not look recognizable or even real. Joffrey seems disappointed by Sansa’s hollow and stoic reaction.

Sansa cannot understand why they would kill Septa Mordane, but Joffrey insists she was a traitor as well. He asks again what Sansa will give him for his nameday as a preamble to declaring that instead he will bring Sansa the head of her traitor brother Robb. Joffrey explains that Robb used treachery and deceit to defeat his Uncle Jaime. Sansa suggests that Robb may give her Joffrey’s head. This mistake results in two harder blows by Ser Meryn. Joffrey commands her to clean off the blood.

For a fleeting moment, Sansa realizes that it would only take a shove to send Joffrey over the parapet to splatter far below. Just as suddenly, the moment is gone when the Hound comes between her and Joffrey to dab the blood from her broken lip with surprising gentleness. She thanks the Hound; she is a good girl and remembers her courtesies.

Chapter 68: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: Dothraki Sea

Daenerys has terrible nightmares during her long recovery. She wakes to learn that her child was born dead, a twisted monstrosity. When she visits with Drogo he is comatose, but Mirri Maz Duur insist that he is alive. Daenerys is horrified by the cost of the bloodmagic. That night, she attempts to revive Drogo, but by morning knows he is gone forever and smothers him with a pillow.

Synopsis
In her dreams, Daenerys’ keeps hearing, “You do not want to wake the dragon, do you?” She is walking down a hall, her bare feet leaving bloody footprints. Suddenly she is with Drogo under the open sky of the Dothraki Sea. Drogo is stroking her, waking her passion, and when he enters her the stars are gone, great wings fill the sky, and the world takes flame. Then she sees Ser Jorah’s drawn and sorrowful face telling her that the last dragon was Rhaegar Targaryen while standing over a hot brazier containing red-hot stone eggs. In turn, he is replaced by Viserys with his molten gold crown screaming “The dragon does not beg, slut,” and “I will be crowned.” Then he painfully pinches her nipples and suddenly Daenerys is frantically running to a distant red door that is her salvation. She knows that the darkness is there and but she does not dare look back or she will be lost. She sees her son as a grown warrior, proud and tall, before flames consume him. Then the ghost of kings are lining the hallway urging her to go faster. Then she is flying over the Dothraki Sea, and all are fleeing before her. She finally throws open the red door to see her brother Rhaegar, the last dragon, in his armor but when she opens his visor she sees her own face.

Daenerys wakes to the taste of ashes, with Jhiqui standing over her. Her body hurts very much. She calls for something, but does not know what. Jhiqui says “Yes,” and bolts from the tent shouting. When they return, Daenerys is crawling toward her dragon eggs. Ser Jorah carries her to back to bed and tells her to sleep and then Mirri Maz Duur gives her something in a cup. A dreamless sleep takes her.

It is dark when Daenerys wakes again. She calls for her handmaidens and they attend to her. They tell her that she has been sick for a long time. Then Mirri Maz Duur gives her wine and as she falls asleep, asking for a dragon’s egg.

The next time she wakes, Daenerys has the pale dragon’s egg in her arms and it is warm. There is fine sheen of perspiration on her that she names “dragon’s dew,” and there is no fever and she feels strong. She calls for her handmaidens and asks for a bath, Mirri Maz Duur, Ser Jorah, Drogo, and her child. Her handmaids avoid answering about Drogo and her child, and Daenerys knows that her child is dead.

Mirri Maz Duur and Ser Jorah enter to find Daenerys standing over the other eggs, which are all warm. However, when asked, Ser Jorah does not feel the heat from the eggs. Ser Jorah looks gaunt and limps from his wounds. He tells Daenerys that her son never lived, but Mirri Maz Duur tells her that the child was monstrous: lizard-like, with scales and skin fell off, revealing a body filled with grave worms and the stink of corruption, as if he had been dead for years. She states that her son was strong when Ser Jorah brought her into the tent. Mirri Maz Duur explains that death was in the tent and that the shadows touched her.

Daenerys realizes that Ser Jorah had killed her child by taking her into the tent, for love and loyalty to her. Daenerys states that she thought the life of the horse would be payment enough and is told that that was a lie she told herself. Daenerys is not sure if she had known. Daenerys realizes that the life of the horse, her son, Quaro, Qotho, Haggo, and Cohollo paid for the life of Drogo. She asks to see what the price bought. Ser Jorah cannot dissuade her and has to help her stand since she is weaker than she thought.

