The Kingsroad recap


 * Main: The Kingsroad

This recap of "The Kingsroad" features a detailed synopsis of each scene of the episode.

Scene 1
Khal Drogo's khalasar is several days from Pentos crossing the plains known as the Flatlands on their way to the Dothraki Sea (the steppes and grassplains of their homeland). Ser Jorah Mormont stops to talk to Daenerys and give her some food and water. Daenerys is unhappy with the choice of food: horsemeat. Jorah tells her the Dothraki have to things in abundance: grass and horses, and people cannot live on grass. He tells that in the Shadow Lands beyond Asshai there are fields of ghost grass with pale stalks that glow in the moonlight and kills all other types of grass. The Dothraki believe that the ghost grass will one day cover the world and that is how it will end.

Daenerys sees Drogo passing and Jorah notes her discomfort, telling her that, "It will get easier."

Scene 2
The Dothraki make camp and Daenerys is helped from her horse by Ser Jorah and her handmaidens: Doreah, Irri and Jhiqui. Jorah spots Viserys and talks to him. Jorah suggests that Viserys return to Pentos and wait there at Illyrio Mopatis's manse, which is more comfortable. Viserys laughs off this idea, pointing out that he will stay with Drogo until Drogo fulfils his promise. He asks Jorah why Eddard Stark wanted to behead him. Jorah replies that he found some poachers hunting on his land and sold them to a slaver. Viserys says this is nonsense and under his reign people will not have to fear such things. Jorah seems doubtful of this claim.

Scene 3
Tyrion wakes up in Winterfell only to find that he somehow ended up falling asleep in the dog pen. Joffrey and Sandor Clegane, who find him, find this amusing. Joffrey tells Tyrion that they are riding back to King’s Landing today. He is relieved because he cannot abide the "wailing of women". Tyrion tells Joffrey that he must go to Eddard and Catelyn Stark and offer them his condolences on Bran's injury and offer to be at their service. His absence has been noted. Joffrey laughs and replies that the boy means nothing to him. Tyrion slaps him and tells him to go and fulfil his courtesies. When Joffrey starts wimpering that he will tell his mother, Tyrion suggests that he do so, but only after he has offered his condolences to the Starks. Joffrey, distraught, runs off. Sandor tells Tyrion that Joffrey will not forget. Tyrion agrees, but suggests that "as a good dog", Sandor can always remind him. Tyrion saunters off in search of breakfast.

Scene 4
Tyrion finds his brother, sister, niece and other nephew at breakfast. He joins them. Princess Myrcella asks if Bran will die, but Bran says no. According to Maester Luwin, Bran’s injuries, whilst series, are not fatal. Jaime and Cersei exchange a look (noted by Tyrion). Cersei says it is no mercy for a child to linger in pain and suffering. Tyrion says it is in the gods' hands. Cersei changes the subject by saying that it is ridiculous for Tyrion to go and visit the Wall. Tyrion asks where her sense of wonder is. The Wall is the greatest structure ever built by man, guarded by the brave men of the Night's Watch, and beyond lies the wintery abode of the White Walkers. Jaime suggests that Tyrion could join the Watch, but Tyrion replies that all the whores would go begging from Dorne to Casterly Rock and he cannot deprive them of his custom. All Tyrion wants to do is climb to the top of the Wall and piss off the edge of the world. Cersei, angry, takes her children from the table so they don’t have to listen to any more of his filth.

Jaime points out to Tyrion that if the boy lives, he'll be a cripple, a grotesque. He would prefer a good clean death any day. Tyrion, speaking for the grotesques, points out that death is so final and life has possibilities. In particular, he wants to see what Bran has to say when he wakes up. Jaime, irritated, wonders whose side Tyrion is on. Tyrion tells him that of course he will always love his family.

Scene 5
Catelyn sits with Bran, weaving figures of the Seven and praying for him. Cersei pays her respects. She tells Catelyn that she lost her firstborn son, a black-haired boy who was consumed by a fever when very young. Catelyn is surprised that she did not know. Cersei tells her that Robert battered his fists bloody on the walls and she couldn’t bare to be separated from the child until Robert pull her away. Cersei promises Catelyn that she will pray to the Mother every night and morning in the hope that she returns Bran to Catelyn.

