Explore every episode of the podcast The Ghosts of Harrenhal: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast (ASOIAF)
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Chapter Twenty-Eight - Cersei 6 - A Feast for Crows | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Cersei gets an update on Margaery court, while being waylaid by sparrows. She negotiates a deal with the new High Septon. He’ll bless Tommen and erase the crown’s debt to the Faith for a law allowing the re-emergence of the Faith Militant. Finally, she makes a veiled threat to Margaery. Mackelly and Simon bow their heads in prayer that she knows what she’s doing.
Chapter Review: Queen Cersei Lannister rides to the Great Sept of Baelor with Taena Maryweather. Taena fills Cersei in on the men in Margaery's court. The list is filled with most of the young, handsome knights in King’s Landing. Therefore, the addition of Grand Maester Pycelle stands out. The going is slow. The litter is blocked by sparrows clogging the streets. Ultimately, Cersei walks the remainder of the way. Upon seeing a pile of bones of slain faithful, Cersei promises to seek revenge. However, the sparrows want only protection for the living.
Inside the sept, Cersei is shocked to see septons on hands and knees scrubbing. When she meets the High Septon, she says he should have met her in his finest robes and a crystal crown, not wet and dirty. He explains that they’ve sold their crowns and fine robes. Cersei asks to speak in private. They kneel at the feet of the Crone. Cersei wants the sparrows gone from King’s Landing and a blessing from the High Septon for King Tommen. The High Septon wants better protection from the king for the faithful throughout the realm. Cersei suggests they protect themselves, but a law prohibits the faith from taking up arms. She offers to abolish the law for a blessing for the king and forgiveness on the crown’s debt to the faith. The High Septon agrees.
On the ride back to the Red Keep, Cersei’s festive mood is killed by the sight of Queen Margaery and her court. The two queens exchange pleasantries and barbs. When Cersei sees Margaery and Loras together, it reminds her of Jaime and herself. An idea takes root and laughter bursts forth. Margaery wants to share in the jest, and Cersei promises her that she will.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms. King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms. High Septon - The highest ranking member of the Faith of the Seven. Taena Merryweather - Socia
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Twenty-Seven - Jaime 3 - A Feast for Crows | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Jaime is booted from King’s Landing by Cersei to settle matters in the Riverlands. He finds a sparring partner, installs new leadership at Harrenhal, and sends Wylis Manderly home. Finally, he defends the honor of Brienne of Tarth. Mackelly and Simon give high fives.
Chapter Review: Jaime Lannister thinks the plan is folly. Queen Cersei doesn’t care for his opinions on the matter. He’ll go to the Riverlands, sort out Harrenhal, find Wylis Manderly, and end the siege at Riverrun. Jaime reluctantly agrees but insists on having Addam Marbrand and Ilyn Payne accompany him. Throughout their journey, Jaime finds a private place for Ser Ilyn and him to spar. Ilyn soundly defeats Jaime at every opportunity, and Jaime chose him as his partner because the silent knight can’t tell anyone the embarrassing details.
Once at Harrenhal, Jaime is disappointed to learn that no Bloody Mummers are captives but is pleased that Wylis Manderly is alive and in one piece. Jaime announces that Bonifer Hasty will take command of the castle. Bonifer wants no part of Gregor Clegane’s men, so Jaime agrees to take them with him to Riverrun. At dinner, Ser Bonifer insists his Holy Hundred warriors can hold the castle, and Jaime hopes they can fight as well as they pray.
Jaime leaves Ser Bonifer to find Ser Ilyn. Instead, Jaime finds Ronnet Connington overlooking the bear pit. Red Ronnet wanted to see where Brienne of Tarth fought the bear. He tells Jaime that he and Brienne were betrothed once. However, upon their meeting, he rejected the girl. Ronnet says the bear was surely less hairy than that freak. Jaime socks him in the face with his golden hand, sending Ronnet tumbling. Jaime insists Ronnet call her Brienne.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Cersei's children. Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms. Addam Marbrand - Commander of the Gold Cloaks. Friend of Jaime’s. Ilyn Payne - King’s Justice who lost his tongue, so is unable to read, write, or speak. Wylis Manderly - Son and heir of Wyman Manderly of White Harbor. Bonifer Hasty - Pious knight and leader of the Holy Hundred. "Red" Ronnet Connington - Knight once betrothed to Brienne of Tarth.
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Eighteen - The Iron Captain - A Feast for Crows | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
The Iron Captain, Victarion Greyjoy, returns to the Iron Islands for the kingsmoot. He reunites with family, some welcomed others not so much. One thing’s for certain, nobody’s backing down on their claim to the vacant Seastone Chair. Simon and Mackelly hope for a peaceful transition of power.
Chapter Review: Victarion Greyjoy sails the Iron Fleet into Old Wyk for the kingsmoot. In the bay, he spies his older brother Euron Greyjoy’s ship Silence. Victarion is welcomed back to the Iron Islands by his younger brother Aeron Damphair. Both agree Euron is the wrong man to succeed their dead oldest brother Balon as the king of the Iron Islands.
That night at a feast, Victarion finds his niece Asha Greyjoy. They trade friendly banter before a silence fills the room. Euron and his cronies have entered the tent. Aeron tries to discredit Euron but is quickly stymied and leaves in frustration. Next Asha takes her turn confronting her uncle Euron. They go back and forth at each other in a much less friendly manner than she and Victarion, before Victarion commands an end to it. Victarion and Euron exchange words and agree that all will be settled when the votes are cast.
After Euron and his men leave, Asha and Victarion take a walk. Asha admits that she can’t win the Seastone Chair and offers to back Victarion, if he’ll agree to accept her as his Hand. Victarion can’t find his way to consider her offer. However, he shares the secret of the correlation between Euron’s banishment and Victarion’s dead wife. She tells Victarion he’s left her no choice, she will put herself forth as the queen of the Iron Islands. Victarion says it’s her breath to waste.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Victarion Greyjoy - Lord Captain of the Iron Fleet. Younger brother to Euron. Older brother to Aeron. Euron Greyjoy - Eldest of the living Greyjoy brothers. Banished from the Iron Islands. Aeron “Damphair” Greyjoy - Priest of the Drowned God. Asha Greyjoy - Daughter of the late King Balon. Kingsmoot - Congregation of sea captains and lords of the Iron Islands that votes on a new king. Nagga’s Bones - Mark a holy place on the island of Old Wyk.
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Twelve - Tyrion 2 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Tyrion visits Lord Varys in his chambers. He learns about changes on the small council and the kingsguard, and about the long list of people spying on him for his family. He coordinates a rendezvous with Shea, where he plans to break it off with her. Instead, he reaffirms that he’ll keep and protect her. Simon and Mackelly slowly shake their heads.
Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister makes an unannounced visit to Lord Varys’ chambers in the Red Keep. When Varys arrives, he apologizes to Tyrion for not visiting him in his sick bed. His nose was just too gross to look at. Varys informs Tyrion that Grand Maester Pycelle has been reinstated to the small council, by order of his father Tywin. Tywin's work doesn't stop their. He's also reinstated Ser Boros Blount to the Royal Kingsguard.
The conversation turns to Ser Mandon Moore, but despite Tyrion's hope's, Varys provides no additional information about the man than what Tyrion already knows. Varys informs Tyrion that a great deal of people are actively spying on him for Cersei and that Varys himself has been tasked with spying on Tyrion for his lord father.
Tyrion changes the subject. He wants Varys to plan a meet-up between Tyrion and Shae. The agreed upon location is determined to be these very chambers. Later that night, Shae and Tyrion get down to business. Afterward, he tries to break it off with Shae, explaining that it's now too dangerous for her with his father in town. She refuses to discuss it, and redirects the conversation to the royal wedding. She's gotten news of the amazing festivities planned, from the singer Symon Silver Tongue. She wants to go. Tyrion puts his foot down. Too dangerous. She relents, but asks that he keep her and keep her from harm. Against his better judgment, he agrees. Later, he then sends Bronn to find Symon before anyone else does.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King. Lord Varys - The Spider. Eunuch and Master of Whispers. Member of the small council. Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly grand maester of the Seven Kingdoms. Reinstated member of the king's Small Council. Ser Mandon Moore - Expressionless member of the Kingsguard. Killed in the Battle of the Blackwater, aft
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Eleven - Jaime 2 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Jaime and Brienne switch to horseback as they travel to King’s Landing. This gives them time to discuss who is the bigger Kingslayer. Jaime dreams of his infamous act. Mackelly and Simon try to interpret.
Chapter Review: Jaime Lannister spots an inn and Brienne brings the boat to shore so they can sleep under a roof. However, the proprietor is a bit dodgy and after dinner they decide to push on immediately. The inn has horses in the stables, and Brienne blows a big chunk of their per diem on securing rides. This also means that Jaime’s leg irons must be struck, although the vision of trying to get the horse to step his back legs over the chain to allow Jaime to shimmy aboard is rather delicious.
The three (don’t forget the always forgettable Ser Cleos Frey) ride through the night, scrupulously avoiding the route that the barkeep suggested along Get Robbed and Murdered Avenue. When they’ve put some miles between them and the inn, they camp. Jaime and Brienne chat about chivalry, vows, kingslaying, all the fun stuff. They don’t really see eye to eye. Jaime continues to look for opportunities to escape.
That night Jaime dreams of killing Aerys. How the king had ordered him to murder his father Tywin. How the tyrant plotted with his pyromancer to do some mischief (Jaime killed him too). And how he didn’t sit the Iron Throne to claim anything, he was just curious who would be first to come and claim it. Of course it would be judgy Ned Stark, who saw the ambitious and murderous Lannister usurping the hard won throne, rather than just Jaime: tired and dispirited.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Jaime Lannister - Member of the royal Kingsguard. Twin brother to queen Cersei and older brother to Tyrion. Nicknamed the "Kingslayer" for killing King Aerys Targaryen. Freed by Catelyn Stark. Brienne of Tarth - Warrior woman. Once "Brienne the Blue" in King Renly's Rainbow Guard. Now in the service of Catelyn Stark. Ser Cleos Frey - Cousin to Jaime Lannister. Captive of the Starks. Playing messenger between the Starks and Lannisters in their negotiations. Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jaime Lannister. Former acting Hand of the King. Riverrun - Capital of the Riverlands, seat of House Tully. Red Fork - Southern most fork
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Ten - Davos 2 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Davos gets back to Dragonstone where Salladhor Saan tries to dissuade him from attempting to murder Melisandre. Davos is determined, but is arrested before he even gets close. Simon and Mackelly apply the aloe.
Chapter Review: Davos Seaworth returns to a much changed Dragonstone. The harbor is only sparsely populated with Lysene ships and there are very few people around. He meets with old friend Salladhor Saan, who fills him in on the news. King Stannis and Melisandre spend all their time together staring into the flames of the volcano. Queen Selyse and her uncle Alester have taken over the day-to-day running of the diminished kingdom. Their zeal for the religion of R’Hellor has now seen them burning alive those who don’t follow it, or them.
Saan confirms that Davos’ son Devan was saved and is in Dragonstone. The Lyseni suggests that Davos return to the seas. He has a ship he could captain, and the new laws allow for them to intercept, board, and pillage almost any ships in the bay. It’ll be fun. Like old times. Maybe go visit Mrs. Seaworth at Cape Wrath? Davos is having none of it. He was saved from death by the Mother. And the Mother has only one mission for him: kill the red priestess who brought down all this misfortune upon them.
He goes to the castle, where he is happy to see Shireen, puzzled by Patchface’s prophetic babbling, and meets Edric Storm, Robert’s bastard son, who proves to be a decent lad. Before Davos can get any further, Axell Florent and armed guards arrest him and send him to the dungeons for attempting to assassinate "their lady."
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Davos Seaworth - Onion Knight. Former Smuggler, now close advisor to King Stannis Baratheon. Stannis Baratheon - Rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms. Selyse Baratheon (ne Florent) - Wife of Stannis. Melisandre - Red priestess of R'hllor. Confidante of King Stannis. Salladhor Saan - Lysene pirate. Friend of Davos. Shireen Baratheon - Daughter of Stannis, disfigured by Greyscale. Patchface - Shireen’s seriously creepy fool. Edric Storm - Child of Robert Baratheon and Delena Florent, conceived at Stannis and Selyse’s wedding, to general disapproval. Raised at Storm’s End and now on Dragonstone. Alester Florent - Head of House Florent, uncle of Selyse, Hand of the
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Nine - Bran 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Bran and company have to decide where to next. They are safe for now, but Bran is in danger of losing himself to warging with Summer and Jojen doesn’t feel he can teach everything that Bran needs to learn. North is the answer. Simon and Mackelly get out the snow shoes.