Outside, in the glaring sun, Daenerys can see that there is little left: a scattering of tents, a few score of horses, and perhaps a hundred people. They are the old, the frightened, and the sick. Jhogo reminds her that a khal who cannot ride is no khal. She learns that Ko Pono declared himself khal first and Jhaqo after him. They took most of the riders, the herds, and the slaves because Daenerys’ own khas was too weak to stop them; it is the right of the strong to take from the weak. Most of the rest left during the following nights. Mago, now a bloodrider to Khal Jhaqo, had seized Eroeh (whom Daenerys had denied him) and raped and murdered her. Daenerys repeats her mantra, “If I look back I am lost,” and swears that Mago and Jhaqo will die screaming. Irri warns her that Jhaqo now has 20,000 riders, but Daenerys insists that she is the blood of the dragon. Then she asks to see Drogo.

Drogo lies unmoving, unseeing, and covered in bloodflies. Daenerys asks why he is outside alone and Ser Jorah explains that he seems to like the warmth and staring at the sun with eyes that cannot see. He will follow where led and eat if food is put in his mouth, but otherwise does nothing. Daenerys faces Mirri Maz Duur, who insists that Drogo is alive. Daenerys responds that such is not life for a man that had been as alive as Drogo. Then Daenerys asks Mirri Maz Duur when Drogo will be as he was. The maegi replies, “When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east. When the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves. When your womb quickens again, and you bear a living child. Then he will return, and not before.”

Daenerys sends the others away and then accuses Mirri Maz Duur of knowing, cheating her, and murdering her child. Mirri Maz Duur replies that it was wrong of the khalasar to burn her temple, and now the Stallion Who Mounts the World will burn no cities and trample no nations. Daenerys reminds the maegi that she saved her, but Mirri Maz Duur asks what Daenerys saved when three warriors had already raped her before Daenerys arrived, burned her home and her temple, and cut off the heads of her neighbors and friends. Daenerys insists that she saved her life, but the maegi tells her to look at her khal and see what life is worth when all else is gone. Daenerys orders her men to bind Mirri Maz Duur and take her away; the woman only smiles at her.

Daenerys orders Drogo brought into her tent. She bathes him herself and washes his hair until darkness falls. She thinks of their first ride beneath the open sky and of when they made Rhaego. She is too raw from the miscarriage for intercourse, but uses other means in an attempt to use the magic of love to bring Drogo back. It does not work and her husband remains comatose. When dawn breaks, Daenerys kisses Drogo for the last time, then smothers him with a soft silk pillow.

Chapter 69: Tyrion
Pov: Tyrion Lannister

Place: Crossroads Inn

Word of Robb Stark’s victory at Riverrun prompts vigorous debate among the Lannister officers. Jaime Lannister’s host has been virtually destroyed, leaving Lord Tywin’s host in a bad situation. Lord Tywin seems most upset that Jamie has been captured. Tyrion declares that they cannot hope to make peace or exchange hostages now that King Joffrey has beheaded Eddard Stark. Afterward, Lord Tywin Lannister reveals that Renly Baratheon has declared himself king and dispatches Tyrion to rule in King's Landing as Hand of the King to keep Joffery from ruining them all.. In spite of his father’s instruction, Tyrion intends to bring Shae with him.

Synopsis
The army has just returned to the Crossroads Inn when a messenger arrives with word of Ser Jaime Lannister’s capture and the defeat of his army at Riverrun. Lord Tywin is upset that they have his son. The news makes Tyrion think back on their grueling retreat. After the news had arrived that Robb Stark had split his forces, Lord Tywin had set a grueling pace back toward the Trident in an attempt to reach Riverrun before the Starks. They had left the bodies of the weak and the wounded in their wake every day and it had all been for nothing; Robb Stark has beaten them there by days.

Ser Harys Swyft bemoans Jaime’s decision to split his army into three camps. Tyrion knows that this is the only way to besiege Riverrun; Ser Kevan Lannister explains calmly that Riverrun’s position at the fork of the Tumblestone and the Red Fork forces any besieger to do just that, placing one army north of the Tumblestone, one south of the Red Fork, and one between the two rivers to the west.

Jaime’s army had had no warning. Few of their outriders had returned and those who did had seen nothing. Blame had fallen on a small raiding commanded by Marq Piper and Jaime had ridden out personally to deal with them in the Whispering Woods and not returned. Robb’s force had attacked the north camp first during the night. The Blackfish had led the attack, cutting down the sentries. When Lord Brax had seen the northern camp was under attack, he had led the men of the western camp across the Tumblestone in rafts to join the battle. However, the current had pushed them downstream into range of the catapults of Riverrun. Many of the rafts were sunk or overturned and Lord Brax had been drowned by his heavy plate armor. Those few who had reached the far bank found the enemy waiting for them. Ser Flement Brax, Lord Brax’s son, is disquieted to hear of the death of his father.