Scene 6
Jon Snow visits Mikken, Winterfell’s master blacksmith, to collect a small, thin sword he has commissioned. Jaime Lannister takes an interest, asking Jon if he has ever swung a sword in anger and killed a man. He tells him it is an odd feeling, to know for the first time that all that people are, are just sacks of blood and guts with some bones to keep them all standing. He shakes Jon's hand, saying he is grateful that they have strong men like Jon to protect the realm from wildlings and White Walkers. Jon, sensing he is being mocked, tells Jaime that the Watch has protected the realm for eight thousand years. Jaime is unimpressed.

Scene 7
In her chambers, Arya is packing for the journey south to King's Landing. She has trained her direwolf, Nymeria, to carry things across the room. When Jon visits, she tries to show off, but Nymeria is uncooperative. Jon gives Arya a present: the small, thin sword he had the blacksmith forge. Jon tells her to pack it carefully and advises her to, "Stick them with the pointy end." Arya thanks him for the present. He asks her what she will call it and she replies "Needle", as it is a more fun needle than the ones that Septa Mordane has her and Sansa using.

Scene 8
Jon Snow goes to say goodbye to Bran, under Catelyn's distrusting glare. He tells his unconscious brother that he will visit him when his duties permit, and maybe Bran can come and visit him at Castle Black one day. Catelyn tells him to leave.

Eddard arrives to say goodbye. Catelyn says that seventeen years ago he rode off with Robert Baratheon and came back a year later with another woman’s son, and now he is leaving again. He tells Catelyn he has no choice but to go, but Catelyn dismisses that, telling him that men always say that when honour calls. Eddard does have a choice, and he has made it. Catelyn tells him that she cannot cope by herself, but Eddard says she can, and must.

Scene 9
Robb and Jon say their goodbyes in their courtyard. Jon tells Robb that his mother was very kind to him. They tell each other to fare well.

Scene 10
The procession leaves Winterfell and splits at a nearby waypost: Benjen, Tyrion and Jon northwards for the Wall; Eddard, Robert and the rest of the party south for King’s Landing. Eddard tells Jon that there is great honour in serving on the Wall. Starks have done so for thousands of years and Jon is a Stark. He does not have Eddard’s name, but he has his blood. Jon asks if his mother knows where he is, or if she is still alive. Eddard tells Jon that the next time they meet again, he will tell him about his mother.

Scene 11
The royal party pauses on its way south. Robert has lunch with Eddard and says they could strike off into the countryside, swords at their sides and tavern wenches to warm their beds. Eddard is amused, pointing out he should have asked him twenty years earlier. Robert replies that had wars to fight and wives to marry; they never had a chance to be young. Eddard recalls a few chances and they discuss some of the women they knew. Robert asks about Wylla, Eddard's bastard's mother, and Eddard refuses to talk about her, going sombre. Robert says that he should not blame himself, as they were at war and could have been killed at any moment.

He moves on to more pressing business: a message arrived by night, reporting the Daenerys Targaryen has married a Dothraki horselord. Eddard dryly asks if Robert wants the realm to send a wedding gift. Robert says yes, a nice sharp knife. He says that the wedding gives Viserys Targaryen an army of thousands of Dothraki which he can use to invade Westeros, and those in the Seven Kingdoms who still call Robert ‘usurper’ will rise to join him. Eddard agrees, but points out that the Dothraki have no ships and are no threat to the realm from the far side of the Narrow Sea. If by chance they were able to cross, they can defeat them and throw them back. Robert hopes he is right.

Scene 12
At the Dothraki camp that night, Drogo takes Daenerys. She is uncomfortable but takes odd comfort in seeing her dragon eggs glowing in the firelight.

Scene 13
Benjen, Jon and Tyrion’s party makes camp on their way north. They are joined by fresh recruits for the Watch, men who have been tied up. Tyrion says they are rapists. They were offered the choice of castration of the Wall. Most choose the knife. Tyrion asks Jon what he thinks of his new brothers.