Chapter Review: Bran Stark, in the mind of Summer, is enjoying being the prince of the Wolfswood. His smaller wolf cousins respect him and his potential prey fear him. He hunts, he fights, he runs. All the things that Bran the boy cannot do. Sooner than he’d like, Hodor calls him back to himself.
Bran neglected to do the things that Jojen suggested, basic and simple attempts to do things that Summer wouldn’t do by himself. Bran is not learning to control the direwolf as he needs to. Meera provides dinner which they eat in the safety of the Tumbledown Tower north of Winterfell. They discuss the next actions. They’re safe and have food, but Jojen is worried that without a true teacher Bran will fall into his third eye, and never come back.
The only place where the three-eyed crow can be found, who Jojen believes will teach Bran all that he needs, is north of the Wall. Eschewing the comforts and probable-safety of holing up with a loyal bannerman, Bran agrees that they’ll head that way. A long walk awaits them.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Brandon Stark - Prince of Winterfell. Paralyzed when pushed from tower by Jamie Lannister. Hodor - Enormous but simple-minded helper of Bran. Meera Reed - daughter of Howland Reed. Jojen Reed - son of Howland Reed. Has green dreams that invariably come true. Summer - Bran’s direwolf. Three-Eyed Crow - A crow that has frequents Bran's dreams since his fall and offers to teach Bran to fly.
If you like what we're doing, please consider rating and reviewing us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and anywhere else you can leave a rate and review.
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Eight - Daenerys 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Daenerys is sailing the Summer Sea watching her dragons grow. She receives ambiguous reports of the kind of men her father and eldest brother were, advice from Ser Jorah as to her next move, and possibly unwanted advances from Mormont. Simon and Mackelly weigh up the suitors and their suits.
Chapter Review: Daenerys Targaryen watches her dragons play above the three ships that bear her west towards Pentos, slowly. The dragons are growing, but remain more of a liability than an asset. In her honor, the three ships have been renamed for dragons of Aegon the Conqueror and his sister wives: Balerion, Meraxes, and Vhagar.
Arstan Whitebeard provides some dragon-lore from his time in King’s Landing where he knew both her father and her brother Rhaegar. He treads carefully, but it’s not hard to see his true feelings about King Aerys. And unlike most people, he has a nuanced view of Rhaegar. “Able above all else” is not the most ringing endorsement.
Ser Jorah warns her to beware of Arstan - something’s not right about him. But Dany has too few friends to doubt those who’ve saved her life. Ser Jorah proposes a plan to both test Illyrio Mopatis’ loyalty to Dany, and to ensure it. They’ll redirect for Astapor, sell all Mopatis’ goods on the ships, and use that money to buy an army of Unsullied - the finest warriors in Essos - with whom they’ll march to Pentos.
Dany likes the plan and Ser Jorah celebrates by kissing her unbidden. A tense moment ensues.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros. Viserion, Rhaegal, and Drogon - Daenerys’ dragons. The size of small dogs. Ser Jorah Mormont - Exiled former Lord of Bear Island. Daenerys’ Lord Commander of her Queensguard and loyal advisor. Illyrio Mopatis - Wealthy merchant of Pentos who cared for the young Daenerys and her brother Viserys. Strong Belwas - Fighter sent by Mopatis to bring Daenerys safely to Pentos. Arstan Whitebeard - Westerosi squire to Strong Belwas. Seems to know a lot about King’s Landing and the Targaryens. Pentos - City on the west coast of Essos. Summer Sea - Sea to the south of Essos. Unsullied - Eunuch slave soldiers. Renowned for their fightin
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Seven - Jon 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
The next phase of Qhorin Halfhand’s plan begins, as Jon is marched through the enormous wildling encampment and meets Mance Rayder. They bond over not really belonging. Mackelly and Simon wonder if the old crow might be a bit too trusting.
Chapter Review: Jon Snow and Ghost are escorted through the wildling encampment on the banks of the Milkwater. Jon cannot count the cookfires. The numbers are extraordinary. With his training he does notice that the structure and defenses are pitiful. Even 300 brothers of the Night’s Watch could inflict incalculable losses on the wildlings, unless they tighten things up.
He’s shown into Mance Rayder’s tent and mistakes Styr for Mance. The king-beyond-the-wall turns out to be the musician. Rattleshirt repeats his misgivings about Jon. Mance tells Jon that they’ve met before. Most recently when disguised as a singer, Mance entered Winterfell while King Robert Baratheon visited. Mance describes his desertion when he was saved by a wildling woman who repaired his tattered cloak with red silk. On arrival back at the Wall, he was reissued the regulation black cloak. So he left.
In return, Jon concocts a decent cover story, Mance would have seen where Jon was seated at the feast, a row after the dogs. Mance buys it and welcomes Jon into the fold.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night’s Watch. Acting as a traitor to spy on the wildlings. Mance Rayder - King Beyond the Wall. A former brother of the Night’s Watch who defected and is now treated as a leader by the wildlings. Ghost - Jon’s direwolf and constant companion. Qhorin Halfhand - Killed by Jon as part of the ruse to prove his bona fides to the wildlings. Ygritte - Wildling girl who has taken a shine to Jon. Tormund - Lieutenant of Mance Rayder.
If you like what we're doing, please consider rating and reviewing us at Apple Podcasts, podchaser.com, and anywhere else you can leave a rate and review.
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Six - Sansa 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Sansa chats with various Tyrells, who are making a positive impression in King’s Landing. She’s lured into being honest about King Joffrey, but the Tyrell women don’t seem mad, indeed they offer her a way out of King’s Landing. Simon and Mackelly consider the proposal.
Chapter Review: Sansa Stark mulls whether to accept an invitation to dine with her future queen, Margaery Tyrell. She knows she must, but she’s struggling to understand why she’s invited. Her mood brightens when none other than Ser Loras Tyrell arrives to escort her to the Maidenvault, where the Tyrells have been housed. Sansa’s smitten and cannot believe they are touching arms while they walk.
The pleasant conversation sours somewhat when he doesn’t remember giving her the red rose at the Hand’s Tourney, and she mentions that he unsearted Robar Royce, who he has since killed in battle.
She has better luck with the female Tyrells, notably Margaery and her grandmother Lady Olenna Tyrell. They charm her and pointedly ask for the truth about Joffrey. After some hesitation, Sansa admits that he is a monster. Both ladies take the news in their stride. Furthermore they suggest that Sansa move to Highgarden and wed the heir Willas Tyrell. He’s no Loras, but he’s also no Joffrey.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Sansa Stark - Elder daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Maergery Tyrell - Fiancée of King Joffrey Baratheon. Lady Olenna Tyrell - Mother of Lord Mace Tyrell and grandmother to Margaery. Loras Tyrell - Third son of Mace Tyrell, member of the Kingsguard. Butterbumps - Fool in the Tyrell court. Willas Tyrell - Heir to Highgarden. In some measure injured and disabled by a horse as a child. Oberyn Martell - Younger brother of Doran Martell, prince of Dorne. Blamed for Willas’ injury by the Tyrells.
If you like what we're doing, please consider rating and reviewing us at Apple Podcasts, podchaser.com, and anywhere else you can leave a rate and review.
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Five - Davos 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Davos survived. He’s been clinging to a rock in Blackwater Bay for two weeks. A ship rescues him. Simon and Mackelly consider the wreckage.
Chapter Review: Davos Seaworth, the Onion Knight, is marooned on a rock in the Blackwater Bay. He’s eked out an existence for a couple of weeks, but his fresh water is gone, and he’s delerious. He recalls the battle and the almost certain death of four of his sons, and wonders if he should just let the sea take him.
A ship appears heading in his direction. He’s not sure if he wants saving, but he prays to the mother and she appears to remind him that he took part in the burning of her effigy on Dragonstone. Davos is pretty sorry for all that he has done. But his ruminations give him a new determination to survive. He waves his hands and the ship sends a boat to rescue him. Davos recognizes the markings as Lyseni, so he expects that they fought for Stannis, but it is a heart-in-mouth moment admitting his loyalty. The sailors assure him that they are Stannis’ men too. Davos is saved.
Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Davos Seaworth - The Onion Knight. Former Smuggler, now close advisor to King Stannis Baratheon. Dale Seaworth - Son of Davos, presumed lost in the Battle of the Blackwater. Allard Seaworth - Son of Davos, presumed lost in the Battle of the Blackwater. Matthos Seaworth - Son of Davos, presumed lost in the Battle of the Blackwater. Maric Seaworth - Son of Davos, presumed lost in the Battle of the Blackwater. Devan Seaworth - Son of Davos, squire to King Stannis. Stannis Seaworth - Son of Davos, safe at home with his mother. Steffon Seaworth - Son of Davos, safe at home with his mother. Marya Seaworth - Wife of Davos Stannis Baratheon - Lord of Dragonstone, rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms. Melisandre - Red priestess of R'hllor. Confidante of King Stannis. Salladhor Saan - Lyseni pirate. Friend of Davos.
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Four - Tyrion 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Tyrion gets a visit from newly-knighted Ser Bronn. Bronn lacks bedside manner and takes Tyrion step-by-step through how Tyrion has lost everything he’s built while in King’s Landing. Tyrion then has an equally unpleasant conversation with his father, where Tywin holds nothing back about why Tyrion will never be lord of Casterly Rock. Simon and Mackelly find something interesting to stare at on the floor.
Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister is recovering from his wounds suffered at the hand of Ser Mandon Moore of the Royal Kingsguard, during the Battle of the Blackwater. His top sellsword aide Bronn pays him a visit. He’s now Ser Bronn of the Blackwater, having been knighted by command of Tywin Lannister. The move irks Tyrion, but the bad news is only beginning. He also learns he’s officially been replaced as Hand of the King by his father, his trusted Commander of the City Watch Jacelyn Bywater is dead, his mountain clans won’t be returning to the city, Alayaya was released but not before being whipped, and he’s lost his control over Tommen in Rosby.
Tyrion decides it’s time to get out of bed and pay a visit to his father. He finds him in Tyrion’s old chambers in the Tower of the Hand, now occupied by his father. Tywin is busy writing important letters but puts them aside to talk with his youngest son. He tells Tyrion that he's sent men to trap and eliminate a Stark force headed for Duskendale.
The men disagree over Tyrion's level of involvement in saving the city. Tywin puts much of it on himself, the Tyrells, and Cersei. Although, he does give Tyrion some credit, and asks what he wants as his reward. Tyrion cuts to the chase. He wants his father to publicly name him heir to Casterly Rock. Tywin's not having it. He's tired of the prostitutes Tyrion continually associates with and he won't have him bringing them into Casterly Rock. In fact, the next one he finds in Tyrion's bed, he'll hang.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King. Ser Mandon Moore - Expressionless member of the Kingsguard. Killed in the Battle of the Blackwater, after attacking Tyrion. Podrick Payne - Shy squire to Tyrion Lannister. Cersei Lannister - Queen Regent, mother of Joffrey Bara
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Three - Arya 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Arya, Hot Pie, and Gendry make their way north from Harrenhal, in hopes of reaching the safety of Riverrun. The trip won’t be an easy one, as they avoid the roads in favor of the cover the rugged terrain provides. Arya’s worried about being hunted by Roose Bolton’s men, but gets some help from an old friend. Simon and Mackelly saddle up for the ride.
Chapter Review: Arya Stark and her friends Hot Pie and Gendry successfully escaped Harrenhal. However, they now find themselves traveling through dense woods and high hills, and across rivers, with nothing more than a vague map and Arya’s comprehension of geographical orientation to keep them going in the right direction.
Arya’s plan is to go north to the Red Fork of the Trident, then follow the river west to Riverrun. She’s sure Lord Roose Bolton will send a hunting party after her, as she stole and murdered a guard, to make their escape. Along their travels, they hear wolves howl and have a run-in with a trio of them. But they’ve seen no sign of any men tracking her and the boys.
