The Prince of Winterfell recap


 * Main: The Prince of Winterfell

This recap of "The Prince of Winterfell" features a detailed section on the first thirteen scenes of the episode at present and will be completed soon.

Scene 1
An Ironborn raider empties out a basket of dead ravens into the courtyard at Winterfell. Theon Greyjoy and Dagmer look down at the dead messenger birds. A lookout announces riders approaching and the gates are opened. Theon stands in the centre of the courtyard as Yara Greyjoy leads a column of riders in. She circles around him as he slowly realizes that she has brought far less than the 500 men he requested.

Scene 2
Yara settles into the great hall with her men. Theon enters and she greets him as the “Prince of Winterfell.” He accuses her of being envious of his prize and says that she should be proud of his achievement; taking Winterfell with just twenty men. Yara sarcastically calls him a great warrior and says that she saw the bodies above the gates. She asks which of the boys was tougher “the cripple or the six-year-old?” The barb brings a laugh from her men. Theon insists that he treated the Stark children with honor and was repaid with treachery. Yara counters that it was dishonourable to butcher them. Theon maintains that he treated them well until he was forced to kill them. Yara examines the events saying that Theon seizing Winterfell was within his rights as an Ironborn but says that a prisoner fleeing captivity seems brave to her.

Theon asserts that the Starks made him a promise and Yara mocks him for getting mad about the broken promises of little boys. She asks if he is “the dumbest cunt alive.” Theon balks at the name calling but Yara repeats it over and again, chastising him for killing the valuable hostages. Theon insists that he had to kill the children to avoid appearing weak. Yara retorts that he is both weak and stupid. Theon says that he is warning her and Yara urges him to continue. Theon notices her men watching him and berates her for not bringing enough reinforcements. He wonders how she expects him to hold the castle with so few. Yara reveals that she is not leaving any of her men and has come to bring Theon home. She says that their father wants to speak to him. Theon is disbelieving and asserts that Winterfell is the heart of the north. Yara counters that it is more than a hundred miles from the sea and reminds Theon that their ships are the source of their power. She warns Theon that his attempt to show strength by displaying the bodies has turned every man in the north against him. She begins to warn him of what will happen when Kin Robb Stark finds out. Theon insists that Robb will not learn of the murders because they have killed all of the ravens and seized the horses. He asserts that he took Winterfell and that he will keep it.

Yara dismisses her men. Once they are gone she softens her tone and reminds Theon of their family bond. She says that they both loved their mother and both endured their father. She implores him to return home with her instead of dying in Winterfell alone. Theon says that he does not intend to die. Yara looks into his eyes and tells him that he was a terrible baby. She recalls that he was always crying and never slept. She remembers a night where he was particularly loud and she went to see him. When Theon saw her he stopped screaming and smiled at her. She ends the discussion by urging him not to die so far from the sea.

Scene 3
Ygritte leads Jon Snow across a glacial lake with the rest of her party. She brings him to the Lord of Bones and says that he is a present. The wildling commander is dismissive, gesturing to Qhorin Halfhand and saying that he already has one captive from the Night’s Watch and does not need another. Ygritte asserts that Mance Rayder will want to question Jon because he knows about the plans of the Watch. The Lord of Bones counters that Qhorin knows more and orders Jon killed. Ygritte defends Jon, citing his honorable treatment of her when she was his prisoner. The Lord of Bones is unmoved and repeats his order. Ygritte reveals Jon’s status as the bastard son of Eddard Stark and insists that Mance will want him. Rattleshirt asks why Mance should care about a dead man’s bastard and Ygritte retorts that Mance will want to decide for himself. The Lord of Bones threatens to castrate Jon if he attempts to escape and Ygritte says that she would do it herself if he tries to escape. She turns to Jon and says that they are even.