The camp between the rivers had been overwhelmed as well. While Lord Brax was attempting to cross, two columns of armored horse had swept in from the west led by Robb Stark himself with his direwolf at his side. A few Lannister pikemen had managed to hold against the first charge, but Lord Tytos Blackwood had led a sortie from Riverrun to take them in the rear. Greatjon Umber had fired the siege towers and Lord Blackwood had liberated the prisoners, including Ser Edmure Tully.

The south camp, under the command of Ser Forley Prester, had been able to retreat in good order back toward the Golden Tooth with 2,000 spears and as many bowmen, but the Tyroshi sellswords in his camp had struck their banners and gone over to the enemy; Kevan curses Jaime for not heeding his warning about mercenaries.

Ser Harys exclaims that all is lost. Jaime’s host is all destroyed or put to flight and the Starks and Tullys now stand astride their supply lines, cutting Lord Tywin’s host off from their supplies and the west. The enemy can even march on Casterly Rock if they wish. Ser Harys insists that they must sue for peace. At that, Tyrion shatters his wine cup against a wall, declaring that Ser Harys will have better luck drinking from his broken cup than making peace with Robb Stark now that Joffrey has beheaded Eddard Stark.

Ser Addam Marbrand insists that two battles do not make a war, while Lord Lefford suggests a truce and an exchange of prisoners. Tyrion only scoffs that the Starks hold far more prisoners than they do and that Eddard Stark’s head will not get his brother Jaime back; Robb is winning. When Lefford mentions that they hold Robb’s sisters, Ser Addam Marbrand states that only an utter fool would exchange two girls for Jaime. Tyrion also shoots down Lefford’s suggestion of a monetary ransom, declaring that the Starks can melt Jaime’s armor if they need gold. Ser Harys then suggests that they get their friends in the court to join them and to raise a new host at Casterly Rock. Lord Tywin has been unusually quite even for him. After reiterating that they have his son, he orders everyone but Tyrion and Kevan out.

Tyrion is going to ask for wine but his father gives him his, untouched. Tywin tells Tyrion that he was right about Eddard Stark: alive, Eddard could have been used to bargain a peace with Winterfell and Riverrun, and buy time to deal with Robert’s brothers. Tywin states it is madness, and rebuffs Tyrion’s attempt to excuse Joffrey for his youth; Tywin tells Tyrion that at least Joffrey did not marry a whore.

Lord Tywin states that Varys has heard that Renly Baratheon has wed Margaery Tyrell and declared himself king, with all the might of Highgarden and Storm's End behind him. Lord Tywin also informs them that Cersei has commanded him to march to defend King's Landing—Tywin is not happy about being commanded. Cersei has not told Joffrey of Renly’s claim, fearing her son will insist on leading the City Watch against Renly and leave the city undefended against Stannis Baratheon. Lord Tywin admits that, from the beginning, he has considered Stannis the most dangerous, and yet the Lord of Dragonstone has done nothing; Varys the spymaster has only heard whisperings that Stannis is building a fleet, hiring sellswords and has a shadowbinder from Asshai.

Tywin tells Kevan to get the map, which he unrolls. With Jaime’s loss, they are in a bad situation: Roose Bolton’s remnants are to the north, enemies hold the Twins and Moat Cailin, and Robb Stark is to the west so they cannot retreat to Lannisport without giving battle, while Jaime’s army has ceased to exist and Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr plague their foraging parties. Then there is the Eyrie, Dragonstone, Storm’s End and Highgarden to the south calling their banners. Tyrion’s jest that at least Rhaegar Targaryen is still dead goes unappreciated. If they remain where they are they might get caught between three armies. Tywin plans to go to Harrenhal to confront Robb Stark. Ser Addam Marbrand will screen their movements, while Gregor Clegane, Vargo Hoat, and Ser Amory Lorch with 300 men each will fire the Riverlands south of the Red Fork.

Once Ser Kevan leaves to issue the orders, Lord Tywin offers to let Tyrion’s clansmen ride with Vargo Hoat, but Tyrion wishes to keep them close. Tywin insists that Tyrion must learn to control them then, because he will not have King’s Landing pillaged. Tyrion does not understand until his father explain that he is sending him to court to act as Hand of the King and clean up the mess Cersei and the Small Council have created. Lord Tywin goes on to rant about the raising of Janos Slynt, declaring that the fool will never set foot in Harrenhal, and the dishonoring of Ser Barristan Selmy, who lent honor to any man he served, and about the appointment of The Hound to the Kingsguard. He also tasks Tyrion with bringing Joffrey under control if Cersei continues to fail and gives instructions to execute any councilors who play Tyrion false. When Tyrion asks why he is being sent, Tywin states it is because he is his son; Tyrion, however, thinks it is because he has given up Jaime for lost. As he leaves, Tywin tells Tyrion he is not to take his whore to court.

