Ramsey Snow, became Bolton. Jon Snow was offered to be legitimized too if he helped Stannis. He became the commander of the Night's Watch instead. Sansa saw Littlefinger receive a Raven's scroll, which he claimed to be about marriage proposals. Brienne offered her her sword, but she refused it, which did not make Brienne give up on her. Cersei set a high reward for the man who brought her Tyrion's head. Jorah Mormont betrayed Daenerys, and she sent him from her City. Arya found Jaqen H'gar, and entered the House of Black and White to become no one.

Inside the House of Black and White, things look bleak and dusty. Arya spends her day sweeping. She watches Jaqen though, as he gives a man a glass of water. The man drinks its down, and walks towards a statue leaking. He falls on his knees. Arya puts down her broom. She's been sweeping for days, but she didn't come to sweep his floors. He told her that she could be his apprentice. Jaqen tells her that everyone must serve, the faceless men most of all. The girl only serves herself, and she must serve the many face god. She doesn't see that one among the idols around the room. Jaqen tells her that there is only one god, and she knows his name, and his gift The man who drank the water has died, others come in to collect him as Arya watches. She asks another where the man is being taken, but is ignored.

In King's Landing, it's wedding day. The people call for Margaery, to the disgust of Cersei. Inside, Tommen and Margaery say their vows and are wed. Tommen is very gleeful as everyone claps.

In the bedchamber, Tommen beds his new wife. He asks if he hurt her, it all happened so fast. He didn't, she assures him. He was very sweet. He wants nothing more than to do this all day every day. Margaery laughs it off. Tommen jumps at her for another round, but she reminds him that they have eternity, and they should catch their breath. For now, she wants to know all about him. He finds the title sounds strange to him. He asks if Queen sounds strange to her. It does. He still thinks it feels odd. He's King, because his brother died. She tells him that he shouldn't feel guilty. He doesn't. She thinks that they will be very happy together, as does he. She mentions that her grandmother couldn't wait to leave, that the capital isn't for everyone, asking if his mother likes it there. He doesn't think she does. She told him not to ever trust anyone in Kings Landing. She notes that it must be nice to have her watching over him. He's a man now though. Margaery is well aware of that, but to his mother he will always be her baby. She's been so generous, Margaery goes on. She's laying it on thick. After losing so much so quickly, her husband, her father and her child, she will never let him go.

Cersei is happy that her son is so happy. The first days of marriage often are. Cersei notes how pretty Margaery is, and how she smiles so much. Tommen wonders if she misses Casterly Rock, but Cersei tells him that there is nothing in Casterly Rock for her. Tommen remembers that she always liked the people there better, and that she hates the smell of King's Landing. Cersei wonders why he's asking about it. He thinks that she might be happier in Casterly Rock.

Margaery laughs with her maids about her wedding night when Cersei pays her a visit. Margaery offers her some food or drink. Cersei declines, she just wanted to tell her if she ever needed anything she's there for her. Margaery prattles on. Thanking her, asking Cersei what her title is now. Cersei doesn't think they need to be so formal. Margaery alludes to Tommen's zeal, and the likelyhood of offspring soon. Cersei reminds her that she's there for anything she needs. Margaery turns back to her giggling ladies.

Inside of Bolton's keep, Theon limps along. A pair of flayed men are raised, Theon quivers at the sight. Roose tells his son that they cannot hold the North on fear alone, and he didn't send him here to collect bodies. The tennant refused to pay. He told him that the warden of North would always be a Stark and he refused to kiss the boot of a traitor. Ramsey flayed him still alive, his wife and brother too, while the son watched. The new Lord paid his taxes. Roose has something more to say, and demands, Ramsey listen. Theon listens too. They don't have enough men if the other houses of the North rise against them. Ramsey understands, but he thought that they had a pact with the Lannisters. He had a pact with Tywin, and he's dead. None of the other Lannisters will ever bring an army this far north to help them. The best way to form an alliance isn't by peeling a man's skin off, but by marriage. Now that Ramsey is a Bolton, he needs to marry a suitable bride, and he's found a perfect girl.

Poor Sansa. She rides by Littlefinger's side, and she has no idea what he has in store for her. He brings her to a new keep, which will be her new home. She recognizes it. He's brought her to the Boltons. She reminds him that Roose Bolton killed her brother, he betrayed him. Winterfell is her home, but Sansa doesn't feel that way about it anymore. Littlefinger reminds her that she is still a Stark, even if she has dyed her hair. Sansa refuses, she will not marry a Bolton, she would rather die. Littlefinger tells her that he will not force her to do anything, he cares for her. If she really doesn't want to do this, he will turn them around. She has been a bystander to violence since her father died. He tells her to stop running and avenge her family. He kisses her on the forehead, leaving the choice up to her. Sansa rides forward, and their guard follow.