When they can go no further without falling asleep in their saddles, they make camp for the night. Arya dreams she’s a huge wolf. Her pack attacks four members of the Brave Companions. The pack kills three, and she kills the fourth herself.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Gendry - Friend of Arya. Former armorer’s apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Worked in the Harrenhal smiths. Hot Pie - Friend of Arya. Worked in the Harrenhal kitchens. Roose Bolton - Lord of the Dreadfort. Heading up the eastern contingent of Robb Stark’s army. Currently the lord of Harrenhal. Vargo Hoat - Leader of the Brave Companions, aka the Bloody Mummers. Flamboyant, lisping swellsword. Jaqen H’ghar - Mysterious Lorathi assassin whom Arya saved from death during the battle between the Night’s Watch recruits and Armory Lorch’s men. Nymeria - Arya's direwolf that she was forced to abandon in the Riverlands, while traveling to King's Landing, in order to save her from execution for attacking Prince Joffrey.
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Chapter Seventeen - Cersei 4 - A Feast for Crows | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Cersei meets with her new handpicked Small Council who blithely make momentous decisions with huge ramifications. Simon and Mackelly watch on in despair.
Chapter Review: Queen Cersei is, not for the first time, disappointed to find the severed head of the wrong dwarf presented to her. She offers no punishment to the murderers for fear of deterring those hunting Tyrion. She and Qyburn head to the Small Council. He has prepared the skull to be sent to Dorne to satisfy the Martell’s grievance against the now, presumably dead, Gregor Clegane.
The Small Council is at full complement - with men Cersei has personally elevated not because of obvious talents for their positions, but due to perceived loyalty. It doesn’t make for a very thoughtful meeting. They decide to stay out of the trouble in the Vale, but demand that no harm befall Petyr Baelish. That they’ll ignore the flock of Sparrows that continues to descend on King’s Landing. That they have no idea who the next High Septon will be. That the grumblings from the masses about the crimes of the Red Wedding are best dealt with by waiting for Lord Frey to die and hoping that his successor will give up a few rivals as scapegoats. That to pay for a new royal fleet the crown will default on its loan payments to both the Faith and the Iron Bank of Braavos. That Lord Manderly should execute Ser Davos who came to ask for White Harbor’s support for Stannis’ claim. That news of dragons in Essos can be safely ignored. And that Jon Snow has betrayed the neutrality of the Night’s Watch by siding with Stannis.
Cersei arranges a complex plan involving Osney Kettleblack seducing Queen Margaery, being caught in the act, sent to the Wall by King Tommen, murdering Jon Snow, being pardoned, and then becoming Cersei's concubine for his service. A tall order, but if he pulls it off, then a Lannister always pays their debts. She tells Taena to let Margaery know that the handsome Osney is smitten with her, but discreetly.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms. King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms. Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen. Margaery Tyrell - Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Osney Kettleblack - Youngest
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Chapter Two - Catelyn 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Catelyn Stark is confined to her father’s chambers for freeing Jamie Lannister, there she stumbles upon a family secret. Simon and Mackelly muse upon the butterfly effect.
Chapter Review: Desmond Grell and Utherydes Wayn have the tricky task of punishing their Lord’s daughter for her treasonous act of freeing Jamie Lannister. She both makes it harder for them (by being entirely unrepentant and refusing to play along with their extenuating circumstance olive branches) and easier for them (by readily agreeing to confinement in her father’s chambers).
Her dying father calls out about “Tansy”, “blood”, “forgiveness”, “You’ll have more sons, and trueborn”. Cat has never heard of Tansy and asking around doesn’t help, as the servants and attendants are on orders not to engage with her beyond what is strictly necessary. After some speculation Cat decides that Hoster is referring to Lysa - and the baby she lost when she was first married to Jon Arryn.
Cat pens a letter to Lysa pleading for her to visit, but doesn’t expect a positive response. Edmure arrives home and reports that Stannis was defeated at King’s Landing with Tyrion injured and expected to die, the Riverlands are free of invaders, and he’s sending ravens to Harrenhal to have Roose Bolton block any possible routes south for Jamie and Brienne. Cat despairs.
Characters/Places/Names/Events Catelyn Stark - Eldest child of Hoster Tully, widow of Ned Stark, father of King Robb. Hoster Tully - Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Trident. Dying of old age. Lysa Arryn - sister to Catelyn Stark, widow of Jon Arryn hiding in the Vale with her son Lord Robert Arryn. Edmure Tully - brother to Catelyn, heir to Riverrun. Brynden “Blackfish” Tully - brother of Hoster Tully, uncle to Cat. Renowned soldier. Brienne of Tarth - former Kingsguard to Renly Baratheon, witness to his murder. Sworn her sword to Catelyn. Currently escorting Jamie Lannister south. Jamie Lannister - Father and uncle to King Joffrey Baratheon. Twin of Cersei Lannister. Freed from captivity by Catelyn. Desmond Grell - master-at-arms at Riverrun. Utherydes Wayn - steward of Lord Hoster Tully Ser Robin Ryger - captain of the guards at Riverrun. Dispatched to bring Jamie Lannister back.
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Chapter One - Jaime 1 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Jaime takes a river cruise down the Red Fork with family and friends. Well, not exactly. He's been freed by Cat but still in shackles, having vowed to send Sansa and Arya home in return. Things go smoothly, until they don't. Only Brienne's smarts and strength save the trio from recapture. Simon and Mackelly pull the oars.
Chapter Review: Jaime Lannister has been freed from his Riverrun dungeon by Catelyn Stark. He vowed, under dubious conditions, to convince his brother Tyrion Lannister to send Sansa and Arya Stark home in return.
Jaime is still fettered and under the protection of Brienne of Tarth. His cousin Ser Cleos Frey rounds out the trio. They sail down the Red Fork of the Trident on a small skiff. Jaime antagonizes Brienne and she does her best to ignore the barbs.
They survey the destruction of the Riverlands from their boat, until Brienne sees a tree with dead women hanging in it. The sight is too much for her. She lands with the intent to cut the women down and bury them. While in the branches of the tree, Brienne sees a sail in the distance and they hurry for the boat.
Try as they might, their little boat cannot outrun the larger galley. Ser Robin Ryger and his crew make up the distance. The ship and boat play cat and mouse, until Brienne climbs a high bluff and pushes a boulder onto the ship, sinking it.
Jaime thinks he's free of the big warrior woman. But she leaps from the bluff into the water. Rather than using his oar as a weapon, putting an end to Brienne, he uses it to reel her back to the boat.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Jaime Lannister - Member of the royal Kingsguard. Twin brother to queen Cersei and older brother to Tyrion. Nicknamed the "Kingslayer" for killing King Aerys Targaryen. Brienne of Tarth - Warrior woman. Once "Brienne the Blue" in King Renly's Rainbow Guard. Now in the service of Cat Stark. Ser Cleos Frey - Cousin to Jaime Lannister. Captive of the Starks. Playing messenger between the Starks and Lannisters in their negotiations. Catelyn Stark - Lady of Winterfell. Wife of Lord Eddard Stark and daughter of Hoster Tully, the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Ser Robin Ryger - Older knight. Captain of the Guard for Hoster Tully at Riverrun. Riverrun - Capital of the Riverlands, seat of House Tully
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Prologue - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Chett’s plan to murder the Night’s Watch leadership is defeated by the arrival of the White Walkers. Simon and Mackelly check the temperature.
Chapter Review: Chett is trying to convince his canine charges to follow some bear prints. The Night’s Watch badly need some food. The dogs are not interested. Chett and his companions discuss the plan to murder Lord Commander Jeor Mormont and anyone who could track them. Chett’s plan is well thought through, but he’s worried about the reliability of the men he’s conspiring with.
They give up the hunt and return to the Fist of the First Men, where Grenn and Edd are giving Samwell Tarly archery lessons. Chett sticks around to heckle Sam, who he blames for his woes. Sam took the job that Chett used to hold, a time he thinks of as the best of his life. Sam is on the list of who dies tonight, partially to prevent ravens being sent to the Wall with word of their treachery, but mostly out of spite.
Chett’s plans crumble when snow falls. Even the least competent tracker can follow 14 traitors through fresh snow. Chett’s distraught, but decides to vent that fury on Sam. He finds him sleeping by the ravens. He pulls a knife but just before he can act, three horn blasts sound - The White Walkers are coming.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Chett - Member of the Night’s Watch, keeper of the hounds. Sam Tarly - Member of the Night’s Watch, assistant to Maester Aemon. Grenn - Friend of Sam and Jon Snow. Edd Tollard - laconic friend of Sam and Jon Snow. Jeor Mormont - Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Fist of the First Men - Outcrop of rock north of the wall. In ancient times used a fort. White Walkers - AKA The Others. Supernatural creatures of the far north, who can raise the dead to their aid.
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Interview with Elio M. Garcia and Linda Antonsson from westeros.org
In this special episode, Mackelly and Simon sit down with Elio M. Garcia and Linda Antonsson. Elio and Linda are the co-authors, along with George R.R. Martin, of the well-known “A World of Ice and Fire” and the soon-to-be-released “Rise of the Dragon.” They’re also the founders of the incredibly popular westeros.org.
Some of the topics we discuss include:
How did Elio and Linda come to work so closely with George R.R. Martin?
How does co-writing books with Martin work?
What are their thoughts on Game of Thrones and the up-coming House of the Dragon?
Oh, and spoilers, spoilers, spoilers! We go beyond A Dance of Dragons and pick their brains about what they think is coming in The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring.
Who do they think Azor Ahai is?
Who do they think will sit the Iron Throne when the story wraps up?
If you like what we're doing, please consider rating and reviewing us at Apple Podcasts, podchaser.com, and anywhere else you can leave a rate and review.
We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email at ghosts.harrenhal@gmail.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Sixty-Nine - Bran 7 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Bran and company are hiding in the crypts of Winterfell. They venture out to find the castle destroyed and Maester Luwin mortally wounded. Mackelly and Simon sort through the debris.
Chapter Review: Bran Stark sees and smells the destruction of Winterfell through the eyes of Summer. He’s been in wolf form for three days, but Osha, Hodor, Rickon and the Reeds are waiting for, and on, him in the crypts beneath Winterfell. With what he’s learned, the party decides to venture forth - they need food anyway.
Only Hodor has the strength to move the door which is blocked by rubble. The destruction is wanton and considerable: horses, dogs, and people lie dead everywhere. Bran blames Theon Greyjoy, but Osha suspects that the "Squid Prince" might have been a victim here too. Rickon doesn’t recognize it as his home. But he does recognize the direwolves who come trotting up. The wolves scent something and head for the Godswood.
There they find Maester Luwin on the edge of death. He counsels Osha to split the boys up. Take Rickon to the King’s Road and Bran to the Wall. She does so, taking Rickon, while the remainder accompanies Bran north. He thinks that while the crypts remain Winterfell will always be the home of the Starks and the heart of the North.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Brandon (Bran) Stark - Middle son of Eddard (Ned) and Catelyn (Cat) Stark. He was pushed from a tower by Jamie Lannister and lost the use of his legs. Rickon Stark - Youngest son of Eddard (Ned) and Catelyn (Cat) Stark. Summer - Direwolf of Bran Stark. Shaggydog - Direwolf of Rickon Stark. Maester Luwin - Maester in the service of house Stark at Winterfell. Hodor - Huge but simple man who carries Bran Stark wherever he wishes to go. Osha - Wildling captured by the Starks now held as servant/prisoner in Winterfell. Theon Greyjoy - Heir to the Iron Islands. Former ward of Ned Stark. Ramsay Snow (Bolton) - Illegitimate son of Roose Bolton. Husband of the unwilling Donella Hornwood. Meera Reed - Sixteen-year-old daughter of Howland Reed Jojen Reed - Thirteen-year-old son of Howland Reed.
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Chapter Sixty-Eight - Jon 8 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Jon and Qhorin cannot escape the pursuing wildlings. The Halfhand orders Jon to yield to the wildlings, to infiltrate, and to never forget his vows. Jon proves his loyalty by killing Qhorin, with considerable help from Ghost. Simon and Mackelly mourn his passing.
