Podcasts about king robert baratheon

Send us a textJon takes supplies to the Free Folk huddled in Mole's Town. They're not thrilled. But he has an offer: join the defence of the Wall and get full rations. Several heed the call. Mackelly and Simon (and Jon) wonder where the Free Folk's loyalties lie.Chapter Review:Jon Snow heads south to Mole's Town with wagons of supplies for the Free Folk. Along the way he sees newly carved faces in the trees. Clearly the conversion to R'hllor hasn't universally landed.The new residents emerge to find that Jon can only spare starvation rations. Squabbles and arguments break out. Jon has a war horn blown to quiet the crowd.He explains that the defenders of the Wall get more rations, they need their strength. Any of the Free Folk are welcome to join. They don't have to take the Black, they don't have to kneel, but they do have to obey orders. Sixty three wildlings take up the challenge, but the Thenns resist looking at Jon with disdain. Bowen Marsh has mixed feelings about the new recruits. Like Jon he's sure they'll fight the Others, but will they resist a Wildling attack?Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.Stannis Baratheon - Surviving brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei's children are not Robert's.Melisandre - Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R'Hllor, the Lord of Light.Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward of Castle Black.Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night's Watch.Mole's Town - Town south of Castle Black, mostly underground. Now populated by the Wildlings.Sigorn - Magnar of the Thenns. Support the showSupport us: Shop at our GoH merchandise store. Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www...

Send us a textJon tours the quickly dwindling food stores of the Night's Watch and then is summoned by King Stannis. The king offers Jon a surprising gift, then adds to the shock by revealing his risky plan to win the north. Jon redirects him to a new plan that is safer and has huge upsides. Mackelly and Simon fear that Stannis is not earning their loyalty.Chapter Review:Jon Snow joins Bowen Marsh to inspect winter food stores held beneath Castle Black. Despite past generosity from lords and a long summer, feeding Stannis' army and wildlings has depleted supplies. Marsh proposes winter rations early. Jon agrees, knowing it'll cause unrest.Jon later meets Stannis, Melisandre, and others in the king's solar. Stannis gifts Jon a controlled Rattleshirt as a soldier. Discussion turns to Mors Umber's terms for support. Stannis hesitates, but Jon urges acceptance, warning that rejecting Mors' terms would turn the North against him. Stannis reveals plans to take the Dreadfort, but Jon argues the Boltons will return too soon and crush Stannis' force. Pressed to arm wildlings, Jon reluctantly offers basic gear, wary of violating the Night's Watch vows. Privately, Stannis tempts Jon again with legitimization and Winterfell. Jon refuses but proposes recruiting Northern mountain clans instead. If successful, Stannis could retake Deepwood Motte and build support. Stannis likes the plan—but Jon's left with more mouths to feed.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night's Watch.Stannis Baratheon - Surviving brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei's children are not Robert's.Melisandre - The Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R'Hellor, the Lord of Light.Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward of Castle Black.Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night's Watch.Rattleshirt - Wildling leader who is despised  by the Night's Watch.Mors Umber - Co-castellan of Last Hearth, with his brother Hother. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube 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

Send us a textJon watches as Mance Rayder and the Horn of Joramun are consigned to the flames. Stannis displays Lightbringer and the free folk are invited to come through the Wall, to bend the knee, and to get a bowl of onion soup. Mackelly and Simon fear that Stannis is not earning their loyalty.Chapter Review:Jon Snow watches as Mance Rayder is dragged to his death. The former Brother of the Night's Watch and King Beyond the Wall is a broken man desperately pleading for his life and disavowing his kingship. He's put in a cage above a pit of kindling. Melisandre brings forth the Horn of Joramun, which if blown would have brought down the Wall and let the enemy in. She burns it in the pit, and the flames reach up to Mance.Acting on Jon's orders, several of his men loose shafts to put their former brother out of his misery. As the smell of burning flesh fills the courtyard, Stannis unsheathes Lightbringer, brighter than ever, and the gate through the Wall is opened. The Free Folk are allowed through - the promise of soup and safety from the terrors of winter convince most. But some resist.Stannis has them burn weirwood branches to show their conversion from the Old Gods to R'Hllor and to take the knee before him. All this was against Jon's advice. But Stannis is more interested in loyalty than love.Later, Jon discusses with Clydas the passage that Aemon left for Jon, which describes Lightbringer's heat. Stannis' sword is cold. Is straight arrow Stannis resorting to subterfuge?Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night's Watch.Stannis Baratheon - Surviving brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei's children are not Robert's.Melisandre - Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R'Hellor, the Lord of Light.Maester Aemon - Elderly, blind maester of the Night's Watch.Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night's Watch.Ser Alliser Thorne - Senior member of the Night's Watch.Mance Rayder - King Beyond the Wall, a former brother of the Night's Watch. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube 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

Send us a textJon sends Aemon, Gilly, Sam, and the wrong baby away from the Wall. He appoints Night's Watch brothers to rebuild and command castles along the Wall. Janos Slynt refuses and Jon levies a stiff punishment in response. Stannis approves. Simon and Mackelly admire Jon's transformation - from boy to man.Chapter Review:Jon has met with Maester Aemon, who provided the same advice he once gave to his brother Egg: Kill the boy so that the man may be born. Time to grow up. Jon puts this into practice when he meets with Gilly and explains what she must do to save Dalla's baby - give up her own. She agrees under considerable duress.Next, he meets with Sam who must go to Oldtown and become a maester. Sam is flustered, a Tarly cannot wear a chain of servitude, and he cannot learn to heal because he's scared of blood. Jon reminds him that he's a brother of the Night's Watch, and while he cannot order him to be brave, he can order him to hide his fears. He will go and he'll earn his chain.Lastly, Jon commissions Bedwyck to refit and take command of the abandoned way-castle at Icemark. He'll command 30 men. Bedwyck's a seasoned ranger and Jon knows he'll prove more than capable. He gives Janos Slynt the same opportunity at Greyguard. Slynt refuses. Jon gives him a chance to back down but the oaf won't listen. When Jon calls for his seizure and execution Slynt's friends melt away. Jon decapitates Slynt before the approving eyes of King Stannis.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.Stannis Baratheon - Surviving brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei's children are not Robert's.Melisandre - Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R'Hellor, the Lord of Light.Maester Aemon - Elderly, blind maester of the Night's Watch.Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night's Watch.Ser Alliser Thorne - Senior member of the Night's Watch and recently returned from King's Landing.Janos Slynt - New recruit to the Night's Watch. Formerly commander of the Gold Cloaks in King's Landing and briefly Lord of Harrenhal.Mance Rayder - King Beyond the Wall, and former brother of the Night's Watch.Bedwyck (Giant) - Diminutive ranger in the Night's Watch.Icemark - Way-castle alo Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube 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