Brienne and Pod watch from the hillside. They plan to ride around the keep, she knows where they're going. Pod shines her boots. She asks why he's still a squire, he's too old to be a squire. He tells her the tale of how he came to be in Tyrion's service. It was to be a punishment by Tywin, but Pod didn't see it that way. Tyrion was always good to him. Brienne tells him that all of his Lords have been good to him, except her, she's a nasty person. Pod is proud to be her squire, she's a fierce fighter. Brienne is sorry for being so nasty to him all the time. If she wasn't he wouldn't learn, Pod tells her. She decides if he wants to be a knight she will really teach him. She can't knight him, but she can teach him to fight. Pod appreciates her plans. He makes a fire for them. She wasn't always a knight. He asks how she ended up serving Renley. When she was younger her father held a Ball. She didn't want to go, but she was dragged, and she liked it. The boys all fought for the chance to dance with her, and her father was happy. She was happy too, until she saw some of the boys snickering. The boys were all laughing at her. She realized then that she was the ugliest girl alive. She tried to run away, but Renley stopped her. He told her not to let them see her cry, that they were nasty little shits. He danced with her the rest of the night, and none of the other boys said a word since he was the king's brother. Pod asks about his sexuality, since he heard that Renley was gay. She knew that he didn't love her, but he saved her because he was kind. From then on she followed and protected him, but she couldn't save him in the end. Nothing hurts worse than failing the one you love. One day she will avenge him. Pod asks how you fight a shadow. Brienne knows that it was Stannis, and men can be killed.

Stannis and Davos pay a visit to the new Lord Commander Snow. They want privacy, but Snow isn't dismissing his Stewart. Stannis asks if he has considered his offer. It's what he always wanted, but his place is with the Night's Watch. Stannis is giving him a chance to avenge his family, to take back Winterfell and rule the North. Jon wishes that he could fight beside him, but he made a pledge, and he has to keep it. Stannis notes that he's as stubborn as his father, reminding him that honor got his father killed. Jon asks how long they plan to stay, for planning purposes. Winter is coming. Stannis is aware. They will march for Winterfell soon. Jon asks about the Wildlings. They would rather burn then fight for Stannis, so he will leave their fate to Jon. Stannis tells him that execution would be the safest, or he could see if their new leader would be more open to negotiation. Stannis is sure that most of the Night's Watch would rather see the Wildlings dead. Jon is aware of that. Stannis also notes that he has many enemies at Castle Black, and may want to consider relocating some of them. He suggest giving Alleister East Watch by the sea before he leaves. Davos notes that he sees something in Jon, it may not be apparent by his tone but its the truth. He wants wants best for the kingdom, as the one true king. Jon has sworn to stay clear of politics with the Night's Watch. Davos asks the boy the pledge, stopping him at “the shield that guards the realms of men.” He points out that as shield he may be more efficient, not on his icy wall, but wading in the muck and doing what needs to be done. As long as the Boltons rule the North, the North will suffer. Jon is left with a lot to think about.

Arya toys with her coin, when a zombie like girl comes into her cell. She asks who she is, believing Arya is undeserving of her place, and of the coin. She asks again who she is, and strikes Arya whens eh says no one. She asks and strikes several more times before Arya goes for Needle. Jaqen comes in, and asks what the girl thinks she is doing. She is playing the game of faces she tells him, but Arya isn't ready for that. Arya thinks she is ready, she is ready for anything. Jaqen sees the sword, and points out that she is surrounded by Arya Stark's things. The man wonders how no one came to be surrounded by Arya's things. The girl leaves, her deed done.

Arya ties her clothes up with Rocks and tosses them into the water. Next she tosses away her bag of silver, and even her coin. Needle she grabs last, holding it in her hands. Saying goodbye to it is far harder. Arya begins to cry. She cannot toss Needle away. Instead she hides it among the rocks.

She goes back to sweeping inside of the House of Black and White. Another body is taken away, but the door doesn't close this time. Arya looks towards it, before she can let her curiosity get the best of her, Jaquen takes her through it. They head down the fire lit stairs. He leaves her in a room with the girl, and the body. The girl wordlessly waits for Arya, and together they undress the body. She bathes it. Arya asks what do they do after they wash them, the girl does not answer. Arya gets to work washing.

The gates are opened, and Sansa and Littlefinger arrive. Theon watches from above. Roose and Ramsey wait to greet them. Roose welcomes her, and Sansa courtsey with good manners. Roose introduces Ramsey to her, and a group of ladies watch them, very unhappily. Sansa is taken to her room, and an elderly woman welcomes her home, the North remembers.

Jon asks after the Maester, he isn't feeling well. Jon brings the first task to the brothers attention, a new latrine pit. They've appointed a captain to oversee the task. He tells Brian that its a good job for a ginger. Next he turns his attention to Sir Alleister. He names him first Ranger. The men all approve. Janos he appoints to Grey Guard, which he does not approve of. Its a ruin, but Jon tells him to restore it. Janos thinks he's too good for the task. He's mistaken though, that was a command, not an offer. Janos will not have it though, he refuses it. Jon orders Lord Janos to be taken outside, and asks Olli to get his sword. Alleister does not stand in the way of the men who look to grab him. Jano calls out, thinking that Jon is merely trying to scare him. He thinks he has important friends in the Capital. Jon mounts the stairs, sword in hand. He asks Janos for any last words. Janos asks for forgiveness, he will do as Jon asks. He asks for mercy, he is afraid, he has always been afraid. Jon cleaves his head from his body.

In the brothel, they play some godly games when the Sparrows swoop in. They grab the High Septon. Lancel tells him that he is a sinner, and he shall be punished. He is marched naked from the establishment, through the streets under the chant of sinner. Whenever he moves to cover himself, they strike him on the buttocks.