Changing the subject, Jon asks Tyrion why he reads so much. Tyrion replies that he is a dwarf and if he’d been born a peasant he’d probably been left in the woods to die. Alas, he was born a Lannister of Casterly Rock and things are expected of him. His father was Hand of the King for twenty years, until his brother killed that king. His brother has his sword and Tyrion has his mind, and a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone. He and Jon share a wineskin as Jon reflects on Tyrion’s words that the Night’s Watch guards the realm only from grumkins and snarks and other mythical creatures. One of the new recruits, Rast, glares at Jon with hostility.

Scene 14
Maester Luwin visits Catelyn in Bran’s chamber. He says that the management of the castle requires her attention, particularly the ruinous cost of the king's visit. Catelyn tells Luwin to speak to Poole, the castle steward, about it, but Luwin gently reminds her that Poole has gone south with Lord Stark and no replacement has been named yet. There are also several other appointments that require her attention. Catelyn angrily says she cannot leave Bran’s side. Robb arrives and says he will make the appointments and look at the accounts, to Luwin’s satisfaction. He takes his leave.

Robb opens the shutters so Bran can hear the direwolves howling for him. He asks his mother when she is planning to leave Bran’s room. The most dangerous time for him is past, but Catelyn refuses in case anything happens. Robb tells her that her other children need her: Rickon is six and doesn't understand what is happening. He spends his days following Robb around and asking where his mother is. Catelyn asks Robb to close the window, but as Robb turns he sees fire and smoke in the distance, from another part of the castle. He rushes out to investigate. Several moments later a hooded man slips into the room and is surprised to see Catelyn. The man tells her that Bran is dead already and this will be a mercy, drawing a sharp and elaborate dagger. Catelyn fights him off, cutting her hands in the process. Bran's direwolf then charges into the room and tears out the would-be assassin's throat. Catelyn looks gratefully at the animal as he jumps onto Bran’s bed and stands guard over him.

Scene 15
In the Dothraki camp, Daenerys is attended by her handmaids. She asks them if they have ever seen a dragon. The Dothraki girls, Irri and Jhiqui say no, that brave men killed them all a long time ago. Doreah, who is from the Free Cities of Lys, says that a trader from Qarth told her that dragons came from the moons. Once there were two moons, but one drifted too close to the sun and it cracked like an egg, pouring a thousand thousand dragons onto the world. They had eaten of the sun’s heat, giving them the ability to breathe fire. The Dothraki girls mock her for this, saying that it is known that the moon is a goddess, wife to the sun.

Daenerys tells them to leave and asks Doreah why the trader from Qarth told her this. Doreah replies that men like to talk when they are happy. She tells Daenerys she was nine when she was sold to the pleasure-houses of Lys and taught for three years before she was allowed to touch a man. Daenerys asks if Doreah can teach her how to please the Khal and Doreah says yes, and it will not take three years.

Scene 16
Benjen’s party crests a rise and they behold the Wall in the distance, running from horizon to horizon. Jon and even Tyrion are impressed by the sight. Benjen says to them, "Welcome."

Scene 17
Catelyn investigates the tower from where Bran fell. Scouring the interior for clues, she finds a single strand of golden hair.

Scene 18
Catelyn meets with Maester Luwin, Ser Rodrik Cassel, Robb and Theon Greyjoy in the godswood. She tells them that she no longer believes that Bran fell from the tower. She thinks he was thrown. Luwin agrees that Bran has always been very sure-footed. Catelyn believes that there have been two attempts on Bran’s life, and the only reason for this is if he saw something he shouldn’t have. She has no idea what that is, only it is important enough to kill over. She tells them of the suspicions that the Lannisters are plotting against the crown. Ser Rodrik produces the assassin’s weapon, noting it is far too fine for such a man. The hilt of the weapon is dragonbone and the blade is Valyrian steel. Someone must have given it to him.

Robb angrily denounces the Lannisters for their acts, suggesting that if it is war they want, he will give it to them. Theon promises to support him, but Luwin stops their boastful talk, pointing out that they do not know the truth yet. Someone must inform Lord Eddard of their findings. Robb offers to go, but Catelyn replies that there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. She will go instead, leaving Bran to their care. She will take no retinue, but accepts Ser Rodrik as a bodyguard.