Send us a textJon has a wolf dream and wakes to face a trying day. He meets with Stannis and disappoints him by rejecting the king's plan to assume control of the abandoned Night's Watch castles. Afterward, he talks with Melisandre who gives him an ominous warning. Simon and Mackelly interpret her meaning.Chapter Review:Ghost races along the Wall in the night. As he runs, he senses his packmates in their various locations around Westeros. Jon Snow wakes in Castle Black realizing that he was warging Ghost in the night. He dresses and sees the unsigned grant from King Stannis sitting on his desk. This won't be an easy day.Jon finds Stannis and Melisandre in the King's Tower. The king is angry over another rejection letter from a northern house to his call for their support. This time it's 10-year-old Lyanna Mormont who tells him that House Mormont will support only the King in the North, whose name is Stark. Jon tells Stannis that only Mance Rayder can bind the wildlings to the king. Stannis knows but still can't spare the man's life. He is an oathbreaker. Stannis asks if Jon has signed the grant giving Stannis all of the empty Night's Watch castles. Jon hasn't, the ask is too high. Jon suggests that the Night's Watch provide the leaders for the castles and Stannis provides the garrisons, the need not Take the Black. Stannis rejects the idea. Melisandre walks Jon out. Outside she tells him that she has seen him in the flames with enemies all around. She sees ice, blood, daggers, and cold. When Jon says it's always cold at the Wall, she tells him he knows nothing.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.Stannis Baratheon - Brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei's children are not Robert's.Melisandre - Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R'Hellor, the Lord of Light.Mance Rayder - King Beyond the Wall and former brother of the Night's Watch. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube 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

Send us a textAlayne coaxes Lord Robert down the mountain, while Petyr Baelish arranges a betrothal for his daughter to a ward of Lady Waynwood. The angle? Oh he just happens to be the heir to the Vale. Mackelly and Simon try to find the romance.Chapter Review:With winter coming it is time to mothball the Eyrie and for the Arryn court to move to the Gates of the Moon. Most of the castle has already moved but on this last day Alayne must get Lord Robert and the last remaining staff down. He's being his usual self. But Alayne has a way with him (1 part matronly no-nonsense, 1 part tolerating kissing and groping). He agrees to get out of bed. They descend to Sky via the chain winch. It's scary but rapid. From there Mya Stone guides them by mule down the remainder of the mountain. Alayne rides with Randa Royce, daughter of Lord Nestor. Randa is chatty and kind but Alayne was told to be wary of her.At the Gates of the Moon after a long, cold journey, Alayne finds her father LIttlefinger. He reveals that he's brokered a betrothal for Alayne. She needs to woo Harry the Heir a ward of Lady Waynwood. Not the heir of the Waynwoods, but the heir to the Vale itself. Baelish assures his daughter that it is a matter of “when” not “if” Lord Robert meets an untimely end.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Sansa Stark/Alayne Stone - Eldest surviving Stark child.Petyr Baelish - Aspiring Lord Protector of the Vale, widower of Lysa Arryn, former Master of Coin. Nestor Royce - Keeper of the Gate of the Moon, head of a lesser branch of the Royce house.Myranda "Randa" Royce - Daughter of Nestor.Bronze Yohn Royce - Lord of Runestone and head of House Royce. Most powerful lord of the Vale.Robert “SweetRobin” Arryn - Lord of the Vale. Orphaned by his mother's murder of his father, and his step-father's murder of his mother.Eyrie - Impregnable castle high on a mountain top in the Vale.Lothar Brune - Knight in service to Petyr Baelish. Has protected Sansa from unwanted advances.Mya Stone - Bastard daughter of King Robert Baratheon. Muleteer on the Giant's Lance. The Eyrie - Seat of House Arryn in the Vale.Sky - Highest way-station on the climb up to the Eyrie.Gates of the Moon - Castle at the base of the Giant's Lance.Giant's Lance - The mountain on which Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube 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

Game of Thrones Season 2 continues the power struggles in the wake of King Robert Baratheon's death, as multiple claimants to the Iron Throne emerge. Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, and Joffrey Baratheon each assert their right to rule, leading to battles and shifting alliances. In the North, Robb Stark wages war against the Lannisters to avenge his father's death, while beyond the Wall, Jon Snow encounters the mysterious and dangerous Wildlings. Daenerys Targaryen, now a khaleesi, seeks to build an army to reclaim her birthright, solidifying her path toward the throne.Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love. For Apple users, hit the banner on your app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.supportingcast.fm. Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories.' Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Find the link in the show notes or go to caloroga.supportingcast.fm. Join today and support the show! See the full list of shows and sign up for our newsletter for more great news from Caloroga Shark Media.