Ygritte pushes Jon to the ground next to Qhorin. Jon tells the ranger that he was unable to kill Ygritte. Qhorin has already worked out the sequence of events. Jon asks where the other men are and Qhorin tells him that they turned back to look for him when he did not return. He says that the wildings found them while they were tracking Jon. Jon realizes that the others died because of his actions. Qhorin tells him to make sure that they did not die for nothing.

Scene 4
Robb Stark and Talisa Maegyr walk through woodland near a riverbank on their way back from the Crag. Four Stark guardsmen follow behind them. Talisa questions Robb about his betrothal. She about his intended and he admits that he has not met her only knows that she is from House Frey. Talisa says that she is sure they will be very happy and they share a laugh. Talisa notes that Robb is marrying into House Frey because of a bridge, referring to the Crossing. Robb explains that the bridge is important, particularly at the time because his father was still alive and he believed that he could rescue him if he could cross. Talisa says that when she has spoken with people from the North they have told her how much they loved Eddard Stark. Robb says that his father was the best man he has ever known, adding that all children think that about their fathers and beginning to explain that he truly believes it. Talisa interrupts him to say that not all children think that way.

Robb relates a lesson his father gave him about being a lord; Eddard compared it to fatherhood but with thousands of children to protect. Eddard worried constantly about the people under his protection and feared letting them down. Robb says that he did not believe Eddard and questioned how a man can be brave when he is afraid. Eddard taught him that a man can only be brave when he is afraid. Talisa says that she would have liked to meet Eddard and Robb says that Eddard would have liked her. Talisa says that most lords are more concerned with selfish matters like gold and glory than the welfare of their people. Robb says that Eddard was not concerned with such things. Talisa wonders what Robb is focused on. He refutes the idea that he is fighting to become famous and asserts that he wants to go home. He adds that he wants his followers to go home safely too. Talisa asks why he does not just leave and he answers that they will not be safe until the Lannisters are defeated. He also says that he believes in justice. Talisa asks if he means beheading Joffrey and Robb says that it would be a start.

A pair of riders flying a Stark pennant approach. The lead rider is a messenger and he brings news for Robb; Ser Jaime Lannister has escaped during the night. Robb demands to know how and the messenger hesitates. Robb repeats the question forcefully.

Scene 5
Robb and Lord Rickard Karstark burst into Catelyn’s tent. Brienne of Tarth is not guarding the entrance. Robb demands that his mother tell him that news of her involvement in Jaime’s escape is not true. She says nothing and he goes on to ask her why. She says that she acted for her daughters. Robb says that Catelyn has betrayed him, talking over her protests, because she knew that he would not allow her to release Jaime but did it anyway. Catelyn explains that with news that Bran and Rickon were captured at Winterfell she knew that only one of her five children was free and could not stand it.

Rickard interjects that one of his sons died fighting for Robb and that Jaime murdered another. He says that Catelyn’s excuse for her treason is unacceptable when other family’s have suffered worse for Robb’s cause. Rickard says that he would kill himself as an offering to the gods if he could have his sons be in captivity but alive. Catelyn says that she grieves for Rickard’s sons but Rickard interrupts her to say that he does not want her grief but his vengeance, which she stole from him. Catelyn argues that killing Jaime could not buy life for Rickard’s children but that returning him might buy freedom for her daughters.

Robb tells Catelyn that Jaime has played her for a fool. He says that her actions have weakened their position and brought discord into his camp all while acting behind his back. He orders Catelyn guarded day and night and ignores her protests. He asks a guard how many men they sent in pursuit of Jaime and then orders the number doubled from 40 to 80.