The High Septon comes before Cersei and her counsel. He has been insulted, and assaulted by the Sparrows. The Master of Whispers heard that it started in the brothel. The Septon claims that even whores can have their confessions heard. The Maester thinks that a man's private affairs should be private. The Septon wants the Sparrows to be punished, the High Sparrow punished most of all.

Cersei heads to see the High Sparrow. Her guard does not think that it is a good idea. Cersei wades through the poor, to an elderly man feeding the hungry. He talks of his position, and Cersei asks why he has no shoes. He gave them to someone else, as they all do. He tells them No one is special, and so they think that he is special, which he finds funny. He wonders if Cersei has come to tempt him, he hopes not. She has comes about the incident with the High Septon, the representative of the Gods. Hypocrisy is a boil, and lancing a boil is never pleasant. He thinks they could have been more careful. Cersei admits that the High Septon came to her, but he doesn't want him arrested, but executed. Her thoughts are aligned with his. The corrupt man was bringing down the faith of the people, and he is in the red keep. The faith and the crown are the only things that hold up the city, and they must do everything to protect eachother.

Cersei gives the Master of Whispers a message for Littlefinger. She asks if he has made progress, he has. She wants it to be clear on the meaning of literally. A body jerks beneath the sheets.

Sansa walks through the streets, and Theon tries to keep out of her sight. Ramsey notes that she is very lovely. Littlefinger is very fond of Sansa. Ramsey promises to never hurt her. Roose asks for a moment alone. Littlefinger assures him that Tyrion never consummated the marriage, but Roose cares little for virginity, he needs her name. Littlefinger has given him all he wants then as promised. Roose asks if he is prepared for the consequences. Littlefinger does not think that the Lannisters have as much power as they once did. Jamie has no allies, Tommen is a soft boy, Margaery adores Sansa, and Cersei becomes less important daily. Roose points out that she still has many friends in high places. He gives Littlefinger her missive, that just arrived. Littlefinger finds it strange that the seal is broken. Roose admits that Littlefinger's gamble makes him suspicious. Roose gambled when he betrayed Rob Stark, but Roose points out that he had Tywin Lannister's backing then. The Eyrie is still his, and the last time that the Lords of the Eyrie aligned with the North they took down one of the greatest dynasties. Littlefinger would like to use a bird, and Roose would like to read the reply.

Tyrion is going crazy inside of the carriage. He needs to get out of it. Varys reminds him that Volantis is a big city, with many people who could report back to Cersei. If Tyrion doesn't get out soon, he's going to lose his mind, and be of no good to Daenerys. With a weak disguise in place, Tyrion is willing to take his chances.

In the market, Tyion and Varys walk the slave markets. A whore rallys the people, she's a red priest, and she's caught Tyrion's eye. Varys cautions him to quiet. She calls Daenerys the savior, and Tyrion mocks that Varys didn't tell him they were heading to meet the savior. She makes eye contact with him, and he thinks its time to head off to a brothel. Inside, there are plenty of Daenerys supporters, even a Daenerys look alike. Mormont all but weeps into his beer as he looks at the look alike. Varys points out that someone who inspires priests and whores is worth taking a look at. Tyrion goes in search of a companion. She thinks that he looks like a man with no money. Tyrion tells her that until recently, he was very wealthy. He is always pays his debts, its his thing. She notices his glance at the faux-Daenerys. They all want to fuck a Queen. Not Tyrion. If he could pick any girl he would pick her, because she has a skeptical mind. She accepts, but tells him that she has to wash him first. He tells her he can't though. No one is more shocked than him. What will he do in his spare time. He heads out for a piss, and Mormont follows. He tells Mormont that the show is almost over. Mormont binds him and gags him. He's taking Tyrion to the Queen, the only question is to which one?

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And so the season finally starts, with what may be the best news after last week’s triumphant war. Tyrion lives, and as soon as he opens his eyes, he’s already issuing orders. He’s soon apprised of Stannis’ loss to his father, and told that he is no longer Hand of the King. How quickly he has fallen.

Joffery proclaims Tywin is Hand of the King, and although he thanks him, there is much left unsaid. Littlefinger gets a great boon for uniting the Lannisters and Tyrell’s, awarded with a lovely property. Loras kneels before Joffery, and Joffery offers to give him his heart’s desire. Loras asks for him to marry his sister, and Margery plays her part well, filling Joffery’s head with flowery nonsense. At first Joffery declines the offer, until Cersei begs him to set Sansa aside. He doesn’t wish to let go of Sansa yet. His Maegister gives him all the more reason to set Sansa aside, and he gives his consent to marry Margery. Sansa watches the exchange with fear, and much glee. Baelish is quick to point out that although she is no longer good enough to marry she is still good enough do unimaginable things to. He tells her that he will help her escape, but the little bird continues to sing the songs she was taught.

Ros gets a visitor, in the form of Varys. He isn’t interest in her hedonistic services, instead he asks her if she enjoys working for Baelish. She plays coy, but Varys knows she’s far more cunning than she seems. Varys offers his protection in exchange for a partnership. She tells him that she’s afraid of Baelish, and he agrees she should fear him, but all men have weaknesses, and Baelish’s are more known than he thinks.