Jon decides that he will accept Stannis' offer and become Lord of Winterfell. But at that moment Ghost returns, reminding him of his belief in the old gods and his outsider status to the Starks. He joins his brothers for the vote for the new Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and is surprised as anyone when he wins. Mackelly and Simon start drawing up a transition team.Chapter Review:Jon Snow spars in the yard of Castle Black with Iron Emmett. A ringing blow to the head brings back memories of Winterfell, sparring with Robb, and Catelyn's enmity. When he is back in the present he discovers he's viciously assaulted Emmett and is being restrained by several brothers.Jon takes a bath to ease his muscles. While there he overhears Alliser Thorne, Bowen Marsh and a reluctant Orwell Yarwyck plotting to install Janos Slynt as Lord Commander. Jon heads north of Wall to consider Stannis' offer of legitimacy, Winterfell, and Val's hand in marriage. He admits to himself that it is all he ever wanted and that he'll give up his vows and his gods for it. At that moment Ghost returns, his red eyes and white fur redolent of a weirwood. They reunite and Jon takes it as a sign that his decision was wrong.He joins his brothers in the latest round of voting for the Lord Commandership. Stannis has promised to keep them sequestered until they have made a choice. Edd has put forward Jon's name. Thorne invites Yarwyck to speak but is surprised when the First Builder advises every man to vote with his conscience. Jon's case is bolstered by Mormont's raven who lands on Jon's shoulder announcing “Snow” over and over again. Jon wins in a landslide.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night's Watch.Robb Stark - Jon's dead half brother.Catelyn Stark - Robb's mother. Never a fan of Jon.Maester Aemon - Elderly, blind maester of the Night's Watch.Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night's Watch.Ser Alliser Thorne - Senior member of the Night's Watch recently returned from King's Landing.Janos Slynt - New recruit to the Night's Watch. Formerly commander of the Gold Cloaks in King's Landing and briefly Lord of Harrenhal.Stannis Baratheon - brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei's children are not Robert's. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Jon gets a reprieve from the ice cell and noose that Thorne and Slynt had promised. Hooray! It's so he can go on a suicide mission to assassinate Mance Rayder. Boo! But at the last second redemption comes from an unlikely source. Simon and Mackelly consider the new power structures at the Wall.Chapter Review:Jon is lowered down the north face of the Wall in a cage. It beats the tiny ice cell in which he'd been held for the last 4 days. Thorne and Slynt's plan to hang him had been foiled by Maester Aemon. But they've found a sure-fire alternative. He's to go parlay with Mance Rayder, murder the King Beyond the Wall in the middle of his army, and then make it back alone to Castle Black - this will prove his loyalty.Tormund guides him through angry faces - none are pleased to see the turncoat back in black. Mance's woman Dalla is about to give birth. Mance himself is relatively sanguine about Jon's return. He never trusted Jon enough to tell him that they had found the fabled Horn of Winter in the Frostfangs. Mance says that the Night's Watch will let the wildlings pass through the Wall or the horn will be blown in three days, and they'll pass through the rubble instead.Jon concedes that the Night's Watch might consider this, if Mance and his people bend the knee. But Mance won't promise that. Seeing an impasse, Jon looks for ways to carry out the assassination. But before anything happens, an army attack the wildlings. It's Stannis coming west from Eastwatch, and he routes Mance's forces with ease. During the chaos, Dalla goes into labor. Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night's Watch.Maester Aemon - Elderly, blind maester of the Night's Watch.Ser Alliser Thorne - Senior member of the Night's Watch. Recently returned from King's Landing.Janos Slynt - New recruit to the Night's Watch. Former commander of the Gold Cloaks in King's Landing.Mance Rayder - King Beyond the Wall. Former brother of the Night's WatchDalla - Mance's pregnant partner.Thormund Giantsbane - Wildling leader.Stannis Baratheon - Brother of dead King Robert Baratheon, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei's children are not Robert's.We've got four new sustainer tiers on our Buy Me a Coffee site. Something for every budget and level of interest. Check it out! Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Arya and the Brotherhood Without Banners hear about the prophetic dreams of the Ghost of High Heart. Arya also hears news of her family's history that shocks and angers her. Thoros of Myr's vision halts their progress toward Riverrun. Finally, the Hound makes off with Arya. Mackelly and Simon fire up the search lights.Chapter Review:Arya Stark, Gendry, and the Brotherhood Without Banners, have made their way back to High Heart. While there, they meet with the Ghost of High Heart. She tells them of her dreams. Some seem clearer than others. One thing she makes clear is that if the Brotherhood wants to reunite Arya with her mother, Riverrun isn't the place to go. Catelyn and King Robb have left for a wedding at the Twins.The next day, Beric Dondarion's young squire Ned tells Arya of his connection to her bastard brother Jon Snow. He says they are milk brothers, as his wet nurse Wylla was Jon's mother. It turns out Ned is actually Edric Dayne, lord of Starfall. He explains how his aunt Ashara and Arya's father Ned were once in love long ago, and how Ashara killed herself over a broken heart. Arya doesn't want to hear about it and rides off. That evening, Thoros of Myr sees a vision in the flames of Riverrun under siege by a Lannister army. This news causes lord Beric to pause their progress toward Riverrun until more information can be gathered. An upset Arya runs off. However, she's wet and cold and turns back, only to be intercepted by the Hound.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.Tom of Sevenstreams - Singer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Lem Lemoncloak - Soldier in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Anguy - Archer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Harwin: Member of the Stark household guard. Son of Hullen, the Winterfell Master of Horse.Sandor “The Hound” Clegane - Former personal bodyguard to King Joffrey Baratheon, younger brother of the Mountain (Gregor Clegane), deserter from the Lannister forces.Beric Dondarrion - Lightning Lord. Head of the Brotherhood without Banners.Thoros of Myr - Priest of R'hellor, former drinking companion of King Robert Baratheon, friend of Beric Dondarrion, member of the Brotherhood without Banners.Ghost of High Heart - Small elderly woman who has prophetic dreams.Support the showSupport the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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