Chapter Review: Qhorin Halfhand has sent Ebben on ahead with the fastest horse, and Stonesnake by foot separately, with news for Lord Commander Mormont of what Jon saw and how he saw it. The “old powers are awaking." Ebben suggests Jon Snow should go, as the youngest, but the Halfhand has a different plan for Snow. The situation seems hopeless. Qhorin orders a fire.
Jon prepares for death, but Qhorin has a plan. He wants Jon to yield to the wildlings, spy on them, do whatever necessary to convince them of his turned-cloak, but to never forget his vow. They backtrack to a secret tunnel behind a waterfall. The fire was to throw off pursuers. They spend the night and then take the tunnel through the mountain. The ruse hasn’t worked.
The chieftain Rattleshirt awaits them. Jon yields as instructed, and gets support from Ygritte who is a member of the party. Rattleshirt is skeptical. Qhorin feigns fury. Jon proves himself by killing Qhorin, with a bit of help from Ghost. Begrudgingly he’s welcomed into the wildling fold.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Night's Watch - Men who guard the Seven Kingdoms against threats from beyond the Wall. Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Recently sworn brother of the Night’s Watch. Ser Jeor Mormont - Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Ghost - Jon Snow’s direwolf. Mance Rayder - Leader of the wildlings, self-styled King-Beyond-The-Wall. Qhorin Halfhand - Ranger of the Night’s Watch from the Shadow Tower. Stonesnake - Ranger from the Shadow Tower. Best climber in the Night’s Watch. Ygritte - Wildling girl captured by Jon but subsequently released. Ebben - Ranger of the Night’s Watch from the Shadow Tower. Squire Dalbridge - Ranger of the Night's Watch from the Shadow Tower. Rattleshirt - Wildling chief. Warg - Person who can enter the mind of, and control, an animal. Frostfangs - Mountain range north of the Wall. Skirling Pass - Series of passes into the Frostfangs. Milkwater - River that runs north to south beyond the Wall.
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Chapter Sixty-Seven - Tyrion 15 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Tyrion recovers from the wounds he sustained in the Battle of the Blackwater. He’s horribly disfigured and having wild fever dreams. Mackelly and Simon sniff the boiled wine.
Chapter Review: Tyrion dreams of death and carrion. He is in a dungeon with other dying men. In his dream, he is mouthless and the city gates are barred to him. He lies in his own filth and seems to have no help or hope.
He wakes briefly in the Tower of the Hand in his own bed. What is dream and reality become blurred. He is visited by Cersei, Tywin, Littlefinger, and Varys. He dreams of feasts in his honor, where songs are sung of his bravery and he is knighted by his brother Jamie. He wakes again, but a maester forces him to drink milk of the poppy, and sleep claims him once more. Now he dreams of his happy honeymoon with Tysha, how loving and sweet those times seem to him.
The next time he wakes he refuses more drugs. Tyrion demands to see his wounds. Maester Ballabar advises otherwise, but Tyrion insists. His bandages are removed to reveal a terrible scar across his face, involving the loss of most of his nose. He also learns that he’s in Maegor’s Holdfast so that Cersei can personally oversee his care. He’s lost his position as his father has taken the role of Hand of the King, having saved the city. Pod updates him that Bronn is now Ser Bronn, and he confirms that Ser Mandon Moore is dead.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King. Ser Mandon Moore - Expressionless member of the Kingsguard. Killed in the Battle of the Blackwater. Podrick Payne - Shy squire to Tyrion Lannister. Cersei Lannister - Queen Regent, mother of Joffrey Baratheon. Tywin Lannister - Father of Tyrion, Lord of Casterly Rock. Newly self-appointed Hand of the King. Ser Bronn - Sell sword, friend of Tyrion. Now Ser Bronn. Shae - Tyrion’s lover. Tysha - Tyrion’s former wife. Maester Ballabar - Attending to Tyrion’s recovery.
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Chapter Sixty-Six - Theon 6 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Theon is surrounded. Ser Rodrik Cassel has amassed Northern forces to surround and retake Winterfell. At the 11th hour, Theon is saved by Reek, who has brought hundreds of Bolton men. But Reek wants more than just Theon’s good wishes. Simon and Mackelly weigh the treacheries.
Chapter Review: Maester Luwin advises Theon Greyjoy to yield Winterfell. Ser Rodrik Cassel has brought perhaps 2,000 loyal northmen who have Winterfell surrounded. Theon doubts Luwin’s loyalty, but the maester reminds him that he serves the Lord of Winterfell, who is Theon (kinda).
Theon gives the ironborn a rousing speech, but only 17 rally to his cause. The rest flee back to his sister Asha. Ser Rodrik wants to parlay and Theon rides out to meet him. Cassel is twitching to kill the turncloak, but Theon has a trump card. At a signal, Rodrik’s daughter Beth is paraded on the walls with a noose around her neck. Theon tells Rodrik that she dies at sunset and another citizen will join her every morning and night until the besiegers withdraw. Cassel offers himself in Beth’s place, but Theon’s not buying.
Luwin suggest that Theon take the Black. Theon considers how high someone with his training might rise in the Night’s Watch. But before he can answer, sounds of fighting are heard. Reek has returned, with hundreds of mounted Bolton men. They decimate the other northmen and kill Cassel and others. Reek reveals himself to be Ramsay Snow, Roose Bolton’s bastard. Theon is grateful, but Ramsay’s men are not done. They knock Theon unconscious, run Luwin through, and are ordered to burn the entire castle, save the Frey boys.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Theon Greyjoy - Heir to the Iron Islands. Betrayed his former friend Robb Stark and invaded the North in the name of the Iron Islands. Asha Greyjoy - Elder sister to Theon. Oldest surviving child of Balon Greyjoy. Balon Greyjoy - Lord of the Iron Islands. Father to Asha and Theon. Victarion Greyjoy - Younger brother of Balon Greyjoy. Maester Luwin - Maester of Winterfell. Palla - Farlen’s daughter. Works in the Winterfell kennel. Black Lorren - Cruel Iron Islander. Lieutenant to Theon Greyjoy. Ramsay Snow - Bastard son of Roose Bolton. Believed killed by Ser Rodrik Cassel. Ser Rodrik Cassel - Master-at-arms of Winterfell. Bet
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Chapter Sixty-Five - Sansa 8 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Sansa watches as Tywin Lannister takes control in King’s Landing. The Tyrells fully embrace the new alliance, the Lannisters dole out rewards to loyalists, punish their enemies, and pat themselves on the back. King Joffrey drops her for another, putting Sansa on cloud nine. But Dontos brings her crashing back to earth. Simon and Mackelly try to break her fall.
Chapter Review: Sansa Stark stands in attendance as the Lannister family congratulate themselves and their allies. Lord Tywin Lannister takes over as Hand of the King. Mace, Garlan, and Loras Tyrell ask favors of the king, all are granted. The biggest ask being that Joffrey put Sansa aside and marry Margaery Tyrell.
After that, it’s time to split up the winning from the Battle of the Blackwater. New lords are made, including Lancel Lannister and Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish. More than six hundred men are knighted. Finally, the Stannis Baratheon supporters are dragged before the king. They’re made to beg his forgiveness, to retain their titles and lands. Most do, but some choose death by vocally disparaging the boy king.
When all the glad-handing, promotions, and begging for forgiveness are over, Sansa returns to her chamber. She can hardly remember a time she’s been this happy. She won’t have to marry Joffrey. She doesn’t know what will happen to her, but it has to be better than marrying that monster. Ser Dontos Hollard disagrees. He thinks nothing has changed. But he’s set a date for their escape: Joff’s and Margaery’s wedding day. He also has a present for her, in the form of a beautiful hair net. He claims it holds justice for her father.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Sansa Stark - Eldest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully. Formerly betrothed to Joffrey Baratheon. Captive of the Lannisters. Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon, twin sister of Ser Jamie Lannister. Mother of King Joffrey Baratheon. King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name - Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Tywin Lannister - Father of Cersei, Tyrion, and Jamie. New Hand of the King. Ser Dontos Hollard - Saved from execution on King Joffrey’s name day by Sansa Stark. Now a fool. Ser Loras Tyrell - Young, dashing, talented knight from the Reach. The son of L
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Chapter Sixty-Four - Arya 10 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Arya sits in as the Freys express concern about King Robb’s chances of success, now that House Tyrell has joined with House Lannister. She unknowingly learns her impending wedding is off. And she escapes Harrenhal for Riverrun with Gendry and Hot Pie. Simon and Mackelly saddle up for the ride.
Chapter Review: Arya Stark blends into the background of Lord Roose Bolton's chambers, while a large group of Frey men suggest that King Robb has lost the war and must kneel to the Lannister. Roose points out that King Robb has won every battle he’s entered into against the Lannisters. The Freys remind him that Tywin Lannister’s army has expanded greatly since their alliance with House Tyrell. She then receives the devastating news that Winterfell has been taken and Bran and Rickon killed.
When the Freys leave, Roose dictates a letter to Helman Tallhart, who has taken Castle Darry. He wants Tallhart to put Darry to the torch and then march on Duskendale, alongside Robett Glover. Arya’s tasked with cleaning Roose’s chambers, while he leaves for a wolf hunt. During her chores, she finds a map showing Riverrun’s location compared to Harrenhal. It’s not too far away.
After a trip to the godswood, Arya returns to serve Roose his dinner and wine. He tells her that she will stay in Harrenhal when he leaves and serve Vargo Hoat. Arya then makes her way back to the godswood. However, on her way she comes across Elmar Frey. He’s upset that due to a dishonor to his house he won’t be marrying the princess he’s been betrothed to. Neither of them realize that Arya is that princess.
In the godswood, she prays to the heart tree for direction. A wolf howls in the distance. She takes that as a sign it’s time to rejoin her family. She talks Gendry into coming with her, and sends him to fetch Hot Pie. Arya kills the guard at a postern gate, and the trio ride for Riverrun.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Gendry - Friend of Arya. Former armorer’s apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Working in the Harrenhal smiths. Hot Pie - Friend of Arya. Working in the Harrenhal kitchens. Roose Bolton - Lord of the Dreadfort. Heading up the eastern contingent of Robb Stark’s army. Vargo Hoat - Leader of the Brave Companions, a
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Chapter Sixteen - Jaime 2 - A Feast for Crows | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Jaime bids farewell to his uncle and to his father’s remains, envies Loras Tyrell’s horsemanship, and frets over his twin’s drinking and her new friends. Simon and Mackelly think he might have a point.
Chapter Review Jaime Lannister bids farewell to his uncle Kevan who is leaving King’s Landing with his son Lancel and the bones of his brother Tywin. The conversation doesn’t go quite as Jaime hoped. Kevan is furious at both twins for their incest, the shame their bringing to the family, and Cersei’s refusal to toe (Kevan’s version of) the party line. Kevan is headed to the Riverlands where rumor has it that Sandor Clegane has joined forces with Beric Dondarrion to terrorize the citizens. Jaime’s warning to be careful manages to sound like a threat.
Jamie notes that King’s Landing seems emptier now that the Tyrells have left. He sees Loras Tyrell practicing jousting with envy, the younger Kingsguard is the better horseman. He finds his sister in her cups and hanging with Pycelle, Taena Merryweather, and King Tommen. Lollys Stokeworth has given birth, and the child’s stepfather (Bronn) has thoughtfully named the baby Tyrion. Cersei is not amused.
Jaime dismisses everyone and tries to get Cersei to see sense with her new friends. Nobody knows the true loyalties of Qyburn, Taena, nor the Kettleblacks and these have become her confidantes. She doubles down wanting the comely but untested Aurane Waters to be the Master of Ship. He’s getting concerning Aerys II-vibes from his sister. She prefers to think of herself as the female Tywin.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen. Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms. King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms. Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock, recently murdered by his son Tyrion. Kevan Lannister - Brother to Tywin. Lancel Lannister - Son of Kevan, former lover of Cersei, found religion since being severely wounded at the Battle of the Blackwater. Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly member of the Small Council. Taena Merryweather - new friend of Queen Cersei Loras Tyrell - new member of the Kingsguard.