Tyrion sits for a long while in the common room before going to his bed with Shae. He whispers to her that he is of a mind to take her to King’s Landing.

Chapter 70: Jon
Pov: Jon Snow

Place: Castle Black- Mole's Town and areas to the south of it

Jon deserts in the middle of the night, determined to join his brother Robb in the quest for vengeance. South of Mole's Town, his friends catch up and bring him back. In the morning, Lord Commander Mormont reveals he knows about the night’s events and manages to convince Jon to stay and join him on a Great Ranging beyond the Wall.

Synopsis
Late at night, Jon saddles a mare in the sables of Castle Black. As he mounts up, Sam appears in the doorway, insisting that Jon cannot do this. Jon warns Sam to get out his way, telling him he does not want to hurt him. When the fat boy refuses, Jon puts his spurs to the horse and forces Sam to leap out of the way, stumbling and falling. The mare leaps over Sam. As he heads south down the Kingsroad, Jon hopes that Sam has not hurt himself getting out of the way.

The whole castle is silent and there is no one to see him leave. All the sentries are atop the Wall, looking north. Jon trusts that Sam loves him enough to give him a head start. In truth, he does not believe the timid boy can summon the courage disturb the guards to wake the Lord Commander in the night. As he rides, Jon flexes his hand, appreciating having the bandages off. Jon stays on the Kingsroad in the moonlight, knowing that he must get as far from Castle Black as he can before dawn, planning to then go overland to confuse the pursuit. When he fails to bring the Lord Commander’s breakfast at dawn they will search his cell, discover Longclaw, and know he has deserted. It had been hard to leave the sword, but in the end Jon had followed Jorah Mormont’s example. The thought of betraying old Jeor Mormont’s trust bothers Jon, but it cannot be helped. Jon is still not sure he is doing the honorable thing. Jon thinks that the southerners have it easier; they can talk to their septons to help sort out right from wrong whereas the heart trees do not talk.

Once out of sight of Castle Black, Jon slows his pace to spare the horse. He hopes to trade her for a new one and cannot do that if she is injured or blown. He will also require an entire set of new clothes; his black wool, leather, and steel will draw the suspicions of everyone north of the Neck. Once Maester Aemon ravens take flight, not even Winterfell will offer refuge to him.

Yet fond memories of Winterfell are not why Jon has forsaken his vows. He is his father’s son and Robb’s brother. Maester Aemon was right about the pain of choosing, but Tyrion Lannister was also right about denying a hard truth. Jon is done with denying the truth. For the rest of his life, he will be accursed and outcast but it will be worth it so long as he lives long enough to join Robb in avenging their father. Jon even envisions the moment he will reveal himself to Robb. Yet those visions stall at Robb’s reaction, when Jon cannot picture his brother smiling. Jon’s mind flashes to the deserter that their father beheaded and to what his father had told the deserter about vows. He wonders what his father’s reaction might have been if that deserter had been his brother Benjen Stark; he thinks it must be different. The thought of being rejected and executed do not bear thinking about, so Jon begins riding harder again, as if to outrun his doubts. He does not fear death, but he does not want to die like that. He was not a true Stark but he could die like one; let them say there were four sons.

As Jon approaches the lights of Mole's Town, Ghost disappears, apparently to go hunting. Jon does not concern himself, knowing the direwolf will follow at his own pace. Once he is well beyond the village, Jon stops to drink runoff from the snow and finds his finger’s ache worse than they have in days and he has a pounding headache. Since his horse is lathered, he walks. Jon still has not seen his wolf and it concerns him. He decides to eat a sparse meal to give Ghost a chance to catch up. As he is finishing, Jon hears horses coming from the north. Knowing they are too close to outrun, Jon quickly takes cover with the horse in a grove of sentinel trees off the road.

As the riders ride up, Jon quickly recognizes the voices of the boys of his former training syndicate: Grenn, Pyp, Toad, Halder, and Matthar. Jon’s mare snorts, and Halder hears it as the others argue about where Jon might be, and asks the others to be quiet. Jon realizes that Sam had not gone to the Lord Commander but he had not gone to sleep, either; Jon is concerned that the other boys will be named deserters if they are not in their beds by dawn. Just as the boys are about to pass him by, Ghost comes loping through the woods and spooks Jon’s horse, giving away his position.