Arya takes in a battle between the Brotherhood Without Banners and the Brave Companions. Gendry makes a big decision that upsets Arya. The Hound shows up out of the blue wanting his gold back but the Brotherhood has already spent it. Finally, Beric promises to return Arya to her family. Mackelly and Simon wonder if she can make it to her family in time to attend her uncle's wedding.Chapter Review:Arya Stark and Gendry take in a battle between the Brotherhood Without Banners and the Brave Companions, from the safety of a ridge. When the smoke clears, the surviving Brave Companions are given a speedy trial and then hung from a tree. Septon Utt wasn't spared that fate, as he was charged with crimes against young boys.After dinner, Beric Dondarion and Thoros of Myr tell Arya that Beric has died and been brought back to life six times. Thoros says it's all the work of R'Hellor. He can't explain why it's happening. Beric also promises to safely return Arya to her family, but he's going to require gold in return.Gendry surprisingly offers his services to the Brotherhood as a blacksmith, much to the dismay of Arya. Beric knights Gendry and accepts him into the group. Right then, the Hound unexpectedly crashes the party. He's looking for the gold the Brotherhood took from him before they set him free. Beric breaks the news to him that the gold is gone. They spent it on food and supplies for the small folk of the Riverlands. He takes stalk of everyone in the room, then leaves without a word.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.Tom of Sevenstreams - Singer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Lem Lemoncloak - Soldier in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Anguy - Archer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Harwin: Former member of the Stark household guard. Now in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Sandor “The Hound” Clegane - Former personal bodyguard to King Joffrey Baratheon, younger brother of the Mountain (Gregor Clegane), deserter from the Lannister forces.Beric Dondarrion - Lightning Lord. Head of the Brotherhood Without Banners.Thoros of Myr - Priest of R'hellor, friend of Beric Dondarrion, member of the Brotherhood without Banners.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.If you like what we're doing, please consider rating and reviewing us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Support the showSupport the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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

Arya and Co. finally meet Beric Dondarrion. He gives Sandor Clegane a trial-by-combat, which the Hound wins. But Dondarrion is dead for only a brief moment. Mackelly and Simon do a head-whip double-take with everyone else.Chapter Review:Arya Stark, Gendry, and their companions from the Brotherhood Without Banners reach a secret hideout where Thoros of Myr, Beric Dondarrion, and the higher-ups of the Brotherhood reside. The other prisoner, Sandor Clegane is brought before the Brotherhood, where a list of accusations is leveled against him. None really hold water.Thoros was known to the Hound as a false priest, but the Myrhenese insists that he really has found his true calling now. The rest of the Brotherhood seem to be firm believers in R'hllor. Lord Beric, a battered version of the man that Arya recalls Jeyne Poole swooning over, grants the Hound a trial by combat.Dondarrion's sword bursts into flames when he slices his own palm with it. Scaring the pyrrophobic Hound. The battle ebbs and flows, but a huge Clegane blow breaks the burning sword and cuts through Beric's kneck down into his chest killing him instantly. The Hound puts out the flames that threaten to engulf him, while Dondarrion's body is dragged away by his followers. Arya tries to take matters into her own hands, but is restrained. She tells the Hound to go to hell, to which a revived Dondarrion replies “he has."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.Tom of Sevenstreams - Singer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Lem Lemoncloak - Soldier in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Anguy - Archer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Harwin: Soldier in the Brotherhood Without Banners. Former member of the Stark household guard. Sandor “The Hound” Clegane - Former personal bodyguard to King Joffrey Baratheon, younger brother of the Mountain (Gregor Clegane), deserter from the Lannister forces.Beric Dondarrion - Lightning Lord. Head of the Brotherhood without Banners.Thoros of Myr - Priest of R'hellor, former drinking companion of King Robert Baratheon. Friend of Beric Dondarrion and member of the Brotherhood Without Banners.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MLet's (Re)Watch it Again!Take a deep dive into our favorite movies & TV shows we can't stop rewatching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

Arya and company ride into Stoney Sept. She finds some of her own kind and puts them out of their misery. She uses the powers of deduction to determine what's unique about the inn she's spending the night in. The next morning her prayers are mysteriously answered by the arrival of a Lannister prisoner. Mackelly and Simon light a candle to the Father.Chapter Review:Arya Stark, Gendry, and their companions from the Brotherhood Without Banners find themselves in the town of Stoney Sept, on their hunt for Beric Dondarion and Thoros of Myr. The town is run by a man called the Mad Huntsman. The huntsman has taken to torturing those who run afoul of the law. Currently, several northmen are dead or dying in crow cages in the town square. Arya, feeling a kinship to the men, gives each some water before Anguy puts an arrow through them.The group then stops at an inn called The Peach, where they're treated (some reluctantly) to baths, fresh clothes, food, and entertainment. Arya, observing the scene in the common room, realizes it's no ordinary inn. The Peach is a brothel. She meets a girl who claims to be the daughter of King Robert. Arya also meets an old man who wants to get to know her better. He's run off by Gendry, but Arya accidentally offends Gendry and he sends her to her room.The next morning the group is awoken by the barking of many dogs. The Mad Huntsman has returned with a Lannister prisoner. Gendry wonders if it's Jamie. However, when Arya sees the man's face, she knows it's not the Kingslayer. Instead, it's an answer to a prayer.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.Tom of Sevenstreams - A singer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Lem Lemoncloak - A soldier in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Anguy - An archer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Harwin: Member of the Stark household guard. Son of Hullen, the Winterfell Master of Horse.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

Sansa's dress has arrived. It's as beautiful as she'd hoped but there's a rather large string attached. It's a wedding dress and the groom is Tyrion. Sansa protests. Tyrion commiserates. Joffrey is awful. The whole thing is a fiasco, and their post-wedding bedding goes equally as poorly. Simon and Mackelly keep the receipt for their wedding gift.Chapter Review:Sansa Stark finally gets her long-awaited dress she'd been measured for a while back. She loves it and can't wait for Willas Tyrell to see her in it. She's sure it will make him love her for who she is, not her claim to Winterfell. She has Queen Cersei's entire retinue of handmaids working on beautifying her. Right when she couldn't be any happier about how she looks in the dress, Cersei drops the bomb saying it's wasted on “that gargoyle.” Turns out it's a wedding dress and her groom will be Tyrion Lannister. She refuses and tries to flee, but ultimately concedes to her fate.At the sept, Tyrion offers to call it off, if she'd prefer to marry Lancel Lannister. Sansa figures it doesn't matter. A Lannister is a Lannister. Sansa cries throughout the wedding and things only get worse when Tyrion can't reach Sansa's shoulders to put the Lannister cloak on her. The wedding feast doesn't improve on things, ending with Tyrion threatening to geld King Joffrey.Later in a bedchamber in the Tower of the Hand, the new couple struggle to connect. Sansa is too polite, and too young. Tyrion brings up his previous wife. He makes her undress and get into bed but ultimately can't go through with the bedding. He offers not to touch her until she wants him to. She says that might never happen.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Sansa Stark - Elder daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark.Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister.Margaery Tyrell - Fiancee of King Joffrey Baratheon.Lady Olenna Tyrell - Mother of Lord Mace Tyrell and grandmother to Margaery.Ser Dontos Hollard - Fool to King Joffrey, confidante of Sansa Stark. Has a plan to rescue her, but is rather too fond of a tipple.Willas Tyrell - Heir to Highgarden. In some measure disabled by a horse as a child.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. Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