Scene 19
Catelyn leaves her woven Seven-Pointed Star filled with representations of the Seven on Bran’s wall before taking her leave of him.

Scene 20
Doreah teaches Daenerys in the arts of love. She tells Daenerys that the Dothraki take their slave-women like dogs, but that Daenerys is not a slave, but a khaleesi. She has power if she wants it. Daenerys is uncertain if that is the Dothraki way, but Doreah asks why Drogo would marry Daenerys if he wanted a Dothraki wife.

Scene 21
Daenerys convinces a doubtful Drogo to let her choose how they will make love. He is initially reticent but then pleased by her assertiveness.

Scene 21
The royal party reaches the Crossroads Inn, a noted waystop on the Kingsroad. Sansa is walking through the crowds with her direwolf, Lady, and greets a new arrival at the party, a man with a frightening countenance. He refuses to speak and just walks off. Sandor Clegane tells Sansa that he cannot speak as the Mad King tore out his tongue with hot pincers twenty years ago. Joffrey tells her that the man was Ser Ilyn Payne, the King's Justice, or royal executioner. Joffrey asks Sansa to walk with him.

Scene 22
Sansa and Joffrey walk along the river, sharing a wineskin. They hear sounds of fighting nearby and investigate.

Scene 23
Sansa and Joffrey find Arya practicing swords with Mycah, the son of the royal party's butcher. Joffrey mocks Mycah, asking if he wants to be a knight. He suggests Mycah pick up his stick and test his skills against the prince's. Mycah refuses and Joffrey cuts his face. Angered, Arya hits Joffrey with a stick. Mycah runs off and Joffrey attacks Arya with his sword. He holds her at swordpoint, threatening to gut her, but Nymeria appears and bites his arm. Arya picks up Joffrey's sword and throws it into the river before running off with her direwolf. Sansa tells Joffrey she will go for help, and an angry and sullen Joffrey tells her to go.

Scene 24
Arya and Nymeria hide by the riverbank, and Arya tells Nymeria to run, as the Lannisters will kill her for what she did to Joffrey. Nymeria is reluctant, until Arya hits her with a rock. The direwolf runs off.

Scene 25
Night falls and Arya has still not been found. Eddard leads the Stark guards through the woods. His captain of the guard, Jory Cassel, tells Eddard that Arya has been found by the Lannisters and taken back to the inn. Eddard angrily rides back to the tavern.

Scene 26
Eddard finds Cersei and Robert interrogating Arya. Eddard wants to know why he was not informed and Cersei demands to know why he is speaking to the king like that. Robert checks her, saying that Joffrey and Arya’s stories are conflicting and he does not know who to believe. Cersei calls Sansa to tell them what really happened, but Sansa plays dumb, saying she couldn’t follow what was happening. Arya becomes angry and calls her a liar, pulling Sansa’s hair until Eddard separates them. Cersei says that Arya is as wild as her beast. Robert, fed up, tells Eddard to discipline his daughter and he will do the same for his son. He also mocks Joffrey for letting a little girl disarm him. Eddard gladly accepts the judgement.

Cersei speaks up and asks about the direwolf. Robert admits he’d forgotten about that and enquires of his guards. They report that the direwolf has fled and no trace can be found. Robert accepts that, but Cersei says they have another wolf. Robert acknowledges his wife’s request. Arya and Sansa are confused, until they realise that Lady is to be killed in Nymeria’s stead. Eddard is incredulous, but Robert tells him that a direwolf is no pet and he should get Sansa a dog instead. Cersei, satisfied, asks Ser Ilyn Payne to do the deed, but Eddard says he will do it himself. The wolf is of the North and deserves an honourable death, not a butcher’s blade.

Scene 27
Eddard leaves the inn and passes Sandor Clegane, who is riding in with a body slung over the back of his horse. He asks if it was the butcher’s boy and Sandor replies, "He ran, but not very fast."

Scene 28
In Winterfell, Bran is still asleep.

Scene 29
Eddard strokes Lady’s head to reassure her, then stabs her in the heart to give her a quick and merciful death.

Scene 30
At the moment Laddy dies far away in the Riverlands, Bran’s eyes open.