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Chapter Sixty-Three - Daenerys 5 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Daenerys fends off proposals of marriage and trade from Xaro Xhoan Daxos and accepts his insistence that she leave both his home and Qarth. She's given a deadly gift from a stranger but is saved by new friends bearing good news. Simon and Mackelly pack their bags for Pentos.
Chapter Review: Xaro Xhoan Daxos tells Daenerys Targaryen that she's worn out her welcome in Qarth, after her role in the destruction of the House of the Undying. Many want her banished, some want her dead. Xaro makes one final proposal of marriage, which Dany rejects. He then offers a trade of ships for a dragon. Again, she says no. Xaro wants her out and his gifts back.
Dany and her bloodriders head to the docks, in search of a ship to take them out of the city. Asking for much, with little to offer, they face rejection after rejection. Ser Jorah Mormont realizes that they're being followed. Dany turns to confront the followers, but is handed a box by a stranger. Without thinking, she opens the box to find a manticore. Before it can attack her, one of the men following her knocks the box out of her hands and kills the manticore.
It seems the men who had been following her were sent by Illyrio Mopatis. They've brought ships to take her, her khalasar, and her dragons to Pentos. Dany is grateful but wants the ships renamed to Balerion, Meraxes, and Vhagar. The dragons have returned.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Daenerys Targaryen - Daughter of King Aerys. Widow of Khal Drogo. Mother of dragons. Claimant to the Iron Throne. Khaleesi of small khalasar in Essos. Ser Jorah Mormont - Banished Lord of Bear Island. Advisor to Daenerys Targaryen. Jhogo - Dothraki warrior. Bloodrider of Daenerys Targaryen. Aggo - Dothraki warrior. Bloodrider of Daenerys Targaryen. Rakharo - Dothraki warrior. Bloodrider of Daenerys Targaryen. Qarth - City on the south coast of Essos. Pyat Pree - Great warlock of Qarth. Xaro Xhoan Daxos - Merchant Prince of Qarth. Ilyrio Mopatis - Wealthy merchant of Pentos. Former host of the Targaryens and believed to be plotting with Varys to reinstall the Targaryen rule in Westeros. Strong Belwas - Slave of Illyrio Mopatis, formerly of the Meereen Fighting Pits. Sent by Illyrio Mopatis to bring Dany to Pentos. Arstan - Westerosi squire of Strong Belwas
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Chapter Sixty-Two - Sansa 7 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Sansa overhears disquieting news of the battle, has a run-in with Sandor Clegane, and learns from an elated Ser Dontos Hollard that the battle has turned as reinforcements have arrived from the east in the form of the Tyrells, Tywin Lannister, and somehow Renly Baratheon. Simon and Mackelly mourn the missed opportunities.
Chapter Review: Lancel Lannister brings news of the battle. Things are not going well. As the king was pulled back to safety, the men lost heart and threw down their arms. There are enemy forces at multiple gates, Tyrion is likely dead, and the defenders are outmatched. Cersei Lannister takes all this as evidence that Joffrey should be further withdrawn. Lancel objects but Cersei insists, smacks him in a wound in his side, and storms out.
Sansa tries to reassure the frightened ladies, but then uses the opportunity to go to her chamber. Figuring some distance between herself and Ser Ilyn Payne is prudent. There she finds the Hound waiting for her. He offers to rescue her and take her north, but she’d rather take her chances here. He leaves. She takes a well-earned nap.
She’s awoken some time later by Ser Dontos who is cock-a-hoop with joy, but barely coherent. When she calms him down enough, it transpires that Stannis’ forces have been routed by an army comprising Tywin’s force from the West, and the combined forces of the Reach apparently (and puzzlingly) led by Renly.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Sansa Stark - Eldest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully. Betrothed to Joffrey Baratheon. Captive of the Lannisters. Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon, twin sister of Ser Jamie Lannister. Mother of King Joffrey Baratheon. King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name - Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Tyrion “The Imp” Lannister - Brother to Queen Cersei. Acting Hand of the King. Ser Dontos Hollard - Last member of house Hollard. Saved from execution on King Joffrey’s name day by Sansa Stark. Ser Ilyn Payne - Executioner. Ser Lancel Lannister - Cousin and lover to Queen Cersei, spy for Tyrion Lannister. Sandor Clegane, The Hound - Member of the Kingsguard and personal protector of King Joffrey. Tywin Lannister - Father of Cersei, Tyrion, and Jamie. Stannis
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Chapter Sixty-One - Tyrion 14 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Tyrion rides at the point of a flying wedge, clearing the King’s Gate of the enemy. Success in battle and the admiration of his men infects him with battle fever. He leads his men to clear a bridge of ships. Death nearly comes at the hand of his own Kingsguard. But before the death blow falls, he’s saved by an unlikely hero. Simon and Mackelly applaud young Pod.
Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister leads a sortie to clear the King’s Gate of Stannis Baratheon’s men, who have employed a battering ram to bring the gate down. Tyrion heads the wedge formation of his men, with Ser Mandon Moore of the Kingsguard on his right and, to his surprise, his squire Podrick Payne on his left. Tyrion and his men smash the enemy at the gate, then ride to aid in the other fighting. Tyrion is overcome by battle fever, slashing and chopping men down with his axe.
Ser Balon Swann alerts Tyrion to a phenomenon happening downriver. All of the destruction on the river has caused ships to pile up and form a bridge. Stannis’ men are using it to cross the river. Tyrion leads a group to dispatch the men. Chaos reigns on the bridge, with death everywhere. While he’s on the bridge, it begins to break up, stranding Tyrion.
Ser Mandon reaches out a hand to save Tyrion. However, as the men touch hands, Tyrion realizes too late that it’s a trap. Ser Mandon smashes Tyrion in the face with his sword. The blow nearly knocks Tyrion into the water, leaving him clinging to an oar. He shimmies his way back up to the deck. He lays on the deck motionless, while Ser Mandon prepares to run him through. Before he can do so, he stumbles and falls overboard. Instead, it’s Pod looking over Tyrion.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Acting Hand of the King. Stannis Baratheon - Claimant to the Iron Throne. Brother to the late king Robert Baratheon. Ser Mandon Moore - Expressionless member of the Kingsguard. Ser Balon Swann - Newer member of the Kingsguard, replacing the late Ser Preston Greenfield. Podrick Payne - Shy squire to Tyrion Lannister.
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Chapter Sixty - Sansa 6 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Sansa sits with Cersei as the queen gets both news of the battle and becomes increasingly drunk. Sansa's heart almost stops when Cersei says she knows of Sansa’s treasons in the godswood. Finally, Cersei reveals that Ser Ilyn Payne is there to remove their heads, if Stannis should take the castle. Simon and Mackelly scan the room for exits.
Chapter Review: Sansa Stark sits next to Queen Cersei in the Queen’s Ballroom of Maegor’s Holdfast, along with the other highborn ladies. Osney and Osfryd Kettleblack bring updates regarding the battle. Both the King’s Gate and the Mud Gate are under attack. That’s too close for the queen’s comfort, as King Joffrey is at the giant trebuchets inside the Mud Gate. She commands that he be brought back inside Maegor’s Holdfast.
The two ladies pass the time by Cersei explaining what being a woman is really like to Sansa. Tears and feminine wiles are a woman’s weapons, she explains. She wishes she’d been trained to wield a sword, like her twin brother Jamie, so she wouldn’t have to sit here so helplessly. But, despite being the Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, she has little power to do anything aside from sit here with the other frightened hens, who she has little respect for.
Sansa inquires about the plan, should the castle fall. Cersei says she will give herself over to Stannis, if Maegor’s Holdfast holds until he arrives. If it doesn’t, they’ll be in for a rough night. However, later she reveals that she’s kept Ser Ilyn Payne around in the event the castle falls. If that happens, Ser Ilyn will take their heads, yes Sansa’s too. Cersei will not have House Stark benefit from the fall of House Lannister.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Sansa Stark - Eldest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully. Betrothed to Joffrey Baratheon. Captive of the Lannisters. Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon, twin sister of Ser Jamie Lannister. Mother of King Joffrey Baratheon. King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name - bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Tyrion “The Imp” Lannister - brother to Queen Cersei. Acting Hand of the King. Shae - Tyrion’s lover. Handmaiden to Lollys Stokeworth. Lollys Stokeworth - recently raped member of the court. Deeply scarred and rumored to b
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Chapter Fifty-Nine - Tyrion 13 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Tyrion surveys the wildfire destruction on the Blackwater Rush. King Joffrey gleefully prepares to fire a new type of projectile from the trebuchets. And the Hound refuses to return to the fighting outside the walls. In the end, Tyrion leads the sortie to defend the King's Gate himself. Simon and Mackelly tremulously reach for their helmets.
Chapter Review Tyrion Lannister watches from the city walls, as chaos and fire reign on the river below. The wildfire did what he'd hoped it would do, almost. The vast majority of Stannis' fleet has been destroyed, but there's still enough ships left to get him and his men across the river. In fact, some men have already reached the north shore. He plans to turn the three huge trebuchets west and continue raining boulders on the remaining ships. However, King Joffrey has a different plan. He wants to launch the traitors known as the Antler Men instead.
After the king leaves to play with his new toys, word reaches Tyrion that there are enemies at the King's Gate with a battering ram. When Tyrion arrives at the gate, he finds the Hound unwilling to lead the men back out to defend it. Tyrion tries to command him to do so, but to no affect. With no other choice, he saddles up to lead the men himself. At first, few follow. He's reminds them that they say he's half a man, so what does that make them? That gets a reaction, and more men join his cause. With that, he turns and rides for the sally port.
Characters/Places/Names/Events Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Acting Hand of the King. King Joffrey Baratheon - bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Currently King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name. Sandor Clegane - The Hound. King Joffrey's personal protector. Member of the Kingsguard. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks). Bronn - A sellsword. Now Tyrion’s friend and bodyguard. Stannis Baratheon - Claimant to the Iron Throne. Brother to the late king Robert Baratheon. Alayaya - King’s Landing prostitute who helped Tyrion with his trysts with Shae. Now captive of Cersei.
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Chapter Fifty-Eight - Davos 3 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Davos sails into Blackwater Bay with Stannis’ giant fleet. He has some misgivings, but initially the battle goes to plan. However, a series of barges full of wildfire sail into the fleet and all is lost. Davos is thrown overboard but is being drawn into the burning mess that is gathering on Tyrion’s great chain. Simon and Mackelly pick through the flotsam.
Chapter Review: Davos Seaworth stands on the deck of the Black Betha, in the second row of King Stannis Baratheon's fleet. The enormous fleet is made up of 10 rows of 20 ships, not including the ships of Salladhor Saan's Lysene fleet that will stay out in the Blackwater Bay as the rear guard.
Ser Imry Florent, brother to Stannis's wife Selyse, has been named Lord High Captain of the fleet. He plans to use the fleet's superior numbers to overwhelm the much smaller royal fleet. Once they've been dispatched, the ships will both land troops on the northern bank of the Blackwater Rush and ferry Stannis and his army across from the southern bank. Ser Davos has reservations about the plan, most notably the decision to take all 200 ships into the river at once.
When the two sides meet, the fighting is fierce. However, it's clear that the numbers of Stannis' fleet will carry the day for them. Everything changes when boats ladened with wildfire are drifted into the fleet. As they are rammed or catch fire, the explosions are immense. When the first boat explodes, Davos is thrown from his ship. As he treads water, he sees many other ships engulfed in green flames. Davos figures he'll let the river current take him out to the bay to meet up with Saan's fleet for rescue. But as he looks down-river, he sees that a thick boom chain has been raised across the mouth of the river, trapping them all. The current is taking him right for it and the burning husks that have been trapped against it.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Ser Davos Seaworth - The Onion Knight. Advisor to King Stannis Baratheon. Stannis Baratheon - (Arguably) The rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms, as younger brother to King Robert Baratheon. Husband to Selyse Florent. Father of Shireen. Ser Imry Florent - Brother to Selyse, in charge of Stannis’ fleet in the Battle of the Blackwater. Melisandre - The Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R’Hellor, the Lord of Li
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Chapter Fifty-Seven - Sansa 5 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Sansa bounces around the Red Keep, as the battle starts beyond the city's walls. She prays for everyone, even Tyrion and the Hound. She draws the line at Joffrey. She meets Shae and takes her place in the Red Keep with Cersei, the other women and children, and Illyn Payne. Simon and Mackelly load the trebuchets.