Arya and the Brotherhood Without Banners trek through the Riverlands in search of Beric Dondarrion. They come up empty-handed but learn bits of information at each stop along the way. Simon and Mackelly fire-up the Bat-Signal.Chapter Review:Arya Stark and Gendry ride south with the members of the Brotherhood Without Banners. They're looking for their leader Beric Dondarrion, to get orders on what to do with Arya.They make several stops along their way but most news is that he's already dead. The men have heard these rumors before and quickly discount them.Their final stop is at Acorn Hall, where Lady Smallwood insists Arya be bathed and put in a frilly dress. Here they get a useful update. Beric and his men visited only two weeks ago.At dinner, they learn the Kingslayer truly is free and the rumor is Lady Catelyn freed him. With that, Arya is banished from the room. The next morning the gang heads out in pursuit of Lord Beric once again.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.Tom of Sevenstreams - A singer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Lem Lemoncloak - A soldier in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Anguy - An archer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Harwin: Member of the Stark household guard. Son of Hullen, the Winterfell Master of Horse. Now a member of the Brotherhood Without Banners.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

Arya and Gendry are not taken to Riverrun, rather they are escorted south to meet with Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr. En route Arya tries to escape, but Harwin - a Stark bannerman, no less - chases her and captures her. Oh perfidy! Mackelly and Simon discuss the origin story of the Brotherhood Without Banners.Chapter Review:Hot Pie has elected to stay and become head baker at the Inn of the Kneeling Man. Arya Stark and Gendry are headed to Riverrun. Only, they're headed in the wrong direction. Arya is sure. She's accompanied by Harwin, amongst others, so she hears how things have been for him since he left King's Landing. Not all rainbows and unicorns. The Mountain lay in wait for them at the Mummer's Ford and decimated two thirds of Dondarrion's force. Beric himself was gravely wounded but was nursed back to health by Thoros of Myr. The latter is a priest of R'Hellor, and seems to use the power for slightly nicer things than his compadre Melisandre does. The Brotherhood Without Banners, as they term themselves, has decided to stay in the field, not to fight for either side, but to protect the smallfolk from the armies that abuse them. They do this in the name of King Robert. Arya tries to escape, but Harwin's father was the master of horse, so he catches her. His loyalty is to Beric, Thoros, and his new brothers. The Lightning Lord will decide what to do with Arya.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.Hot Pie - Friend of Arya. Former recruit to the Night's Watch.Tom Sevenstreams - Singer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Lem Lemoncloak - Soldier in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Anguy - Archer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Sharna - Proprietor of the Inn of the Kneeling Man.Harwin: Member of the Stark household guard. Son of Hullen, the Winterfell Master of Horse.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the diStrange TrailsFinn Mitchell and his best friend Omari Mason travel to a rural town in West Virginia...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Venture Forth: A D&D PodcastThe #1 NEW D&D podcast! Join in on the adventure as we explore the world of Elbor!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify GABRIEL'S WINGS my story PodcastI have stage 4 cancer I want to tell my story of a amazing lifeListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySpotify is now providing the option to rate podcasts. So we ask that you please take a second and give us a five-star rating. Thanks in advance!Support the show

Arya, Hot Pie, and Gendry run into another trio on the road to Riverrun, whose motives are hard to read. Ultimately, the starving kids decide to trust them and accompany the men for promised food and shelter. They get the food, but lose their horses. Right when Arya thinks all is lost, she sees a friendly face, but has her secret revealed to all. Mackelly gets goosebumps. Simon's not so sure it's all good news.Chapter Review:Arya Stark, Hot Pie, and Gendry dig up some vegetables in a garden of a burned-out cottage. The sound of singing puts them on high alert and they hide. They are quickly discovered by three men on foot. The men fancy the kids' horses but offer them a meal and shelter at an inn not far away. When the archer sends an arrow an inch from Arya's head, they realize they have no choice and comply.The inn is the same one Brienne, Jamie, and Cleos visited, the Inn of the Kneeling Man. This time the wife Sharna is home. She offers them food and ale. The men discuss how the kids' horses are better than the ones the innkeeper gave away. He insists he sent the three who bought the horses toward the men, to reclaim those horses. But the men say they never showed up.A man named Tom offers Arya an IOU for their horses. Arya's not interested. She'll give them the horses for the sailboat tied up at the dock. Everyone gets a good laugh at her boldness. But negotiations are broken off when a group of men arrive. The kids are scared and prepare to defend themselves. However, the newcomers include a familiar face. Harwin, from Winterfell, is among the group. He doesn't recognize Arya at first. But when he does, he takes a knee and announces her as the Hand's daughter Arya Stark of Winterfell.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Gendry - 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.Tom of Sevenstreams - A singer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Lem Lemoncloak - A soldier in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Anguy - An archer in the Brotherhood Without Banners.Sharna - Proprietor of the Inn of the Kneeling Man.Inkeep/Husband: Proprietor of the Inn of the Kneeling Man.Harwin - Member of the Stark household guard. Son of Hullen, the Winterfell Master of Horse.Inn of the Kneeling Man - An inn in the Riverlands on the banks of the Red Fork.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