Scene 6
Brienne sends away the horse that she has used to get away from the camp. She is escorting Jaime Lannister to King’s Landing. She pulls him from his horse and sends it off too. She removes the hood from his head but leaves his wrists chained. Jaime says that she is much uglier in daylight. She drags him upright and leads him through the woodland. He asks her name and gets no answer. He introduces himself formally and says that a captive knight has then right to know their captors identity. Brienne reluctantly introduces herself. Jaime demonstrates that he knows the sigil of her house and the name of her father, Selwyn Tarth. He asks if she has any siblings and she again keeps silent. He says that it is a long way to King’s Landing and they should get to know one another. He asks if she has known many men. Receiving more stoicism he jokes that she may have known women or horses. She pushes him to his knees beside a rowboat on a river bank. Jaime says that he did not mean to give offence.

Brienne peers at a nearby bridge from behind foliage, waiting for a caravan to pass. Jaime asks for her forgiveness and she says that his crimes are beyond forgiveness, calling him Kingslayer. Jaime asks why she hates him and whether he has wronged her. She says that he has harmed others, including those he had sworn to protect. Jaime says that she is as boring as she is ugly. With the bridge clear she pulls him to his feet and says that he will not provoke her to anger. He says that he already has and that she is ready to murder him. Brienne prepares the rowboat as Jaime goads her. He asks if she believes that she could beat him in a fair fight. Brienne says that she has never seen him fight. Jaime insists that she would not stand a chance and that there are only three men in the Seven Kingdoms who would. Brienne retorts that she has been sneered at by arrogant men throughout her entire life and has spent just as much time knocking those arrogant men into the dust. Jaime says that if she is so confident she should unlock his chains and see what happens. Brienne asks if Jaime thinks she is an idiot and orders him into the boat. Jaime says that he took her for a fighter and a woman of honor, correcting himself after initially referring to her as a man. Jaime claims that she is afraid to face him and she says that they might found out one day as she uses the oar to push the boat free from the bank. Brienne rows them downstream.

Scene 7
Lord Tywin Lannister holds a war council in his chambers at Harrenhal. His brother Ser Kevan Lannister [redicts that King’s Landing will fall an hour after King Stannis Baratheon’s forces arrive. Kevan counsels Tywin to order the Queen Regent Cersei Lannister and her family to flee to the safety of Casterly Rock. Tywin balks at surrendering the Iron Throne. Kevan argues that giving up the throne is better than seeing the heads of their relatives mounted on the city gates, fearing that Stannis will execute any Lannister he finds in the city. Tywin rejects the suggestion, believing that a king who runs cannot remain king for long. Arya Stark serves drinks to Tywin and his bannermen, still incognito as Tywin’s cupbearer. Tywin insists that King Joffrey Baratheon is a Lannister by blood and must stand and fight.

Tywin complains that Stannis is just two days from King’s Landing while Robb Stark is on their doorstep in the Westerlands, referring to Robb as a wolf. Arya smiles at the mention of her brother. Kevan reports word from their scouts that Robb remains north of Ashemark. Tywin laughs derisively and says that the last time their scouts assured them of Robb’s movements they were lured into a trap. Tywin blames their poor intelligence for the capture of Jaime. Tywin asserts that Robb has gotten too close to Casterly Rock. Kevan relays news that Robb has sent a splinter force to recapture Winterfell. Kevan theorizes that the Greyjoy’s seizure of Winterfell is a boon to them because Robb will not march against Casterly Rock until he is at full strength. Tywin dismisses the suggestion, saying that Robb is a boy who has never lost a battle which will make him impetuous. Tywin predicts that Robb will take risks because he does not know enough to be afraid. Tywin announces his orders; the army will ride out from Harrenhal at nightfall. Tywin wants to get a night’s march before Robb is aware that they are coming. He names Ser Gregor Clegane as his castellan at Harrenhal and orders him to continue his efforts against the Brotherhood Without Banners. Tywin assigns Arya to serve Gregor, saying that she has been a good servant. He instructs Arya not to allow Gregor to get drunk in the evenings, explaining that he is poor company sober but better at his work.