Chapter Review: Sansa Stark speaks with Tyrion Lannister before the battle. He muses that he should have sent her to Rosby with Tommen. Too late now. She still can't read his heart but is less sure of his animosity. Joffrey calls her over like a dog. He charmingly invites her to kiss his new sword Hearteater. She obliges and goads Joffrey to prove himself in battle. The narcissistic little coward ignores the barbs.
She prays in the sept, along with everyone else who isn’t fighting (and some who will be very soon). She muses on how the contradictory gods can possibly heed all the prayers. But takes solace in holding hands with strangers as they pray. When prayers for Joffrey begin, she gets out of there. She heads to the Queen’s ballroom. En route she meets the Stokeworths who are struggling to get Lollys to accompany them. She’s freaked out about something, and not easy to reason with. Eventually Shae and Lollys’ sister Falyse manhandle her into the ballroom.
Within, Sansa sits with Cersei and questions why ser Ilyn Payne is present, wielding Sansa’s father’s sword Ice. Cersei believes that they’ll be glad of his presence should Stannis’ men reach the doors. We’re guessing not because he would be able to single-handedly hold them at bay.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Sansa Stark - Eldest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully. Betrothed to Joffrey Baratheon. Captive of the Lannisters. Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon, twin sister of Ser Jamie Lannister. Mother of King Joffrey Baratheon. King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name - Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Tyrion “The Imp” Lannister - Brother to Queen Cersei. Acting Hand of the King. Shae - Tyrion’s lover. Handmaiden to Lollys Stokeworth. Lollys Stokeworth - Recently member of the court. Deeply scarred and rumored to be pregnant. Sandor Clegane - The Hound. King Joffrey's personal protector. Member of the Kingsgua
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Chapter Fifty-Six - Theon 5 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Theon's nightly nightmares often revolve around his lies, deceits, and the atrocities he's committed. His sister Asha shoots him straight about his dire situation in Winterfell. He refuses to heed her advice and puts his last bit of hope on the shoulders of Reek. Simon and Mackelly raise their eyebrows in skepticism.
Chapter Review: Theon Greyjoy wakes from another bad dream to learn that his sister Asha has finally arrived in Winterfell. On his way to the Winterfell Great Hall to see her, he's surrounded by bodyguards. Ironborn have been dropping like flies around the castle, since they returned from the mill with the bodies of Bran and Rickon. Theon knows it's Reek who has committed the murders, to keep the secret of what happened at the mill from getting out. However, Theon uses the kennel master Farlen as a scapegoat for the crimes, and beheads him.
Asha has brought Theon reinforcements to help hold Winterfell. Unfortunately, she's brought him a mere 10 men. Theon says it's not enough, Ser Rodrik Cassel is riding toward the castle with an army. Asha points out that's something he should've thought about before taking Winterfell. She asks him to give up on the castle and come with her back to Deepwood Motte. He refuses, so she leaves. Theon gives Reek silver to buy men to help hold the castle. He then second-guesses why he didn't do the smart thing and leave with his sister. As dawn breaks over Winterfell, he looks at the heads of the boys on the spikes and thinks of the Miller's sons. They were the perfect stand-ins for the still-missing Stark boys.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Theon Greyjoy - Heir to the Iron Islands. Betrayed his former friend Robb Stark and invaded the North in the name of the Iron Islands. Asha Greyjoy - Elder sister to Theon. Oldest surviving child of Balon Greyjoy. Balon Greyjoy - Lord of the Iron Islands. Victarion Greyjoy - Younger brother of Balon Greyjoy. Maester Luwin - Maester of Winterfell. Bran Stark - Paraplegic middle son of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Rickon Stark - Youngest child of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Farlen - Kennel-master of Winterfell. Palla - Farlen’s daughter. Black Lorren - Cruel Iron Islander. Lieutenant to Theon Greyjoy. Reek - Malodorous servant to the now dead bastard of the dreadfort Ramsay S
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Chapter Fifty-Five - Catelyn 7 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Cat tries to come to terms with the news of Bran's and Rickon’s deaths. She visits Jamie Lannister who defends his decision to kill the King and break his oath, but goes too far when he belittles Ned Stark. Cat calls for Brienne’s sword. Mackelly and Simon quickly buy up pine boxes in Riverrun.
Chapter Review: Catelyn Stark listens to the citizens of Riverrun celebrate the victory over Tywin Lannister’s forces, while trying to process the news that Bran and Rickon have been murdered by Theon Greyjoy. She spends some time with her father Hoster, who sleeps throughout.
At midnight, she and Brienne visit Jamie in the dungeons. Jamie agrees to answer Cat’s questions as long as she will do the same with his. He admits to throwing Bran from the tower, but denies sending the assassin. He also admits to being the father of Cersei’s children. He backs up Tyrion’s story of the dagger used in the attempt on Bran's life. If the Imp bet, it was on Jamie and he lost, so he never won the dagger. In return, Cat reveals the state of the war - Robb winning more and more castles in the Westerlands.
Jamie then tells the story of Brandon and Rickard Stark’s death, painting a terrible picture of Aerys and the other Kingsguard. Jamie bemoans that he’s forever tainted whilst honor-bound sticklers like Ned Stark are sanctified. He goes a bit too far, and Cat demands Brienne’s sword.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Catelyn Stark - Lady of Winterfell. Widow of Lord Eddard Stark and daughter of Hoster Tully, the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Brienne of Tarth - Tall and homely Daughter of Lord Selwyn Tarth the Evenstar. She is an expert with a sword. Edmure Tully - Younger brother to Catelyn Stark, heir to Riverrun. Hoster Tully - Cat’s father. Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Bed-ridden and in failing health. Tywin Lannister - Lord of the Westerlands. Jamie Lannister - Son of Tywin, brother to Cersei and Tyrion, lover of Cersei, father to Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tom
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Chapter Fifty-Four - Tyrion 12 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Tyrion learns that Bran and Rickon Stark are dead. Cersei reveals that she has caught his “little whore.” But Tyrion’s sophistry has worked, and she’s captured the wrong woman. Tyrion promises grim vengeance against his sister. Mackelly and Simon mourn the death of sibling detente.
Chapter Review: Lord Varys reveals that the Greyjoys have killed the Stark boys. Tyrion Lannister is shocked and wants to know if Cersei will be shocked too. He hurries to join her for dinner.
She is surprised and slightly irked that she always gets blamed when harm befalls a Stark - it was Jamie who pushed Bran. They both worry for Jamie, and are determined to keep Sansa as safe as possible. Tyrion wants Balon Swann and Sandor Clegane fighting when Stannis comes, Cersie worries that they should be protecting the King.
Things go very sour when Cersei reveals that she has captured Tyrion’s whore. She has Alayaya dragged in. She’s bloodied but not broken. Tyrion promises to free her. He rounds on Cersei and promises that he’ll hurt her for this. Someday her safety and joy will turn to ashes in her mouth.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon, twin sister of Ser Jamie Lannister. Mother of King Joffrey Baratheon. King Joffrey Baratheon - Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Currently King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name. Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Acting Hand of the King. Lord Varys - Master of Spies, member of the Small Council. Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Stark. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks). Bronn - A sellsword. Now Tyrion’s friend and bodyguard. Stannis Baratheon - Claimant to the Iron Throne. Brother to the late king Robert Baratheon. Shae - Former prostitute, paramour of Tyrion Lannister. Alayaya - King’s Landing prostitute who helped Tyrion with his trysts with Shae. Now captive of Cersei.
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Chapter Fifteen - Samwell 2 - A Feast for Crows | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Sam is miserable aboard the ship headed for Braavos. Gilly is inconsolable and he’s seasick. He can't understand her tears until Maester Aemon points out that she left her own baby at Castle Black, and that she’s nursing Dalla’s child. Simon and Mackelly try to keep down their breakfast.
Chapter Review: Samwell Tarly is seasick aboard the Blackbird. He takes solace in his companions’ hopeful futures: Gilly will be a maid at Horn Hill, Dareon will recruit for the Night’s Watch using his singing, and Maester Aemon will retire at the Citadel, safe from Melisandre’s fires.
Gilly and her baby are miserable, rarely leaving their cabin. Sam’s fear of the sea dates back to his father Randyll Tarly’s harsh swimming lesson. This voyage is only his second, the first being a traumatic trip to the Arbor where he was bullied and rejected as a foster child by Lord Paxter Redwyne.
Dareon complains about Gilly’s distress. Sam defends her, understanding her fear of the unfamiliar ocean. Maester Aemon reminisces about his voyage to the Wall with Ser Duncan the Tall. Aemon enjoys the rain but becomes ill from exposure.
Violent storms batter the ship, intensifying their misery. The sailors blame their bad luck on having a woman aboard. When Sam asks Aemon for a remedy for Gilly’s distress, the maester reveals her sorrow is due to grief, not fear. Gilly’s baby is not her own; she left her child at Castle Black and took Dalla’s baby instead. Lord Commander Jon Snow orchestrated this swap to protect the child from Melisandre’s fires.
Sam is horrified and questions his involvement in making Jon Lord Commander. As the sea briefly calms, Dareon mocks Sam’s prediction of more storms, calling him craven. Burdened by the weight of recent revelations, Sam knows the worst is yet to come.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Samwell Tarly - Brother of the Night’s Watch, friend to John Snow. Slayer of Others. Gilly - Daughter of Craster. Beloved of Samwell. Maester Aemon - 100 year-old maester of the Night’s Watch. Dareon - Brother of the Night’s Watch renowned for his singing voice. Being sent south to recruit new brothers. Blackbird - Ship of the Night’s Watch. Skagos - Large island in the Bay of Seals. Notorious for its savage inhabitants. Braavos - One of the Free ci
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Chapter Fifty-Three - Jon 7 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Jon and company head into the Frostfangs. Jon spies on the wildlings through Ghost's eyes. Ghost is hurt, but Qhorin is happy that they’ve seen enough and they high-tail it back toward the remainder of the Night's Watch. Simon and Mackelly throw another log on the campfire.
Chapter Review: Jon Snow speaks with Qhorin Halfhand as they continue to climb through the Skirling Pass. Jon admits that he freed Ygritte. Qhorin isn’t mad. Qhorin said if he had really wanted her dead he would have had Ebben do it. This way, he was able to gauge Jon as a man. They also discuss Mance Rayder. He was born a wildling, but became a great ranger. His treason was just going home.
Jon sleeps while Ghost hunts. In his dreams, Jon speaks with Bran who speaks through a weirwood tree. Bran tells Jon to open his third eye to see better. At that point, Jon enters Ghost’s mind and sees the wildling camp further ahead. It’s vast and he sees a lack of discipline, but some military training going on. He also sees a giant riding a mammoth. An eagle swoops down and attacks Ghost, Jon wakes with a yelp.
Qhorin questions Jon at length about his dream. They continue toward the wildlings, but en route, they see Ghost injured with talon marks on his back. They patch him up and Qhorin announces that they have seen enough. They head back down the pass and leave Squire Dalbridge to hold the choke point with as many arrows as they have.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Night's Watch - Men who guard the Seven Kingdoms against threats from beyond the Wall. Jon Snow - Bastard son of Eddard "Ned" Stark. Sworn brother of the Night’s Watch. Ser Jeor Mormont - Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Ghost - Jon Snow’s direwolf. Mance Rayder - Leader of the wildlings, self-styled King-Beyond-The-Wall. Benjen Stark - Brother of Ned Stark, uncle to Jon Snow. First Ranger of the Night’s Watch. Has been missing north of the Wall for many months. Qhorin Halfhand - Ranger of the Night’s Watch, from the Shadow Tower. Leading Jon's expedition. Stonesnake - Ranger from the Shadow Tower. Best climber in the Night’s Watch. Ebben - Ranger of the Night’s Watch, from the Shadow Tower. Squire Dalbridge - Ranger of the Night’s Watch, from the Shadow Tower. Ygritte - Wildling girl captured by Jon but su
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Chapter Fifty-Two - Sansa 4 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Sansa meets with Ser Dontos who has nothing useful, the Hound who is particularly ugly toward her, and Cersei who warns Sansa that love is weakness and she should reserve it for her children, because she won’t get much from her intended Joffrey. Simon and Mackelly feel for Sansa and her plight.