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.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

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.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

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 Lord Mace Tyrell. New member of the Kingsguard.Mace Tyrell - Lord of Highgarden, Lord Paramount of the Mander, Warden of the South. Member of the king's Small Council.Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Stark. Lord of Harrenhal and Lord Paramount of the Trident.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

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, 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.Elmar Frey - Youngest Frey son. Betrothed to Arya Stark.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

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 Baratheon - Claimant to the throne as eldest surviving brother of the late King Robert.Renly Baratheon - Younger brother of Stannis Baratheon. Believed dead, but apparently involved in breaking the siege of King's Landing.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

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 be pregnant.Ser Dontos Hollard - Last member of house Hollard. Saved from execution on King Joffrey's name day by Sansa Stark. Ser Ilyn Payne - Executioner.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

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 Light. Advisor to King Stannis.Edric Storm - Bastard son of Robert Baratheon. Raised at Storm's End and recently captured by Stannis.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

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 Kingsguard.Ser Dontos Hollard - Last member of house Hollard. Saved from execution on King Joffrey's name day by Sansa Stark. Now working to get Sansa out of King's Landing. Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

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.Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

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. Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

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.Shagga - Member of the Stone Crows from the Mountains of the Moon. Friend and bodyguard of Tyrion Lannister.Stannis Baratheon - Claimant to the Iron Throne. Brother to the late king Robert Baratheon. Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

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/EventsArya 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 recruits and Armory Lorch's men. Now a soldier in Lorch's group.Rorge - One of three recruits to the Night's Watch who were held in chains. Saved by Arya. Now in service to Armory Lorch. Biter - One of three recruits to the Night's Watch who were held in chains. Saved by Arya. Now in service to Armory Lorch. Support the podcast. Buy a bit of merch from our store. Or if swag is not your bag, buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold.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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

"Eddard Stark is torn between his family and an old friend when asked to serve at the side of King Robert Baratheon; Viserys plans to wed his sister to a nomadic warlord in exchange for an army." - IMDBHappy Thanksgiving friends!Hosts Ashley and Jason have taken a temporary detour from their Once Upon a Time series to discuss the most watched (and most controversial) HBO series to-date, Game of Thrones. Each episode in this series will be two parts; part one will focus on the television episode and part two will focus on the book chapters corresponding to that episode.Unusual Magic Jewelry:https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnusualMagicJewelry?ref=profile_header

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. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

Myrcella sets sail for Dorne, via Braavos. Riding back through the city a riot breaks out. Lives are lost, but thanks to the Hound not Sansa Stark's. Jacelyn Bywater informs Tyrion that the smallfolk consider Tyrion the root of all their problems. With Bronn and Varys, Tyrion begins to consider replacing Joffrey with Tommen. Simon and Mackelly weigh the options. Chapter Review: Myrcella Baratheon is shipping off to Dorne where, when older, she will marry Trystane Martell. She's going a circuitous route, which will significantly reduce King's Landing's already insufficient naval force, but Cersei wants her daughter safe. Ser Arys Oakheart of the Kingsguard will travel with her as her personal bodyguard. Her arrival in Braavos is the signal for the Martells to move into the passes that border the Stormlands with the intent of holding some of Stannis' forces from the envisioned assault on King's Landing. The royal party heads back through the streets, lined with hangry citizens. The king is struck in the face with excrement, and rather than hastening a retreat to the Red Keep, he stops to set his Hound on those he perceives to blame. A riot ensues. Several in the party lose their lives including the High Septon. But Sansa Stark, briefly lost, is saved by Sandor Clegane. Hours later, the gold cloaks have regained control of the city, but Bywater warns Tyrion that the situation worsens daily. The smallfolk believe their suffering began when Tyrion was named Hand of the King. Tyrion is hurt by the insinuation. Bronn notes that Tommen is a much nicer kid than Joffrey and Westeros would be so much nicer of a place if the younger brother was to somehow become the King. Tyrion cannot help but imagine the prospect. 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. Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Tully.  Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks).Bronn - Sellsword. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard. Stannis Baratheon - Claimant to the Iron Throne. Sansa Stark - Elder daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Captive of the Lannisters. Still betrothed to Joffrey. Sandor Clegane (aka The Hound) - Joffrey's personal bodyguard. Member of the Kingsguard. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/ 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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ  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.All Music credits to Ross BugdenINSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmSupport the show

Arya's miserable life in Harrenhal continues. Weese's petty cruelties take their toll and she gives Jaqen H'ghar her tormentor's name. The Lorathi assassin delivers on his promise. Tywin and his army leave to fight Robb. Simon and Mackelly plan Arya's third wish. Chapter Review: Arya Stark is kept busy running messages for Weese. He has no clue that she can read, so he doesn't bother sealing them. The intel she gathers is utterly pointless. Meanwhile, the castle bustles as Tywin Lannister's army prepares to move out. Apparently he's had enough of Robb winning at every turn. Amory Lorch and his men will stay to garrison Harrenhal. She hears gossip of Robb's exploits, most of which sound fabulous, but hearten her nonetheless. After a gratuitous slap from Weese she bumps into Rorge. He is his usual charming self, threatening to make good on the perverse promises he made to her while he was Yoren's captive. His bravado drops when she mentions Jaqen's name. He's afraid? He meekly directs her to the bathhouse. There she whispers “Weese” in H'ghar's ear. The next day she regrets not being more strategic with her choice, as she watches Twyin's huge army head out to fight her brother. But Jaqen delivers as a scream alerts everyone to Weese being eaten by his own dog. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Gendry - Recruit to the Night's Watch. Former armorer's apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Hot Pie - Recruit of the Night's Watch. Currently working in the kitchens of Harrenhal. Amory Lorch - Cruel Lannister knight. Implicated in the murder of Rhaegar Targaryen's two children. Raiding the Riverlands with 300 men. Ser Gregor Clegane - The Mountain that Rides. Sandor Clegane's older brother. Bannerman to Tywin Lannister. Beric Dondariron - Lord of Blackhaven. Sent by Ned Stark to arrest Gregor Clegane for his crimes in the Riverlands. Continues to harass the Lannister forces. Needle - Arya Stark's sword. Fashioned by Winterfell smith Mikken, and gifted to Arya by her half-brother Jon Snow. Weese - Understeward of the Wailing Tower at Harrenhal. Arya's new boss. Chiswyck - Soldier under Gregor Clegane found dead after Arya gave his name to Jaqen H'ghar. The Tickler - Soldier under Gregor Clegane responsible for torturing and interrogating prisoners. 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. Now a soldier in Lorch's group. Rorge - One of three recruits to the Night's Watch who was held in chains. Saved by Arya. Now in service to Armory Lorch. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQAll Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