Jon first tries to flee but the boys are on him before he can. He draws his sword and attempts to frighten them into backing down, but the boys are unafraid. Jon demands to know what they want and the others explain they are here to take him back where he belongs. Jon insists that he belongs with his brother Robb, but the others remind him that they are his brothers now. Jon wonders why they cannot leave him in peace. They start reciting the vow, Jon cursing them. Pyp moves his horse closer, and the others surround him. Pyp grabs the reins and tells Jon that he must either come back with them or kill them. Jon knows can easily kill them all, but agrees to go back, cursing them all. Ghost comes out of the trees and Jon glares at him, but Ghost’s eyes seem to have a knowing look. Pyp notes that they have to hurry because they must be back before first light, otherwise the Lord Command will have all their heads. They make it back an hour before dawn. To Jon it no longer seems like home and he decides he will bide his time before his next attempt and avoid the Kingsroad.

The next morning as Jon is serving his breakfast, the Lord Commander reminds Jon of his comment that the things men love destroy them and that the hard truths are the ones to hold tight. Then he comments that Jon looks weary and asks if his moonlight ride was exhausting. When Jon expresses his surprise, Mormont explains that Maester Aemon told him that Jon would leave, and that he had told Aemon that Jon would come back. He adds that he knew honor would bring Jon back. Jon points out that his friends brought him back, but Mormont replies that he did not say it was Jon’s honor. He then tells Jon that he had had a watch put over him, and that if his friends had not brought him back, he would have been taken anyway.

Jon thinks his life is forfeit and declares he is not afraid to die. Mormont says he hopes Jon is not afraid to live, either, pointing out that if they beheaded every man who rode to Mole’s Town for the night only ghosts would guard the Wall. Mormont also notes that Jon is plotting to desert again. When Jon keeps silent, Mormont asks if he thinks he can actually bring his father back to life or make any difference to Robb’s war; each of Robb’s bannermen command more swords than the entire Night’s Watch.

Mormont goes so far as to point out that his own sister, Maege, and her daughters rode south with Robb, but that his place is the Wall. Then he asks Jon where he believes his place is. Jon thinks that he has no place, no mother, and now no father, but only says he does not know. Mormont says that he knows Jon’s place. The cold winds are rising: Cotter Pyke’s men have reported mammoths and huge misshapen tracks near Eastwatch. Denys Mallister has reported that the wildlings are abandoning their villages near the Shadow Tower and Qhorin Halfhand has taken a captive who revealed that Mance Rayder, the King-Beyond-the-Wall, is massing his people in some secret stronghold for an unknown purpose. Then the Lord Commander asks if Jon thinks his brother’s war is more important than theirs is. He also asks Jon if he thinks it matters who sits the Iron Throne when dead men come hunting in the night. Jon has to agree; he has never thought of it that way before.

Mormont goes on to say that he believes Jon and Ghost were meant to be here, because the blood of the First Men, who built the Wall, is strong in the Starks of Winterfell; they remember things other men have forgotten. In addition, Ghost led them to the two wights. Some men, like Ser Jaremy Rykker, might call that happenstance, but Mormont stresses that Ser Jaremy is dead and he is alive. He wants Jon and Ghost with him when they go beyond the Wall; he wants to find Benjen Stark, alive or dead.

When Jon asks what he means, Mormont declares that he will not sit meekly and wait for the snows to come. The Night’s Watch will ride in force against the wildlings, the Others, and whatever else is out there. Mormont plans to command them himself. He continues that the Lord Commander’s steward also serves as his squire, but he does not want to be looking over his shoulder. Therefore, he asks Jon:

{{Quote|'' Are you a brother of the Night’s Watch or only a bastard boy who wants to play at war?|

Jon pauses to apologize mentally to all his family before declaring that he is Mormont’s man and that he will not run again. Mormont expresses his approval and orders Jon to go put on his sword again.

Chapter 71: Catelyn
Pov: Catelyn Tully

Place: Riverrun

Catelyn returns to Riverrun for the first time in many years. After meeting with her ailing father, she finds Robb in the godswood. After praying with his lords bannermen, Robb calls a council to determine their next move. The council argues for hours about which way to march and which king to support until Greatjon Umber gives a rousing speech and the bannermen proclaim Robb the King in the North.

Synopsis
To Catelyn it seems a thousand years since she left Riverrun by boat with an infant Robb to head north to Winterfell for the first time. Now she is returning by boat across the same river with a son who wears plate and mail instead of swaddling clothes. With them in the boat is Theon Greyjoy, and in the boat following are Brynden Tully, Greatjon, and Rickard Karstark.