Jaime questions Brienne’s virginity, and rough upbringing where boys are concerned. He continues to taunt her, and egg her on to bed him, when a trio of Lannister whores are found hung from the trees. Brienne plans to cut them down and burn the girls, when three men approach. Jaime asks for her to untie him, but she does not. The fools taunt Brienne, after asking her allegiance.  The men ask too many questions, and one recognizes Jaime. Brienne tries to talk their way out of things, but when they press, she slays two of the men quickly, and one much slower, much to Jaime’s surprise. Jaime points out that they were Stark men that she slew, but she reiterates that she does not serve the Starks, only Catelyn.

Catelyn talks to her some Robb of love. She tells him that she did not love Ned when she first wed him, but she grew to love him, and because they grew they loved all the more. Robb doesn’t plan on honoring his pack with the Freys, and he doesn’t listen to anything Catelyn says. Her betrayal is too fresh, and his lust for the exotic Talisa of Volantis.

Stannis questions Melisandre and her god. Her flames claimed that he would win the war, but he did not. He asks for her to show him where her god is, as he chokes her, and she says inside you. Finally Stannis’ actions are catching up to him. The guilt of the murder of Renly sits heavy on him. Melisandre tells him that he will betray everything and everyone during this war, and it will rage on for years, but when it is all over he will be king. And finally Stannis says maybe the smartest thing yet and tells Melisandre that she knows nothing, they all know nothing of the future. But Melisandre isn’t finished, she beckons him to look into the fire, and he sees what she does.

Theron too looks into the fire, upset over the horn blowing. The castle will soon be under siege, but his father does not respond. He wishes for more ravens to be sent to his father, but there are no more ravens, Theron asked for them to be killed. Theron remembers how Winterfell looked when he first saw it, and he remembers that although everyone said how lucky he was to be a captive, he was never lucky. The Maegister reminds him that he serves Winterfell, not him, not the Starks, but he gives him the best advice he can to run. Theron reminds him that he cannot return home, but the Maegister tells him to join the black. Once he does he cannot be held accountable for his crimes, there are secret passages that can get him there. And there, only there can he possibly find peace. The Maegister still sees hope for the boy, he’s being something he is not, and there is still time for him to make this right. Theron gives his small group of men a pep talk, and just as the talk reaches its penacle, his own man knock’s him out. When the Maegister goes to see what is the problem, he stabs him, and they drag an unconscious Theron back home to the Iron Islands.

Varys tells Tyrion that Cersei ordered him to be killed on the battlefield, and only his squire’s bravery saved him. Bronn has been relieved, and the Golden Cloaks are now under Cersei’s and Tywin’s command. His mountain people have all been sent away, and although everyone knows that Tyrion is the reason that the city did not fall, although the people are grateful, Joffery is not. He will receive no accolades, history will not remember his deeds. Varys and Tyrion must reluctantly part company, and he departs with Tyrion’s squire. Shae removes his bandages, and he thinks that he is a monster. He tries to make her leave him, but instead Shae suggests that they run away together. Tyrion wants to believe her words, but he’s not sure he can completely, and he cannot bring himself to leave. He likes the games too much, and he asks again if she will leave. But she will not.

Under the moonlight Robb marries Talisa.

Daenerys goes to the house of the undying to reclaim her children, but finds a riddle.  Jorah and  Kovarro accompany her, and she disappears inside. Unfrightened she calls out the warlocks as she searches for her dragons.

Gendry, Hot Pie and Arya are found by Jaqen H’ghar. He’s been waiting for Arya. She asks for him to teach her, and he offers to take her to Braavos. He knows all of the names that she speaks at nights, and he tells her she can offer them all up to the Red God if she came with him. But she tells him that she must find her family, and so they must part. He gives her a coin and tells her if she should ever need him to give the coin to any man from Braavos and say the words Valar Morghulis, which means all men must die in High Valerian. And before her eyes he changes and leaves her. I think he’s the one character I’m going to really miss next year.

Osha, Bran, Hodor and Rickon see the destruction left by Theron’s men. The place has been burnt to the ground, and all the people slain. All that remains are the direwolves. The four find the Margister in the Godswood. Bran tells him that he will heal him, just tell him how. He’s mortally wounded, and he tells the boys that they must leave, go North to Jon and he will keep them safe. Boy does he really not know what is going on at the wall and beyond. He tells Osha that she must protect the boys, that she is the only one that can. She offers to atleast get him milk of the poppy but he refuses, and instead asks for a swift death. The four and their direwolves set out away from Winterfell.

The screams of her dragons are the only sounds that Daenerys hears as she searches with a single torch through the maze of the undying’s lair. Door after door she opens. She comes to room of ruin, where it is softly snowing.  She continues on, and she is brought out of the gates to the great wall. There she finds a Dothraki tent, and inside is Drogo and their son. Everything that she has ever wanted is before her. She wonders if she is already dead, and she just doesn’t know it yet. Drogo tells her that maybe he could not live without her in the after life, maybe he told the Great Stallion to go fuck himself, which is something Drogo would say. It brings a sad smile to Dany’s face. Everything she’s ever dreamt, every begged for, prayed for is right here before her. But Dany knows that she cannot stay, that this cannot be, and so she walks away with prophesy on her lips, and my heart breaks with hers. When she reaches the inside, she finds her babies. Her dragons want her, they are strongest in her presence. The undying regained their magic when the dragons were born, and they are strongest in the presence of the dragons. They shackle her as her babies have been shackled. She calls Drogon, and he ignites one of the undying. The others follow suit. All of their chains fall away, all their captors are dead.