Scene 8
Arya goes down to the courtyard of Harrenhal seeking Jaqen H’ghar. The Lannisters are still torturing and executing their own men to try and uncover details about the murder of Ser Amory Lorch. Arya passes under the gallows but is unable to find Jaqen so she approaches Rorge and Biter. Rorge points her out to their drinking companions as a girl who used to be a boy, referring to her time spent posing as a recruit of the Night’s Watch while Rorge, Biter and Jaqen were prisoners. Arya asks where Jaqen is and Rorge replies that he does not care. Rorge asks Arya what has happened to the stick she carried and reminds her of his threat to sexually abuse her with it. Arya reaches to her empty sword belt and then recoils. An officer orders the men to arms and they gather their things.

Scene 9
Gendry hammers out a horse shoe while Hot Pie describes a recipe for sour cherry pie. Hot Pie says that he uses crushed cherry stones on the pie crust to generate the best flavour. Arya approaches and asks where Jaqen is, Gendry says that he does not know. Arya says that she needs to speak with him because Tywin is marching and adds that he has been helping her, realizing that she has said too much. Hot Pie recalls seeing Jaqen and Arya asks him where. He shrugs so she grabs him by the ears and insists that he remember. Hot Pie says that they were leaving through the gates a few hours earlier. Arya notices Tywin leaving and gazes after him. Hot Pie asks why she wants Jaqen.

Scene 10
The wildlings lead their prisoners across a stony ridge. Qhorin seizes the opportunity to talk to Jon. He tells him that Mance is going to march on the wall and suggests that an infiltrator within his army will be worth a thousand men fighting against it. Jon says that they will never trust him. Qhorin suggests that they might if Jon does what needs to be done. Jon is confused by the remark. Qhorin loudly berates Jon for causing the deaths of their sworn brothers to spend time with Ygritte and Jon protests his innocence. Qhorin says that he should have known better than to trust a traitorous bastard and pushes Jon down the slope. The Lord of Bones warns Qhorin that Jon is not his to kill. Ygritte waits for Jon to right himself, looking at him thoughtfully.

Scene 11
Bronn cleans his fingernails in Tyrion’s chamber. Tyrion sits opposite him poring through stacks of books. Tyrion asks if he has to do that in his rooms and Bronn replies that he likes to keep his hands clean. Tyrion again asks if Bronn specifically needs to do it there. Bronn looks across at him and then stops. Tyrion asks Bronn to start wearing a gold cloak to signify his status as Lord Commander of the City Watch. Bronn flatly refuses, reasoning that a cloak slows you down in a fight and makes it difficult to move stealthily. Tyrion points out that his new role obviates the need for sneaking around. Bronn maintains that wearing a gold cloak was not part of their deal. Tyrion reluctantly accepts the argument and returns to his reading. Bronn continues to stare at Tyrion, annoying him further. Bronn complains that Tyrion will not allow him to clean his nails or look at him and wonders why he is there. Tyrion explains that he wants Bronn to help him to plan the defence of King’s Landing. Bronn stands up and then picks up one of the books, asking if it can tell them how to beat Stannis. Tyrion turns to the front cover of his current tome and reads the title aloud “An History of the Great Sieges of Westeros” by Archmaester Ch’Vyalthan. Tyrion stumbles over the pronunciation of the scholar’s name and Bronn corrects him. Bronn throws the book back onto the pile and says that he would swap all of them for a few good archers.

Lord Varys enters and greets them both. Varys unctuously compliments Bronn on the Gold Cloaks performance, explaining to Tyrion that they have reduced the rate of theft in the city. Tyrion wonders how Bronn accomplished the improvement. Bronn admits that they rounded up all of the known thieves. Tyrion asks if they were questioned and Bronn declines to say more, adding that they need only worry about the unknown thieves from now on. Tyrion says that they spoke about such brutal methods and Bronn agrees that they did. Bronn then questions if they have ever been in a city under siege. They do not answer and Bronn suggests that he knows something that might nt be in the books. He elucidates that starvation is the great killer of a siege and that food becomes the most valuable commodity during a siege. He says that if things are bad enough the poor will turn to cannibalism while the rich will give away their most valued possessions in exchange for simple provisions. He says that the thieves prosper most in a siege. Varys agrees that extreme measures are warranted under the circumstances.