As they draw near, the men on the walls cheer them as the banners of House Tully fly from every rampart, but Catelyn cannot feel anything but sadness since she received news of her husband’s death, and wonders if her heart will lift again. After passing under the wall through the wide Water Gate, they are greeted on the water stair by Catelyn’s brother Ser Edmure Tully and Lord Tytos Blackwood. A worn looking Edmure embraces Catelyn, expresses his condolences, and promises vengeance against the Lannisters. Catelyn only says that it will not bring Ned back, and then states she has to see her father.

She is escorted to his solar in the keep, which is three sided like Riverrun itself. Along the way, Catelyn asks about her father, and, as expected, Edmure explains that he is dying. When she demands to know why she was not notified, her brother explains that with the realm so volatile their father forbid it; if word got out that he was ailing, the Lannisters might have attacked. Catelyn immediately blames herself, remembering it was she who sparked the war by capturing Tyrion Lannister.

The solar is also triangular with a balcony to the east from which the walls, battlements, and river fork can be seen. Lord Hoster’s bed has been moved onto the balcony so he can sit in the sun and watch the rivers. He is shrunken, looking much older and frailer than Catelyn remembers. Lord Hoster calls her “Little Cat,” and tells how he wanted to be awake when she arrived; he was afraid he would not wake again. He speaks weakly and is wracked by spasms of pain. He defends his decision to keep news of his illness a secret, but admits that he was afraid he would die before seeing her again, especially once the siege began. She tells him that Robb is here, they have Jaime Lannister in irons, and Riverrun is free again. This leads Lord Hoster to tell her of the joy he had as he watched the defeat of the Lannisters and freeing of Riverrun from the battlements.

Her father asks if it was her son who won the battle and Catelyn tells him that it was. Then she mentions that her uncle Ser Brynden was also an important figure. Lord Hoster seems surprised by the mention of the Blackfish and asks if Lysa has come down from the Vale as well. Catelyn cannot lie and explains that Lysa is frightened and believes she and her son are only safe in the Eyrie. He is very disappointed that he will not see her.

Lord Hoster agrees to see her son, whom he remembers has his eyes. When Catelyn presses on to ask about Ser Brynden, her father asks if he has married anyone yet. Catelyn is saddened that her father cannot allow the old feud to rest. She tells him that his brother has not wed, nor will he ever. Lord Hoster launches into a weak rant, criticizing Brynden’s choice to defy him and never marry, saying that Bethany Redwyne still waiting for Brynden. Catelyn has to remind her father that Bethany Redwyne has long ago married Lord Mathis Rowan and has three children. Her father states there were also offers from others, including any of three by Walder Frey and Lord Jonos Bracken’s daughter. Catelyn tells how she would not have gotten to Riverrun without Brynden, and her father agrees that he was always a warrior. Lord Hoster agrees to see his brother later; he is too tired to fight now, and is asleep before she leaves the solar.

Brynden is talking with the Riverrun guards when Catelyn returns, but he anxiously asks about his brother, and Catelyn tells him that he is dying. When he asks if he will see him, Catelyn conveys that he will, he is too tired to fight. Ser Brynden only laughs that his brother will chide him about the Redwyne girl as they light his funeral pyre, Catelyn smiles and asks where she can find Robb.

In the halls she finds Theon, who is telling the garrison about the battle and of how Grey Wind had torn an arm off a man, then the Lannister horses around had gone mad. When asked, he tells her that he believes Robb went to the godswood. She realizes that this is much as his father would do after battle.

Catelyn finds Robb praying with those of his lords bannermen who hold to the Old Gods, including the Greatjon, Rickard Karstark, Maege Mormont, Galbart Glover, and Lord Tytos Blackwood (one of the followers of the Old Gods south of the Neck). She felt she should not disturb them from their prayers. As she walks through the godswood, memories of her childhood beset Catelyn. Here her father had taught her to ride, there Edmure had fallen and broken his arm, and under that bower she and Lysa had played at kissing with Petyr Baelish and he had tried to tongue them with mint from the godswood on his breath. As Robb rises from his prayers, Catelyn wonders if Robb, who has ridden into battle and killed men with a sword, has ever been kissed in the godswood.