Chapter Review: Sansa Stark rendezvous with Ser Dontos Hollard in the Red Keep’s godswood. He is drunk and singularly unhelpful. He says that he has a friend who is returning to King's Landing. When this friend returns, they will take a ship to safety. However, Stannis’ army is amassing all around King’s Landing and is expected to have complete control of the Blackwater (Bay and Rush), so the plan doesn’t seem very real.
Sansa climbs to the top of the Red Keep to survey the besieging army. She begins to feel a little unwell and is saved from falling by the Hound. He is in a foul mood and says hateful things toward her. He seems anxious about the number of fires being lit for the forthcoming battle.
That night Sansa dreams of what might have happened had the Hound not saved her (again) during the riot. When she wakes she finds that she has had her first period. Despite her attempts to hide the evidence, she’s dragged before Cersei who is more conciliatory than usual. She warns Sansa that loving people is a weakness and that she better practice some new lies for when Stannis gets here. Cersei seems resigned to her fate.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Sansa Stark - Eldest daughter of Lord Eddard Stark and Catelyn Tully. Betrothed to Joffrey Baratheon. Captive of the Lannisters. Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon, twin sister of Ser Jamie Lannister. Mother of King Joffrey Baratheon. King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name - Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Sandor Clegane - The Hound. King Joffrey's personal protector. Member of the Kingsguard. Ser Dontos Hollard - Last member of House Hollard. Saved from execution on King Joffrey’s name day by Sansa Stark. Stripped of knighthood. Now a Red Keep fool.
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Chapter Fifty-One - Jon 6 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Jon and Co. climb the Skirling Pass into the Frostfang Mountains. They spot wildling lookouts and after a harrowing nighttime climb they capture a wildling girl. Qhorin orders Jon to kill the girl but Jon can't do it and lets her go. Simon and Mackelly discover the real reason the pale-blue t-shirts are our best-selling merch.
Chapter Review: Qhorin Halfhand’s crew sees the light of a fire up ahead. Wildling lookouts have risked the light for some warmth. They won’t get much from Qhorin. He sends Stonesnake and Jon Snow to climb around the watchers and silence them before they can raise the alarm. Jon orders Ghost to stay behind.
The climb is very dangerous, but the two arrive just above the wildlings’ position and drop on them unannounced. The two men are quickly dispatched and Jon grapples with the third figure who was sleeping. It turns out to be a young woman named Ygritte. Stonesnake gives the signal and the rest of the party to join them.
Ygritte tells the tale of Bael the Bard and why she and Jon share blood. He’s somewhat taken with her, she’s made of tougher stuff. The Halfhand knows what has to be done and leaves Jon to kill Ygritte. The old softy can't do it, but won’t desert his companions as she suggests. He lets her go.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Night's Watch - Men who guard the Seven Kingdoms against threats from beyond the Wall. Jon Snow - Bastard son of Eddard "Ned" Stark. Recently sworn brother of the Night’s Watch. Ser Jeor Mormont - Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Ghost - Jon Snow’s direwolf. Mance Rayder - Leader of the wildlings, self-styled King-Beyond-The-Wall. Benjen Stark - Brother of Ned Stark, uncle to Jon Snow. First Ranger of the Night’s Watch. Has been missing north of the Wall for many months. Qhorin Halfhand - Night’s Watch ranger from the Shadow Tower. Stonesnake - Ranger from the Shadow Tower. Best climber in the Night’s Watch. Ygritte - Wildling girl captured by Jon but subsequently released.
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Chapter Fifty - Theon 4 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Theon loses Bran, Rickon, and the direwolves. They escape with the help of Jojen, Meera, Osha, and Hodor. He gives chase, but they’re outsmarted by the wolves and the wildling. Reek suggests a way for Theon to save face. Simon and Mackelly put Reek’s plan to the sniff test.
Chapter Review: Theon Greyjoy awakes abruptly in Ned and Catelyn Stark's bed in Winterfell, but all is quiet. Too quiet! The direwolves' infernal howling has stopped. Theon dresses and sends men to find out what is up. As the castle is roused it becomes apparent that Bran and Rickon have escaped.
The young princes are accompanied by their direwolves, Hodor, Osha, and the Reeds. No horses are missing so Theon decides to wait for morning before beginning the pursuit. With the morn he rides out with his men, the Winterfell hounds, Reek, and Maester Luwin. The latter beseeches Theon to not harm the boys. Both know that they’re worth more alive than dead, so it is a deal Theon agrees to.
The hounds are defeated by some trickery by Osha - who has sent the direwolves in a different direction. Eventually, they’re forced to admit defeat. But Reek has a plan to save face. He’s brought spare cloaks and a wolf's head brooch, and has a hunch where the boys are.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Theon Greyjoy - Heir to the Iron Islands. Betrayed his former friend Robb Stark and invaded the North in the name of the Iron Islands. Asha Greyjoy - Elder sister to Theon. Oldest surviving child of Balon Greyjoy. Balon Greyjoy - Lord of the Iron Islands. Victarion Greyjoy - Younger brother of Balon Greyjoy. Maester Luwin - Maester of Winterfell. Bran Stark - Paraplegic middle son of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Rickon Stark - Youngest child of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Summer - Direwolf of Bran Stark Shaggy Dog - Direwolf of Rickon Stark Osha - Wildling captured by the Starks, swore fealty to Theon Greyjoy at the first opportunity. Hodor - Giant, but simple-minded citizen of Winterfell. Carries Bran where he needs to go. Farlen - Kennel-master of Winterfell. Palla - Farlen’s daughter. Black Lorren - Cruel Iron Islander. Lieutenant to Theon Greyjoy. Meera Reed - Daughter of Howland Reed of Greywater Watch. Jojen Reed - Younger brother of Meera. Has prophetic green dreams.
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Chapter Forty-Nine - Tyrion 11 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Tyrion sees two new Kingsguard appointed and oversees preparations for Stannis’ arrival. The pyromancers have more than delivered on their wildfire promise. And Varys has foiled a plot to open the gates to Stannis. Mackelly and Simon dip a finger in the boiling oil.
Chapter Review: Tyrion sends Shagga and the other mountain clansmen to the Kingswood to harry and delay Stannis’ army as it finally makes its way to King’s Landing. Tyrion and Bronn review the defenses on the river-side of the city and decree that the homes and shanties that lean against the outside of the wall, need to be removed (with minimal human misery if possible) before the invaders use them to scale the walls.
Tyrion has learned that Winterfell has fallen to the Greyjoys and while celebrating the Starks’ misfortune, he cannot help but feel that there is something not right about it. He ponders this while seeing Balon Swann and Osmund Kettleblack sworn in as the latest members of the Kingsguard. They replace the late Preston Greenfield and the disgraced Boros Blount, who capitulated too willingly when Tyrion’s men forcibly wrested Prince Tommen from his care.
Tyrion meets with Hallyne of the pyromancers who is miles ahead of schedule on the production of wildfire. Tyrion is skeptical, but Hallyne explains that their spells are working like they used to in the time of dragons. Tyrion faces complaints from ships’ captains who’ve had their ships impounded in defense of the capital. He meets with Varys who has unearthed a plot to open the gates to Stannis’ army. Not from the starving hordes, but from middle-class King’s Landians who’d rather see the back of the Lannisters. One of them is a master armorer, who fell out with Tyrion over his great chain scheme.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon, twin sister of Ser Jamie Lannister. King Joffrey Baratheon - Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Acting Hand of the King. Varys - Master of Whisperers and member of the Small Council. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks). Bronn - Sellsword. Now Tyrion’s friend and bodyguard. Sh
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Chapter Forty-Eight - Daenerys 4 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Daenerys visits the House of the Undying. She faces visions and trials in the pursuit of wisdom. But eventually has to be rescued from the clutches of the phantoms by Drogon, breathing fire like a real dragon. Simon and Mackelly get out the marshmallows.
Chapter Review: Daenerys Targaryen is not getting what she wants from the citizens of Qarth, so she’s going to try Pyatt Pree and the warlocks of the House of the Undying. None of her friends like the plan. Pree gives her advice for getting to the Undying Ones, once within, and she heads inside.
She has multiple visions, of her father, her brother, her other brother, and other strange imagery. None of it is terribly helpful to either her, nor the sleuthy reader. She finally meets the Undying. They are spectral husks who have no wisdom to offer, beyond riddles and are determined to imprison her.
Drogon, who’s come along for just such an eventuality, sets fire to the Undying and the great heart that appears to be their life-force. Dany and Drogon get out of their to the fury of Pree, who tries to kill Dany, but is prevented by Drogon and her bloodriders.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Daenerys Targaryen - Daughter of King Aerys. Widow of Khal Drogo. Mother of dragons. Claimant to the Iron Throne. Khaleesi of a small khalasar in Essos. Drogon - Dany’s black dragon. Ser Jorah Mormont - Banished Lord of Bear Island. Advisor to Daenerys Targaryen. Jhogo - Dothraki warrior. Bloodrider of Daenerys Targaryen. Aggo - Dothraki warrior. Bloodrider of Daenerys Targaryen. Rakharo - Dothraki warrior. Bloodrider of Daenerys Targaryen. Qarth - City on the south coast of Essos Pyat Pree - Warlock of Qarth Xaro Xhoan Daxos - Merchant Prince of Qarth. Quaithe of the Shadow - A shadowbinder from Asshai. She wears a wooden lacquered mask to hide all but her eyes. Ilyrio Mopatis - Wealthy merchant of Pentos. Former host of the Targaryens siblings and believed to be plotting with Varys to reinstall Dany on the Iron Throne.
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Chapter Forty-Seven - Arya 9 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Arya burns her third wish in helping the north take Harrenhal from Amory Lorch. She’s abetted by Jaqen H’ghar and surprisingly Vargo Hoat - who has switched sides and is working for Roose Bolton. Mackelly and Simon weigh up what this means for Arya and the war.
Chapter Review: Arya Stark's life has improved since Weese died. She roams Harrenhal after dark. She visits Hot Pie who is making bread for the morning. Their conversation is disturbed by the arrival of Vargo Hoat’s Bloody Mummers, with a hundred or more northern prisoners. He brags to Amory Lorch of a big victory over Roose Bolton’s men. Lorch has the captives taken to a cell. Arya begins to think of a plan.
She visits Gendry to enlist his help in freeing the prisoners. He’s not interested. She offers him the amazing reward of the gratitude of her mother and maybe even a job at Winterfell? Be still his beating heart. He points out that he’s doing the same job here, why should he care where or for whom. She goes instead to the Godswood to practice her water dancing, where she meets Jaqen H’ghar.
She wants him to help her free the prisoners, but he only owes her one death. She says his name, and he threatens to do it. But Arya agrees to unname him if he’ll help. With Rorge and Biter, they overcome the guards with kettles of soup and free the prisoners, who were expecting help. Turns out that Hoat had turned and the prisoners were an advance force of Roose Bolton’s army.
When Bolton arrives, he makes Arya his cup-bearer as a token of his appreciation for her aid in freeing Harrenhal.
Characters/Places/Names/Events Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Eddard "Ned" and Catelyn Stark. Gendry - Friend of Arya. Former armorer’s apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Working in the Harrenhal smiths. Hot Pie - Friend of Arya. Working in the Harrenhal kitchens. Amory Lorch - Cruel Lannister knight. Implicated in the murder of Rhaegar Targaryen’s two children. Acting castellan of Harrenhal. Vargo Hoat - Leader of the Brave Companions, aka the Bloody Mummers. Flamboyant, lisping swellsword. Roose Bolton - Lord of the Dreadfort. Heading up the eastern contingent of Robb Stark’s army. Jaqen H’ghar - Mysterious Lorathi whom Arya saved from death during the battle between the Night’s Watch
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Chapter Forty-Six - Bran 6 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
The sea has come to Winterfell. Bran is forced to cede the seat of House Stark to Theon Greyjoy. Mikken the smith is killed and Hodor beaten. Meanwhile, Theon assures all that they’ll be treated kindly as long as they follow orders. Simon and Mackelly smell something fishy.
Chapter Review: Bran has an extended wolf-dream in which Summer tries to escape the walled godswood. The wolf has no inclination to climb, but his Bran-half leads him up a tree. Summer slips and falls. On impact, Bran awakens to a pain in his shoulder. He hopes Summer is OK.