News of Renly's death has reached the small council in King's Landing. They dispatch Littlefinger to treat with Loras Tyrell - the leader of the faction that hasn't pledged fealty to Stannis. The offer? Renly's widow Margaery Tyrell to marry Joffrey and be queen. Simon and Mackelly consider the implications. Chapter Review: Varys shares the reliable news that Renly is dead and many unreliable accounts of who did it. Tyrion is disappointed, he'd hoped that the Baratheons' fight would drag on for months. The bad news is compounded by the rapid switching allegiance (to Stannis) of the majority of the noble houses. The slightly better news for team-Lannister is that Ser Loras Tyrell has ridden off taking maybe 20 percent of the lords with him. And Ser Courtney Penrose, castellan of Storm's End, fearing a trick, will not open the doors to Stannis until he sees Renly's body - which has gone missing. So how to turn this dissenting minority to the Lannister cause? Tyrion suggests marriage. Should Renly's young widow Margaery (Tyrell) marry Joffrey, then the two wealthiest houses in Westeros would be conjoined. The Lords of the Reach who have now pledged to Stannis would have to reconsider. And the balance of power might just be tipped. After some debate, Petyr Baelish is chosen to take the message to Loras and Margaery. He grifts for every bit of money and influence he can get out of the chore. But Tyrion grudgingly admits he's the right man for the job. After the meeting, Cersei thanks Tyrion for his efforts and kisses him on the forehead. He could not be more suspicious.  Characters/Places/Names/Events: Queen Cersei Lannister - Widow of King Robert Baratheon and 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 Ser Jamie Lannister. Acting Hand of the King.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 Tully. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks).Bronn - A sellsword who fought and won Tyrion's trial by combat. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard.Stannis Baratheon - Claimant to the Iron Throne.Loras Tyrell - Younger son of Mace Tyrell (Lord of Highgarden). Known as the Knight of Flowers. Dashing and skilled, he has significant influence over a sizable following.Margaery Tyrell - Daughter of Mace Tyrell. Widow of Renly Baratheon. Sister to Ser Loras.Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQAll Music credits to Ross Bugden: INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25MSupport the show

Sansa is summoned to the king's presence. He's not pleased that her brother keeps winning battles and he's taking it out on her. Tyrion rescues her from serious peril and treats her with kindness. She's not ready to trust him, having thrown in her lot with Ser Dontos. Mackelly and Simon would like to help her see sense. Chapter Review: Sansa Stark is summoned to King Joffrey Baratheon's presence. She doesn't expect a warm welcome. Sure enough he's hopping mad. Her brother Robb has only gone and utterly defeated the new army that his great uncle Ser Stafford Lannister was pulling together in the Westerlands. Obviously he used sorcery and cannibalism to achieve this. Joffrey wants to kill her, but even he recognizes the danger to his “uncle” Jamie if he did. The king orders the hound to beat Sansa, but ser Dontos, the fool, tries to intervene by mushing a morningstar melon on her head. It's a lot less painful than what she's braced for, a lot messier, and funnier. But Joffrey is not laughing. He orders Sers Boros Blount and Meryn Trant to do what he's ordered. They beat her and rip her dress to shame her. It's getting pretty bad when Tyrion arrives and saves her. He tries to educate his nephew, threatens Trant, and escorts Sansa to his rooms. There, she's patched up and catches a nap. On waking, she concludes that there is no such thing as a true knight. Tyrion assures her that he cares for her, but she continues to tow the line: I love Joffrey. Rather than stay in his rooms, she is escorted back to her own chambers, so that she can once again meet with Ser Dontos. 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. Ser Lancel Lannister - Cousin of Tyrion, son of Kevan, lover (and cousin) of Cersei.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. Has vowed to help her get  back to Winterfell. Ser Preston Greenfield - Member of the Kingsguard.Ser Meryn Trant - Member of the Kingsguard.Ser Boros Blount - Member of the Kingsguard.Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQAll 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 Support the show