Varys notices what Tyrion is reading. He says that it is a thrilling subject but that it is a shame that Ch’Vyalthan is an uninteresting writer. Tyrion is shocked when Varys’s pronunciation of the name mirrors Bronn’s. He gestures approvingly to the sellsword. Tyrion reaches for a map and says that Stannis knows King’s Landing. He predicts that Stannis will use his insight to find their weak point and chooses the Mud Gate as the likely point that Stannis will attack. Tyrion says that it will be desirable to Stannis because it is weak to battering rams and only 50 yards from the shore. Varys asks what they plan to do to defend the weak spot. Bronn jokes that they could throw books at Stannis’s men. Varys says that they do not have that many books and Bronn retorts that they don’t have many men either. Varys asks Tyrion what they do have and Tyrion responds “Pig Shit.” Bronn referred to wildfire as equivalent to the pig shit peddled by battlefield “wizards” when they met with Pyromancer Hallyne.

Scene 12
The great ranging of the Night’s Watch maintain their camp at the Fist of the First Men. Samwell Tarly, Eddison Tollett and Grenn are digging latrines. Sam complains that he is not cut out for hard labor. Edd deadpans that he always imagined himself doing something much worse. Grenn says that he cannot imagine much worse than digging latrines at the edge of the world. Edd says that Grenn lacks imagination. Sam stares out at the distant Frostfang mountains and wonders aloud where Jon is. Edd says that he is probably dead. Sam refutes the assertion citing Jon’s skill as a warrior. Grenn agrees that Jon is better than him, and much better than Sam. Sam adds that Jon has a valyrian steel sword (Longclaw) and is with Qhorin, the greatest ranger alive. Edd counters that great rangers do not get old and nor do bad ones. He says that it is the mediocre ones who last a long time.

Grenn’s spade strikes stone. He pushes back the snow to reveal a carved stone tablet. Sam recognizes it as being made by the First Men and asks Grenn to help him to lift it. Grenn pushes it back to reveal a black bundle. Edd warns them that it is best to leave things you were not supposed to find alone. Sam recognizes the bundle as being a Night’s Watch cloak. Grenn says that it has been there a long time and opens it up. They find a cache of black stone weapons. Sam recognizes the material as Dragon glass, adding that maesters call it Obsidian. Grenn wonders why a brother would leave the cloak there and Edd sarcastically notes that they would have wanted someone to find it.

Scene 13
Arya Stark carries two pails of water across a stick at Harrenhal. A Lannister man-at-arms bumps into her, knocking down her buckets. He then cuffs her round the head and warns her to watch where she is going. She gathers the pails and begins to apologize when a Lannister man approaches. She looks up and realizes that it is Jaqen. She asks where he was and he explains that he had patrol duty. She complains that she missed the opportunity to name Tywin Lannister. He tells her to name someone else. She asks how long it will take him to kill his last target. He refuses to give specifics, saying that death is certain but time is not.

She frets that Tywin is taking his army to attack Robb and needs him dead immediately. Jaqen pours himself a drink and says that it is not possible. Arya asks him to help her to escape and he says that was not part of his promise. He implores her to give another name. She checks that he will accept any name. He swears and oath to the old gods and the new. She leans forwards and whispers his own name in his ear. Jaqen angrily warns her not to mock the gods but she insists that she is serious. He asks her to un name him. She agrees to do so only if he helps her to escape. He predicts that it would require more than one life and exceed the terms of their agreement. She names him again and he accuses her of being dishonourable. She shrugs, unconcerned. Jaqen stands up and says that if he helps her she must obey him. He tells her to walk through the gate at midnight with her friends.