Jon and Qhourin remain as wilding captors. Qhourin picks a fight with Jon, and Qhourin quite goades Jon into killing him. His last words are “we are the watchers on the wall.” And he dies. Ygritte finally has a reason for Jon to live, he’s the man who killed Qhourin Half-hand. And the two are left  to go ahead with meeting the king beyond the wall, Mance Rider, as the others burn the body.

Xaros is awaken by the Khalessi and her people, Doreah in his bed. She takes his medallion to finally see what is in his great vault, and finds a big fat nothing. Burn, lesson learned. He tells her he is now king of Qarth, he can help her, but she does not listen to his words instead she seals Xaros and Doreah inside, washing her hands of the two and their lies. Her people ransack the palace for things to buy a ship, and she fully gives them her blessing to loot to their hearts content this time.

Sam and few other men continue to look for clues, and food. Sam still has Gilly on his mind though. They hear the horn’s blasts, and it’s not rangers returning, or wildings, but three, for something far worse. The two men run off leaving Sam behind, as the snow swirls around him. White walkers are close, and as they march forwards, he hides, but not well enough. One rides upon a dead horse, and  although he sees Sam, he pays him no heed. He marches his large army forward. Holy heck, next season is going to be wild, but with that this season is finished.

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In Winterfell all of the Ravens have been killed. Theron stands as his sister rides in with her men, but she’s not proud of him as he would like. She teases him about the death of the children, and tells him that he’s a dumb cunt, heaping insults at him. He killed the most valuable of people from Winterfell. Yara reminds him that they’re islanders, and now all of the Northerners want him dead. He claims he took Winterfell and he will keep it. Yara sends everyone away, and asks Theron to come home. She tells him that he was a terrible baby, and recalls a time he cried, and she comforted him. She told him “Don’t die far from the sea.”

 Ygritte makes a play to save Jon Snow. Her group wants to gut Jon, but Ygritte tells them that Mance would want Snow, that he’s Eddard Starks bastard, and although the man does not see the worth of a dead man’s bastard, he lets him live. There’s another man alive from the Night’s Watch, all others died while looking for Jon.

Talisa and Robb talk of Robb’s impending marriage to a Frey girl, whom he agreed to marriage for use of a bridge. Talisa tells him that everyone loved his father, he was a good man. Robb agrees. His father taught him many things, and was a good man. Robb tells her that he’s not fighting the war for gold and glory, but to ensure their safety. A night brings word of the Kingslayer’s escape. Robb goes to his mother, and knows that she Is the one that set him free. Robb sends more men after Jaime, and puts guards on his mother for her treason.

Brienne is leading Jaime on their little trek. Jaime tries to get Brienne to open up, but she opens up only about Jaime’s own past crimes. He continues to taunt her, but she doesn’t take the bait.

Tywinn’s advisors give him dire reports. Kings Landing could fall quickly. Tywinn’s assessment is that Robb is a little too comfortable, that because he’s never lost, he has no fear. Tywinn issues marching orders they’ll attack Robb at night, and plans for Arya to stay with his men to keep them from over drinking at Harrenhaal. Arya goes looking for Jacqen, she finally knows who her final name will be. She runs into Gendry, and Hot Pie but its too late as they watch Tywinn leave.

Ygritte watches Jon.

Bronn picks his nails with a knife much to Tyrion’s annoyance. Tyrion is nitpicking everything. He wants Bronn to dress more the part of the Gold Cloaks, but he refuses. Tyrion is trying to strategize in light of Stannis’s imminent arrival. Varys mentions how the drop in numbers of reported thefts. Bronn killed all the known thieves, to save the people in the long run. Tyrion finds the weak spot in their defenses, the Mud Gate.

Sam and some of the Night’s watch dig and wonder over the Rangers. Sam holds out hope that Qhorin and Jon are ok out there. They uncover a stone carved by the first men. Beneath the stones is a night’s watch cloak and dragon glass.

Arya finally finds Jaqen. She asks how long after she gives him the final name will the death be dealt. He tells her that depends, but she needs Tywinn dead now before he attacks her brother. So instead she names Jaquen. He asks that she unnamed him. She refuses unless he helps her. He agrees to help her, but not to kill Tywinn, to free herself and her friends.

Cersei and Tyrion are having a lovely little discussion. She’s overly happy, she has his whore. She tells him that he took her daughter, and she took his whore. Tyrion puts on a brave act, but Cersei sees his lies. She plans to use the girl to ensure that Joffery remains unharmed. They bring in Shae for Tyrion to see, amd it’s the wrong girl, poor Ros. He apologizes to her, tells her to put on a brave face, and they do their little dramatics. Tyrion threatens Cersei, and tells her that he will repay her in kindness, but she has no clue that she just messed up. Tyrion immediately goes to Shae, and finds her. He tells her to be more careful, and makes her promise him that she is his. She does, and tells him that he is hers.