When he sees her, Robb declares that they must call a council. She tries to get him to see his very sick grandfather, but he insists that first they must meet. He then tells her the news that Lord Renly Baratheon has proclaimed himself king. She states she expected it to be Lord Stannis Baratheon, and Lord Galbart tells they all did. They meet in the great hall at four long tables. Lord Hoster is too weak to attend, but attendance includes Edmure and the Blackfish and the Tully bannermen arrayed around them: Lord Jonos Bracken, Lord Tytos Blackwood, Lord Jason Mallister, Ser Marq Piper, Ser Stevron Frey, Karyl Vance (a lord now, following his father’s death), and Lyman Darry, son of the Ser Raymun Darry. The fewer northern lords sit opposite: Robb, Theon, Rickard Karstark (gaunt and hollowed eye in grief over the death of his two sons in the Whispering Wood), Maege Mormont, Galbart Glover, and Greatjon. The lords argue late into the night, every lord taking full advantage of his right to speak. Roose Bolton had reformed their other host at the mouth of the causeway, Ser Walder Frey and Helman Tallhart hold The Twins. Lord Tywin Lannister had crossed the Trident and is making for Harrenhal. Some favor marching east to meet Lord Tywin Lannister at Harrenhal, Marq Piper favors marching west to Casterly Rock. Jason Mallister suggests that they simply stay athwart Lord Tywin’s supply lines and rest their troops. Jonos Bracken proposes they pledge fealty to Renly and move south to join him.

Robb, speaking for the first time, insists that Renly is not the king. The lords protest that Robb cannot mean to hold to Joffrey, who executed his father. Robb insists that that makes Joffrey evil, but does not make Renly king; Renly is Stannis younger brother, so cannot be king before Lord Stannis. That splits the room again, with some favoring Stannis and some still favoring Renly who is crowned and has Highgarden and Storm's End to support him. Robb states he does not know what to do since Joffrey is the true heir, but he executed has father based on a lie. Ser Stevron Frey, old Walder’s heir, suggests that they make peace and allow Renly and Joffrey to fight and oppose or submit to the winner as they choose. Lord Tywin would welcome the truce, and the return of his son. This is met with shouts of outrage.

Catelyn suggests a peace. Robb declares they murdered her husband and that he will have no peace with Lannisters, laying his sword on the table to emphasize his point. Catelyn points out that the war was started to bring Eddard freedom and to protect the Riverlands from the ravages of the Lannister host. The Riverlands are now safe and Lord Eddard is dead and no amount of vengeance and further death will bring him back. She wants her daughters safe, for Robb to be safe and ruling from Winterfell, and to go home. Ser Brynden question what the terms of the peace could be that would prevent another war in the near future. Rickard Karstark and Jonos Bracken question what their sacrifices have been worth if peace is made now. Tytos Blackwood notes that if they make peace with King Joffrey, are they not traitors to King Renly? Catelyn’s hopes of a peace shatter before her eyes.

The meeting breaks down into another argument of which king to support, until the Greatjon rises to his feet and silences them all. He spits upon all the kings and declares that Renly and Stannis are nothing to him. He asks why they should rule over him and his from some flowery seat in the south when they know nothing about the North. Even their gods are wrong. The Greatjon asks why they should not rule themselves again. It was the dragons they submitted to and the dragons are all dead. Then the immense man points his two-handed greatsword at Robb and proclaims:

{{Quote|'' There is the only king I mean to bend my knee to, m’lords. The King in the North!'' |

The other bannermen all take up the call, even the Riverlords who have never been ruled from Winterfell. And for the first time in 300 years, there is a King in the North.

Chapter 72: Daenerys
Pov: Daenerys Targaryen

Place: Dothraki Sea

Daenerys builds a funeral pyre for Drogo and places her dragon eggs among his treasures. When she attempts to take control of the few remaining Dothraki as a khal would, she is refused. As night falls, she lights the pyre and is drawn by instinct deep into the inferno. When the pyre dies, the others find her unburnt and nursing the first three baby dragons in hundreds of years.

Synopsis
Daenerys and her khas build a funeral pyre for Khal Drogo, as is Dothraki custom. There is little in the way of wood in the land, and much of what they find is knarled. They lay the logs in a square and fill the center with brush, grass and bark shavings. Aggo and Rakharo kill a stallion from the heard of their few remaining of the horses so that Drogo might have a mount in the afterlife; it is nowhere near as fine as Drogo’s red, but there are few that are. Mirri Maz Duur believes that Daenerys is attempting to use bloodmagic to resurrect her khal and insists that without the proper spells the blood is nothing. The maegi even goes so far as to offer assistance in exchange for her being release from her bonds, but Daenerys orders her silenced. On the platform they pile his treasures, but Daenerys does not let her bride gifts be added, claiming they are hers.

Ser Jorah is wary of her intentions, and pleads with her to let Drogo go and come with him to see the wonders of the east with him. Daenerys assures him that she does not plan to sacrifice herself on her husband’s pyre. When Ser Jorah calls her “princess”, Daenerys insists that he call her “Queen”; her brother, the king, is dead, and now everything that was his is now hers.