A stranger enters Bran’s room followed by Theon Greyjoy. Theon tells Bran to come down and inform the citizens of their new ruler. Bran, Rickon, Maester Luwin, the Walders, and the Reeds, are brought to the main hall. The 30 or so Iron Islanders have gathered the other citizens of Winterfell. Hayhead has a nasty wound, Alebelly has been killed, and Palla (who played with Bran and the Walders in the godswood) has been raped.
Theon demands obedience, but Mikken the smith is having none of it. He spits vitriol at Theon until a spear is thrust through his neck and he drowns on his own blood. Fulfilling more of Jojen Reed’s prophetic dream. Hodor wails in dismay at Mikken’s death and is beaten by Theon’s men. All the while Theon claims that the people will find him a fair and gentle lord.
The prisoner Reek and Osha both pledge fealty to Theon and are given their freedom. Bran sees the second of these as quite the betrayal, although less than Theon’s.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Brandon (Bran) Stark - Middle son of Eddard (Ned) and Catelyn (Cat) Stark. He was pushed from a tower by Jamie Lannister and lost the use of his legs. Maester Luwin - Maester in the service of house Stark at Winterfell. Rickon Stark - Youngest son of Ned and Cat Stark. Hodor - Huge but simple man who carries Bran Stark wherever he wishes to go. Big Walder Frey - Grandson of Lord Walder Frey. Ward of Winterfell. Little Walder Frey - Grandson of Lord Walder Frey. Ward of Winterfell. Osha - Wildling captured by the Starks now held as servant/prisoner in Winterfell. Theon Greyjoy - Heir to the Iron Islands. Former ward of Winterfell. Mikken - Smith of Winterfell. Ser Rodrik Cassel - Master-at-arms and c
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Chapter Forty-Five - Catelyn 6 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Cat muses on her duties while Edmure’s forces repel Tywin Lannister’s repeated attempts to ford the Red Fork. Riverrun celebrates as Tywin’s army retreats to the headwaters of the Blackwater Rush, but Cat is uneasy. Mackelly and Simon consider Tywin’s next move.
Chapter Review: Catelyn Stark sees her brother Edmure ride out of Riverrun to prevent Tywin Lannister from returning back to the Westerlands. She feels like she’s done her duty all her life, but where her duty lies now is cloudier. News arrives from Storm’s End of Courtnay Penrose’s demise and the ceding of the castle to Stannis. There is no mention of Edric Storm, but Brienne has met him and confirms that he looks just like Renly, who in turn looked just like Robert. The seed is strong.
In a separate letter, Roose Bolton has confirmed his plan to cut off Tywin’s natural retreat, by taking Harrenhal, even if he has to kill everyone within to do so. He also hopes that this will remove the stain caused by the behavior of his bastard son Ramsay.
Tywin’s forces begin to probe the Riverland's defenses along the Red Fork. They’re repelled again and again. Cat questions ser Cleos Frey about what he saw in King’s Landing. She understands why the Lannister’s terms were rejected, but is fixated on the offer of Jamie for Sansa and Arya. Frey admits he only saw Sansa, but Cat’s not sure what that means.
Tywin comes in force and after multiple pitched battles he is repelled and retreats south, away from both Riverrun and Harrenhal. His destination is the headwaters of the Blackwater Rush, the river that runs to King’s Landing. The people of Riverrun celebrate, but Cat’s fears only increase.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Catelyn Stark - Lady of Winterfell. Widow of Lord Eddard Stark and daughter of Hoster Tully, the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Brienne of Tarth - Tall and homely Daughter of Lord Selwyn Tarth the Evenstar. She is an expert with a sword. Was known as Brienne the Blue, for her blue cloak in King Renly’s Rainbow Guard. Edmure Tully - Younger brother to Catelyn Stark, heir to Riverrun. Hoster Tully - Cat’s father. Lord of the Riverlands. Bed-ridden and in failing health. Tywin Lannister - Lord of the Westerlands. Roose Bolton - Northern Lord, last seen on the Green Fork en
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Chapter Fourteen - Brienne 3 - A Feast for Crows | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Brienne’s search for Sansa takes her to Maidenpool to find a fool. First she finds old acquaintances that drum up painful thoughts. She meets a man who will take her to the fool, for a price. Simon and Mackelly question the intentions of Nimble Dick.
Chapter Review: Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne arrive at the gates of Maidenpool. The town has been rebuilt since Brienne was there with Jaime. At the town gates, she defends the honor of a farming couple. Bloodshed is avoided by the arrival of Ser Hyle Hunt, captain of the gate. He and Brienne have history, and it’s immediately clear it’s not a good one.
Once inside the town, Hunt takes Brienne and Pod to Lord Randyll Tarly. When Tarly finishes serving justice to the townsfolk, he meets Brienne. He tells her Sansa won’t be at the Eyrie, as Brienne was considering. Lady Lysa Arryn is dead. The news causes Brienne to reconsider her plans to travel to the Vale.
When Tarly takes his leave, Hunt offers to show Brienne to the Stinking Goose, where she hopes to find news of the fool she’s hunting. Brienne has no interest in spending more time with the knight. She leaves for the tavern alone. Once there, she eventually meets Nimble Dick Crabb. The man explains that he tricked a fool looking for passage to Essos for him and two girls. Dick sent them to a long-unused smuggler’s cove. He offers to take Brienne and Pod to it, for a hefty price. Brienne warily agrees.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Brienne of Tarth - Charged with rescuing Sansa Stark. Podrick Payne - Former squire to Tyrion Lannister, now traveling with Brienne. Randyll Tarly - Lord of Horn Hill. In Maidenpool to oversee reconstruction and bring order, prior to the wedding of his son. Ser Hyle Hunt - Knight in service to House Tarly. Former tormentor of Brienne. Sansa Stark - Eldest surviving Stark child. Currently in the Eyrie with Petyr Baelish. Dontos Hollard - Knight turned fool. Last seen fleeing the Red Keep with Sansa. Duskendale - Coastal town in the Crownlands. Maidenpool - Significant port town in the Riverlands. Seat of House Mooton.
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Chapter Forty-Four - Tyrion 10 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Tyrion gets wind of Cersei’s latest plots. He tries to convince Shae to take a job in the Red Keep. He discusses the news from Storm’s End with Varys who shares his hatred of all things magic. Mackelly and Simon try to weave the threads.
Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister learns from Lancel that Cersei plans to hide Tommen at Rosby. Tyrion doesn’t mind this plan, but wants Tommen’s guards to be loyal to him. He sends Jacelyn Bywater to do the job, with a promise of a lordship in return. To this point Bywater has been completely non-partisan - and the lordship is the payment for taking sides.
Tyrion heads to Shae - risking going straight there. He wants her to move to the Red Keep - the city is too dangerous. But the only way he can see to do that is to get her a job as a servant. She’s not pleased. They fight and he slaps her. Out of remorse, he spills the story of Tysha but then regrets being so vulnerable. They leave on bad terms.
With Varys they discuss the fall of Storm’s End. Varys thinks magic was used to kill Ser Courtnay Penrose, but Tyrion thinks there are more mundane explanations. Varys relates his becoming a eunuch at the hands of a sorcerer and his revulsion of magic thereafter. Tyrion is moved by Varys’ tale. They head back to the Red Keep to plan the defenses against Stannis.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon, twin sister of Ser Jamie Lannister. Mother of King Joffrey Baratheon. King Joffrey Baratheon - Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Currently King Joffrey Baratheon First of His Name. Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Acting Hand of the King. Varys - Master of Spies, member of the Small Council. Ser Cortnay Penrose - Castellan of Storm’s End. Recently murdered by Stannis Baratheon’s shadow demon. Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Stark. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks). Bronn - A sellsword. Now Tyrion’s friend and bodyguard. Stannis Baratheon - Claimant to the Iron Throne. Shae - Former prostitute, now paramour of Tyrion Lannister.
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Chapter Forty-Three - Jon 5 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Qhorin Halfhand and his crew arrive at the Fist of the First Men. They’ve seen some action but gained valuable intelligence. Mance Rayder is seeking some magic to bring down the Wall. Three small groups will scout ahead and do what they can to prevent this. Mackelly and Simon long for the comforts of Castle Black.
Chapter Review: Jon Snow is roused from sleep by horns of the Night’s Watch. One blast means that it is rangers returning. Qhorin Halfhand has arrived with 100 men from the Shadow Tower. There are injuries and missing horses. The Halfhand recognizes Jon, he knew Ned and Ned’s father, and Jon shares the Stark look.
Mormont and Qhorin discuss what to do. Intelligence suggests that Mance Rayder has gathered a significant host, but that it comprises as many women and children as fighting men. Also that he might be seeking some device in the Frostfangs that would allow him to breach the Wall. Even if his plans are more worldly, he, as a former brother of the Night’s Watch, knows the strengths and weaknesses so he poses a risk.
Mormont considers re-garrisoning some of the abandoned castles along the Wall. Meanwhile, Qhorin will take a handpicked crew into the Frostfangs to find the truth of what’s going on, and if necessary put a stop to it. Jon gets the call.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Night's Watch - The men who guard the Seven Kingdoms against threats from beyond the Wall. Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Recently sworn brother of the Night’s Watch. Samwell Tarly - Brother of the Night’s Watch. Heavy-set and cowardly. Attendant to Maester Aemon. Friend to Jon Snow. Ser Jeor Mormont - Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. Maester Aemon - 100 year-old maester of the Night’s Watch. Ghost - Jon Snow’s direwolf. Mance Rayder - Leader of the wildlings, self-styled King-Beyond-The-Wall. Thoren Smallwood - Acting first ranger of the Night’s Watch. Eddison Tollett (Dolorous Edd) - Unhappy member of the Night’s Watch. Benjen Stark - Brother of Ned Stark, uncle to Jon Snow. First Ranger of the Night’s Watch. Has been missing north of the Wall for many months. Qhorin Halfhand - Ranger of the Night’s Watch from the Shadow Tower.
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M
Chapter Forty-Two - Davos 2 - A Clash of Kings | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)
Davos has rejoined his king, but admires the implacable Cortnay Penrose a lot more than Stannis’ new supporters. Davos smuggles Melisandre beneath the walls of Storm’s End where she gives birth to a shadow in Stannis’ form. Simon and Mackelly pick over the afterbirth.
Chapter Review: Ser Cortnay parlays with Stannis and supporters beneath the walls of Storm’s End. He refuses to yield the castle while one of the conditions is handing over Edric Storm. Stannis’ new bannermen try to reassure Penrose, but the old knight throws scorn on their trustworthiness. Ser Cortnay offers single combat to settle matters without a siege, but Stannis demurs.
Davos rides back with Stannis who confides that forgiving the lords that followed Renly sticks in his craw. Davos advises the king to forget Storm’s End and focus on King’s Landing. But Stannis is confident that Ser Cortnay dies tonight and the castle, and his bastard nephew, will be his.
To that end, Davos recreates his fabled onion-run when he saved Stannis and the denizens of Storm’s End from salvation. This time, he brings not food, but Melisandre. She may also cause tears. En route, they discuss good and evil and the grey areas in between. When they arrive beneath the walls, the way is blocked by a portcullis, but they’re close enough. Meslisandre reveals that she is very pregnant and immediately gives birth to a shadow the size and shape of Stannis Baratheon. Davos wonders what he’s done.
Characters/Places/Names/Events: Stannis Baratheon - (Arguably) The rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms. Husband to Selyse. Father of Shireen. Melisandre - The Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R’Hellor, the Lord of Light. Advisor to King Stannis. Ser Davos Seaworth - The Onion Knight. Advisor to King Stannis. Devan Seaworth - Squire to King Stannis. Son of Ser Davos. Recent convert to the Lord of Light. Renly Baratheon - Robert and Stannis’ youngest brother. Recently assassinated in mysterious circumstances. Joffrey Baratheon - King of the 7 Kingdoms as son of the former King Robert. Known to be the bastard son of his mother Cersei and her twin Jamie Lannister. Alester Florent - Head of house Florent. Uncle to Queen Selyse. Salladhor Saan - Pirate prince of the Narrow Sea. Former accomplice of Davos Seaw
All Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M