Robb worries over the lack of ravens bearing news of Winterfell. He is willing to pardon Theron’s men, but not Theron himself. Talisa interrupts his meeting. Robb lays all his woes at his feet. He wishes to be a good king, but he wasn’t raised as a prince, and is floundering a bit under the strain. She tells him of the time that her brother drowned in a river. A slave pushed her out of the way, and expelled the river from his lungs, and the boy lived. Talisa decided then that her life would be more than duty. Robb tells her that he doesn’t wish to marry the Frey girl. Talisa tells him that she doesn’t need to marry Robb, but that she hopes it’s a beautiful bridge. The two begin to rip each other’s clothes off, and have sex on the floor.

Arya, Gendry and Hot Pie wait before the gate to make their escape. They can see the guards from their hiding spot are guards at the gate, but she has faith in Jacqen, and walks out like he told her. All of the guards are dead, their bodies tacked up. The trio leave unharmed.

Davos sees that they will land at King’s Landing soon. Davos paid his dues, but Stannis goes on and on, about how he never got his fair share. So put upon. He gave up Storm’s End when Robert bid him to, even though it was his right to hold it. He tells Davos that when he is king he will make him this Hand.

Joffery is all too cocky as he speaks with Varys and Tyrion. Joffery seems chipper about the upcoming war. He tells them that when Stannis arrives he will meet him, and give him a red smile. Tyrion and Varys get down to business. Varys compliments Tyrion on his success at being the hand. Tyrion tells him that if Stannis reaches the gates then his turn as Hand is will be done. Varys tells him that Dany lives, and that she has 3 dragons, but she isn’t the greatest threat, yet.

Daenerys is in hiding. Jorah has found a ship and wishes for them to leave. But Dany refuses to go without her dragons. Jorah tries to talk her out of going to the house of the Undying to get her dragons, claiming that they’re not her children, that if she goes there, she will never leave the house of the undying, their power is too strong. Dany believes in her own magic. She walked into the fire, and she birthed her dragons in fire. They are her children, the only children she will ever have.

Theron wishes to bury the burned children, feeling remorse, or perhaps Yara’s words have sunk in, and Theron wishes to pay the farmer for his trouble. The Magister spots Osha stealing bread, and he realizes that the Stark boys are not dead. He follows her into the Stark crypt, and sees that the boys are alive and as well as they can be in their situation.

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Winterfell is under siege, and Bran’s guardian manages to get a raven off before the knights can stop him. Theron tells Bran that he’s taken Winterfell. Theron tries to do what is right for the people, he tells the boy that he cannot fight for Robb and his father, poor stupid Theron trying to impress hi. Theron tells Bran to yield to save the people, and Bran asks him if he’s hated them the entire time. Bran yields, but the people do not take Theron’s betrayal lightly. Osha asks to serve Theron, to put a spear in her hand, and Theron denies her. Osha tells Bran that this is his dream become reality, and she does not wish to be swallowed by the sea. Ser Rodrik is captured, and they are divided where they stand. When Rodrik disrespect him, his men urge him to make the man pay the iron price. Theron oversteps, and goes back on his word that no one would be harmed if Bran surrendered. Ser Rodrik is beheaded, in a slow process because Theron isn’t strong enough for the single blow. Theron may have been treated and raised as a Stark, but he was never strong enough to be a Stark.  

Jon Snow and Qhorin Half-Hand talk about Benjen Stark, many Rangers have gone missing in the Haunted Forrest. Jon is still holding out hope for his uncle, and Qhorin tells him that there are many places that a man can hide beyond the wall. There’s still hope yet.

Tywin continues his meeting. His people are making stupid mistakes, sending messages to the wrong people. The last communication went to a house that is aligned with the Starks. Littlefinger has come to visit. They talk of Renley, and dark forces that may have been to blame. Tywin is less optimistic than he is about using the death for advantage. House Tyrrell rebelled against the Iron Throne, but Baelish believes that since Margaery wishes to be Queen they can easily use it to their advantage. He asks to speak for the Lannisters to negotiate a treaty, and does a double take when he sees Arya.

Jon and company sneak up on some Wildling Sentries. They easily overtake the Wildlings, killing all but a girl Ygritte. She tells the men they should burn those that they killed, but that would require a big fire, and be quite the beacon. Quorin Half-hand tries to get more info from the girl, and she gives little information, and when Half-hand goes to kill the girl, Snow says that he will do it. Ygritte taunts him, thinking his stalling as a weakness. She asks if he’ll burn her after he kills her, and he tells him he cannot. She tells him to strike hard and true, or she’ll haunt him. With the blade upon her neck, she’s prepared for death, but when he misses, she gets a chance to get away. Snow follows her, and catches her, but his friends are long gone.

Princess Myrcella is sent off, its for her own safety, and it secures allies, but Cersei is very unhappy about selling off her daughter. As Cersei watches her daughter leave, she threatens Tyrion. She plans to take away someone he loves dearly when he least expects it. Should Shae be worried? He did warn her they’d ventured into a viper’s nest. Joffery is as pleasant as ever, and on the way back to the castle, things get a little hostile. A villager throws a cow pie at the King, and he orders the man’s death, though he doesn’t know who threw the offending pie, he wants blood to be spilled, lots of it. The king is not a loved man, and soon rioting and dismemberment occurs, all because of a petulant child. Tyrion pauses for a moment, looking to make sure that Sansa is ok. She becomes separated from the rest of the royals in the chaos, and is chased through the streets by some villagers. Tyrion wants to send men out for Sansa, but Joffery is too stupid to understand that not everything is about him, king or not. Tyrion slaps Joffery, which is always a highlight and tries to send guards to look for Sansa. He’s the only one who understands her worth, without Sansa Rob has no reason to keep Jamie alive, and he may like her just a smidge. Sansa meanwhile, is being savaged by some roughians, and Joffery refuses to give assistance, refuses to even let his guards look for the girl. And I feel sorry to the guard who refused Tyrion’s order, he’s likely to be dealt with later. The Hound on the otherhand has other ideas, and saves his little bird, Sansa. The rioting continues, but the Hound brings her in relative safety. He’s a monster of a man, and no one even tries to stop him.