Once the pyre is completed, Daenerys gathers her people together, now fewer than a hundred, and declares that they will be her khalasar. Among the crowd, she sees slaves and declares them free. She announces that any among them are free to go, but that if they stay they shall have an honored place among her khalasar, and, if they join her, there will always be a place for them.

Daenerys turns to the three young warriors of her khas gives them each a bride gifts, naming them ko and asking for their oaths as her bloodrider: to Jhogo she gives the silver-handled whip, to Aggo gives double-curved black dragonbone bow, and to Rakharo the gold-chased arakh. They take the gifts, ko and asks for his oath to serve her as a. Jhogo takes the whip, but refuses the oath, gifts, with Rakharo initially refusing the gift. None are willing to take the oath, Aggo stating it would shame him to be bloodrider to a woman and Rakharo only promising to take her to Vaes Dothrak to join the dosh khaleen. Daenerys ignores the refusals. Finally, Daenerys turns to Ser Jorah and promises him a fine Valyrian steel blade when she comes into her birthright. Ser Jorah accepts and swears his fealty and heart to her. Daenerys proclaims him the first of her Queensguard.

Daenerys returns to her tent, knowing the Dothraki think her mad, and she is not sure they are wrong. After seeping in a pleasingly steaming hot bath, she is dried, and perfumed. Daenerys sends her handmaids away so that she might prepare Drogo for his final journey. She thinks about how few men die with their hair uncut as she washes him, braids his hair with bells, and dresses him in fine clothes except the worn vest he liked most. She finally asks him to forgive her, and that she paid the price, but it was too high. She then dresses in fine cloths with a vest like Drogo’s. Sun is going down when she calls them back to bear him to the pyre.

Daenerys orders oil poured over the pyre so it is drenching in it. She then orders her dragon eggs placed at Drogo’s side. Something in her voice makes them run. Ser Jorah protests that Drogo will have no need of dragon eggs, urging Daenerys to sell them and live as a wealthy woman for the rest of her days. Daenerys insists that the eggs were not given to her to sell. Danearys climbs the pyre to places the black egg under his arm, near his heart, the green beside his head, and the cream and gold between his legs. Once the eggs are in place, Daenerys gives her love one last kiss. Climbing down Daenerys notices Mirri Maz Duur watching her and hears the maegi call her mad. Daenerys only asks how far madness is from wisdom and commands that Mirri Maz Duur be bound, as ordered, to the funeral pyre by Ser Jorah, who hesitates and protests, and Rakharo. The woman does not scream or plead as she is bound. As Daenerys pours the oil over maegi’s head she thanks her for all she taught her. She promises that Daenerys will not hear her scream. Daenerys insists that she will, but that she only wants the maegi’s life, echoing the woman’s own words: “Only death can pay for life.” This brings a flicker of what might be fear to maegi’s face for the first time.

They wait for night to fall. The more fiercely a man burned in life, the more brighter his star. It is Ser Jorah that first notices the red comet, the first star of the evening. Daenerys uses this as a sign to light the pyre. Mirri Maz Duur sings in a high, ululating voice at first but becomes a wail as the flames engulf her, and soon falls silent. As the smoke grows thicker it drives the Dothraki back. Then then heat forces the Dothraki and event Ser Jorah to retreat. Daenerys stands her ground; she is the blood of the dragon and undeterred by the fire. She had the truth long ago but the brazier had not been hot enough. Then Daenerys begins to slowly walk into the inferno as sweat covers her body. She sees many images as she walks: trees, animals, and a great grey stallion. Seeing the horse she tells her love to mount, and for a second she sees him mounted. He smiles at her and cracks a whip made of flame down upon the pyre and Daenerys hears the crack of breaking stone as the pyre collapses, showering her with ash, cinders, and broken egg shell. Beyond she can hear the Dothraki and Ser Jorah shouting. As the pyre begins to collapse completely, Daenerys hears two more cracks like the first and walks into the heart of the firestorm.

When the fire dies, Ser Jorah finds Daenerys, naked but alive and unburnt except for her hair, nursing two baby dragons, with the third black and scarlet dragon draped across her shoulders. The dragons match the colors of their eggs: cream-and-gold, green-and-bronze, and black-and-scarlet. Ser Jorah drops to his knees, wordlessly. He is followed by Jhogo, Aggo, and Rakharo who declare her blood of their blood, and then her handmaidens and the rest of the Dothraki. Daenerys knows that they are now hers, as they had never been Drogo’s.

Daenerys rises and for the first time in hundreds of years, the night comes alive with the calls of the three of dragons, who spread their translucent wings.