Xaro continues to try to woo Danenerys into marrying him. She refuses to give into his proposal. The Spice King, who tried to keep her out of Qarth now tries to woo Dany with his pretty words. He tells her that he will give her heart’s desire. She tells him that she wishes to have the Iron Throne, but she needs his ships. He pokes all kinds of holes into her argument, refusing to support her cause because he doesn’t really want to help her, just have her dragons but she will not give up. Her dreams come true, she took dragon eggs thought to be petrified, and brought to life the dragons inside, something no one else could have done. He admires her passion, but will not give her ships. She tells him she will take what is hers with fire and blood.

Arya sees the missive that Tywin had written, and he catches her. He begins to ask questions about her father, and she tries to throw him off. Her answers though quick, leave him with more questions. She tells him that her father was a stone mason, who taught himself to read, and was killed. She then asks about his father, as she steals the message. The message contains their next point of attack, and she knows how much that information could help her brother. She’s stopped, caught with the message, and her lies don’t hold water this time. She is forced to run and hide, though that won’t help if Tywin finds out her theft. She finds Jaqen and gives him a second name, and tells him to hurry. He tells her that the man does not take order from the girl, but she urges him to hurry since her life is on the line. Unseen, he kills the man as he reaches Tywin’s door.

Robb finds the nurse from the battlefield. He believes the girl to be of royal birth, and though she dances around the subject it doesn’t change the answer. Robb clearly likes the girl, and asks her to join him later, his mother arrives interrupting them. Lady Talisa of Volantis excuses herself, and Robb catches up with his mother. Catelyn reminds Robb that he is already promised to another for marriage, and the Raven’s message arrives.

Snow finds that his brothers have deserted him, and Ygritte tries to get him to light a fire once again. She’s convinces him to stay close for warmth, and he reluctantly gets close. As they lay close, she starts to rub against him, pleased with herself, as he grows uncomfortable.

Robb is not happy with the Raven’s message, and Catelyn tells him that he should never have trusted Theron. He wants to match back home and reclaim his home. His advisor tells him that they must continue their course, that to go back now they will lose the momentum they’ve built, but he will have his bastard take the castle back from Theron and his skeleton crew, and Robb tells him that he wishes Theron to be brought to him alive so he can take his head himself.

Osha works Theron for her freedom. She’s willing to sleep with him for her freedom, and he’s willing to pay her price. Stupid man always thinking with the wrong head.

Shae cleans up Sansa. Sansa does not understand why the people hate her so, and Shae breaks it down for her simply, and cautions her to watch tongue.

Osha sneaks away as Theron sleeps. Quietly in the night a guard stops her. She tells the foolish guy that Theron sent her to make the rounds. As she kisses him, she slips a knife into his belly. Osha makes her way from the city with Hodor, Bran, Rickon and their direwolves Summer and Shaggy Dog.

Dany finds many of her men killed, and her dragons missing. Irri is among the dead, and Dany is very unhappy. Xaro looks on in horror, either this wasn’t a part of the plan or he wasn’t in on it. Either way Dany’s wrath will be fierce The dragons are carried away by what looks to be a warlock from the House of the Undying.

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Catelyn sits with Renly, She tells him that Robb has no interest in the iron throne. He tells her that he will allow Robb to remain King of the North so long as he swears a fealty to him, the same that Ned swore to Robert, and then together they will fight the Lannisters. Catelyn begs him not to war against his brother, to reconsider, but he will not. The red priestess’s shadow slips in and kills Renly. Brienne is accused of killing the King, and she slays everyone. Catelyn urges her to leave, the only one who saw what really happened, and steals her away.

Littlefinger watches the approaching boats. Margaery urgers her brother that they must return home. Loras mourns his lover’s death, and he will not listen when Littlefinger urges him to leave if he wishes to avenge Renly, and even Margaery tells him that he cannot avenge him from the grave. Loras prepares to leave. Margaery looks over her dead husband, of all the possibilities lost. Littlefinger calls her your grace, and she corrects him, telling him her aspirations. Margaery wishes not to be a queen, but The Queen.

Cersei and Tyrion talk about the current events, who killed Renly and such. Cersei is happy over whoever did the deed, but Tyrion is looking at the bigger picture. Renly’s death united many under the Baratheon banister, and without the divide, there is only one target now, them. Cersei is hostile as always, not wishing to talk to Tyrion about anything. Cersei has something big up her sleeve, and she doesn’t wish to share what the “king’s” plans are with him.

Tyrion speaks with the cousin, Lancel, the one who was stupid enough to start sleeping with Cersei, and he tells him that Cersei plans to use Wildfire. Tyrion is trying to get as much information as possible, and without much pressure Lancel sings like a canary, revealing every detail of Cersei’s plan to use Wildfire against Stannis, and there is already a large cache of it.

Davos gives Stannis his condolences. Davos fears what he saw. All of Renly’s bannermen have joined Stannis, all but the Tyrells who have fled. Davos fears what will happen when news of Melisandre’s involvement comes out, that if she is there when King’s Landing is taken it will be hers. Davos’s words fall on deaf ears.

Tyrion witnesses quite the public soapbox, speaking all of the truths. Tyrion finally admits outloud that the king is a lost cause. He likes what he hears,  unrealizing that he’s the demon monkey the man speaks of. Bronn admits that the people think that Tryion is pulling Joffery’s strings, when in reality Tyrion is the only sane one, trying to save the people.

Theron readies his men to sail. The men don’t take lightly to Theron as their captain. He has yet to earn their respect, and yet he commands them like he has. Yara steps in and mocks Theron, she knows these men, and she has actually earned their respect. His first mate comes and tells him how he can win his father’s approval, and perhaps he’s found a friend.

Arya listens in on Tywin’s council. They’re trying to come up with ways to stop Robb. Despite the reports of discontent, Rob is a good and strong leader and he’s proven it time and again. With winter closing in, Rob’s advantage grows larger. Rather than coming up with a game plan they beg to sleep. Tywin lets the first bellyacher leave, and then focuses on Arya. He gets information on Arya, she fubs the truth just a smidge, and is caught at first, Tywin lets her try again and she does much better so that she does not give away her true identity. Arya talks up Rob, and his legend. When Tywin challenges, she doesn’t flinch or back down, and tells him that “Anyone can be killed.” She gives him wolf eyes, and he sends her off to fetch water. She comes face to face with Jaqen H’ghar. He now serves the Lannisters, and they go over choices. For saving him, he will kill three people for her. She names the Tickler, as her first.

Jon holds out hope that his unle Benjen is still out there somewhere. The men make camp in the snow. Sweet Sam continues talking, always talking on and on this time about the first me. Jon looks over the horizon, and there is nothing but white as far as the eye can see, he thinks the first men were trying to get away from something, that they weren’t able to. A horn blast is heard, a single blast, and they hope it is fellow rangers as it should be.

Tyrion visits the apothecary. He has wild fire in a jar, that’ll burn anything. It’s a substance that the Targaryens used well to hold the Iron Throne, when the dragons were all gone. He sees the true depth of Cersei’s madness. He tells him that he won’t be making wildfire for Cersei any longer, from now on they’ll be making it for Tyrion.

Dany teaches her dragon how to feed themselves. Irri is feeling a little sensitive, and Dorreah forgets Dany’s station a bit, mistaking Dany for a princess instead of a Khalessi. Dany wears the dress that she was given, and she tries to keep the pilfering to a minimum at the dinner. Everyone tries to gain the Mother of Dragon’s favor. She even gets an offer to stay with the creepy house of the undying. Xaro, her host comes and steals her away. Jorah watches over the Khalessi. And a masked woman warns him that she is in danger more than ever before. People will come to see the dragons, and they will want them, because they are fire made flesh, and fire equals power.

Brienne thinks that Stannis is behind Renly’s death. Catelyn is not so sure, all she saw was a shadow. Brienne plans to bring her back to her home, and then go back. Catelyn warns that it may not safe for her, and Brienne offers to serve Catelyn so long as she does not hold her back from Stannis. Catelyn makes that promise, and Brienne swears her fealty to Catelyn.

Bran continues to hold court at Winterfell, Rickon smashes nuts. Before Bran can go for his ride he gets bad news. News comes that a nearby town is under siege. Bran does not hesitate to send men to his protect his bannermen. He tells Osha of his dream. She tells him that the three-eyed raven may not mean anything. He presses her for the truth, and she asks for specifics. He dreamt that the sea came to Winterfell, it flooded the castle and killed many. Osha tells him that the sea is hundred of miles away, but she looks shaken. He asks again about the raven, but she gives him no real answer.

The snow falls hard on the Night’s watch. The men they’ve been waiting for have still not arrived, but the wildlings are coming. Their man Mance has betrayed them to the wildings, and he’s been training them. They plan to go in like ninjas and kill the group before they can be overtaken, and Jon asks if he can accompany them. Sam offers to take over Jon’s duty, and Jon gets to join the rangers.

Xaro asks Dany how long her man servant has been in love with her. Poor girl cannot see that Ser Jorah Mormont truly is in love with her. She tells him that he is her advisor and friend. So instead Xaro asks what her intentions are. Dany tells him she intends to take the Iron Kingdom, because it is her birthright, and she will protect her Khalasar. They talk of ambitions, and she questions his intentions. He shows her a vault that none have been able to get break into, and he’s willing to give her half if she marries him. And with that he will help her win the seven Kingdoms.

She takes the proposition to Jorah. He’s against the idea, even if the seven kingdoms are at war. He tells her to win Westros, she cannot do it with a foreign army alone. He does wish to see her on the Iron throne because she would be a good ruler, and with his plea she sees the Xaro’s words are true. She asks his plan as her advisor.  He tells her to make her own way, he will find her a ship, and she agrees.

Gendry forges swords and as good as he is with a sword he does not know how to wield one. Arya gives him pointers, when a scream pierces the air. The tickler has been slain.

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