Arya's working as a servant for the Lannisters in Harrenhal. Life is not quite as miserable as it was on the road. Amongst the Lannister troops she notices Jaqen H'ghar. He tells her that he owes the Red god three deaths, to atone for the ones that Arya spared. He just needs names. Arya provides one, and the guys turns up dead two days later. Simon and Mackelly consider the remaining two wishes. Chapter Review: Arya Stark, still disguised as Weasel, is working as a servant in Harrenhal. It's woeful, but at least she has food and shelter so it beats the road. She is also able to stop the gender denial, which had to have been a burden. She's about as visible as a mouse to the Lannister nobles and soldiers, so they speak pretty freely in front of her. From this she learns that Robb is at Riverrun, a lot closer than Winterfell. She hatches a plan to reveal her true identity to one of the Northern hostages. She's knows only one personally, Lord  Medger Cerwyn, but he succumbs to his wounds before she can enact the plan. The various raiding groups stop by: The Brave Companions (aka the Bloody Mummers) of Vargo Hoat are a terrifying bunch of oddballs. Ser Gregor Clegane's men are evil monsters. And Armory Lorch's men have three new recruits: Rorge, Biter, and Jaqen H'ghar.  Jaqen tells Arya that he owes three deaths to the red god, for the three that Arya saved when she threw him an axe in the fire. After hearing a particularly monstrous story from Chiswyck (a member of Clegane's coterie) she offers him up. Two days later he's found dead: fallen from the battlements. Some think it was the Ghosts of Harrenhal. Arya knows better.  Characters/Places/Names/Events: Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Gendry - Recruit to the Night's Watch. Former armorer's apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon.Hot Pie - Recruit of the Night's WatchAmory Lorch - Cruel Lannister knight. Implicated in the murder of Rhaegar Targaryen's two children. Killen Yoren and many of the Night's Watch recruits.  Raiding the Riverlands with 300 men.Ser Gregor Clegane - The Mountain that Rides. Sandor Clegane's older brother. Bannerman to Tywin Lannister. Beric Dondariron - Lord of Blackhaven. Sent by Ned Stark to arrest Gregor Clegane for his crimes in the Riverlands. Continues to harass the Lannister forces.Needle - Arya Stark's sword. Fashioned by Winterfell smith Mikken, and gifted to Arya by her half-brother Jon Snow.Weese - Understeward of the Wailing Tower at Harrenhal. Arya's new boss.Jaqen H'ghar - Mysterious assassin whom Arya saved from death during the battle between the Night's Watch recruits and Armory Lorch's men. Now a soldier in Lorch's group.Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQAll 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 Support the show

Tyrion receives a command from Cersei that Pycelle is to be released. Tyrion agrees but while he's at it he turns the messenger (cousin Lancel) to team-Tyrion. Later he visits Shae and admits to himself that he loves his life and Shae. Simon and Mackelly get a little sappy over the romance.  Chapter Review:  Lancel Lannister visits Tyrion Lannister after midnight. Tyrion's not asleep but pretends to have been. Lancel is your typical high-born, good-looking, recently knighted 16-year-old. He treats Tyrion with disdain, referring to him as imp. Cersei wants Grand Maester Pycelle released and Commander of the Gold Cloaks Jacelyn Bywater arrested (presumably for not releasing Pycelle on her command). Tyrion is pleased about that.  Tyrion turns the tables on Lancel when he accuses him of killing the king to bed the queen, and won't Joffrey be interested to learn this news. Lancel crumbles in an instant. Tyrion reels him - he could keep this from the new king if Lancel were to report all of Cersei's comings and goings to Tyrion. Lancel agrees. Tyrion fears for the lad. Cersei would certainly kill him if this betrayal were to reach her ears, and should he live long enough to see his cousin Jamie again, well, he'd kill him too.  Tyrion visits Shae. He realizes that the pain of Tysha's betrayal is finally behind him. He's in love with Shae and with his life as Hand of the King. 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.Lancel Lannister - Son of Kevan Lannister. Cousin to Tyrion. Former squire to King Robert, who plied the king with wine on the boar-hunt. Now lover of Queen Cersei.Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Tully.Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly grand maester of the Seven Kingdoms. Fellow member of the king's Small Council. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks).Bronn - A sellsword who fought and won Tyrion's trial by combat. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard.Tysha - Tyrion's former wife, who turned out to be a paid prostitute. Tywin had her gang-raped and the marriage annulled.Shagga - Clan chief from the Mountains of the Moon. Timmet - Clan chief from the Mountains of the Moon.Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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. Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQAll 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 Support the show

Arya is in the clutches of the Lannisters. Needle is taken from her, the secret of her gender is revealed, and she loses all faith in her ability to water dance. She starts to chant a list of the people who've killed her loved ones. It's getting long. Simon and Mackelly mull it all over.We video recorded this episode. Check it out here:https://youtu.be/w-VqOEqzodw Please Like and Subscribe, if you'd be so kind!Chapter Review: Arya, Hot Pie, and Gendry are captives of Gregor Clegane's men. They're held in the village while the Tickler tortures and kills villagers for information as to the location of any treasure and intelligence about Beric Dondarrion's increasingly legendary force. No amount of ingratiating or cooperation saves the villagers. Arya's at a low ebb. She feels that, as a water-dancer, she shouldn't have been captured. Another soldier called Polliver has Needle, severing her last tie to her family. Each night she whispers the names of all the people responsible for the deaths that have blighted her life since she left Winterfell. Eventually, the group moves out with the prisoners in tow. All the fighting age men are slain. Gendry only survives because his trade is useful to the Lannisters. On the march, Arya has to pee, and Hot Pie is astonished to discover her gender. Nobody else cares. Harrenhal is a scary place where the towers look like melted candles. Arya is assigned to the Wailing Tower as servant to Weese the understeward. He's sounds like he could be bad news. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Yoren - Man of the Night's Watch in King's Landing seeking recruits and supplies. He died at the hands of Amory Lorch. Gendry - Recruit to the Night's Watch. Former armorer's apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Hot Pie - Recruit of the Night's Watch. Amory Lorch - Cruel Lannister knight. Implicated in the murder of Rhaegar Targaryen's two children. Raiding the Riverlands with 300 men. Ser Gregor Clegane - The Mountain that Rides. Sandor Clegane's older brother. Bannerman to Tywin Lannister. Beric Dondarion - Lord of Blackhaven. Sent by Ned Stark to arrest Gregor Clegane for his crimes in the Riverlands. Continues to harass the Lannister forces. Needle - Arya Stark's sword. Fashioned by Winterfell smith Mikken, and gifted to Arya by her half-brother Jon Snow. Weese - Understeward of the Wailing Tower at Harrenhal. Arya's new boss. Polliver - Soldier under Gregor Clegane who has stolen Needle. The Tickler - Soldier under Gregor Clegane responsible for torturing and interrogating prisoners. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQAll 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 Support the show

Tyrion's busy in the Red Keep. He gives his sister Cersei good news on the Baratheon front, then slips her a little poison. He announces the Lannister demands for peace with Robb. He gives Ser Alliser the men he needs, if in a mocking manner. Finally he confronts Pycelle about his spying. Simon and Mackelly review his day planner. Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister has a busy day. He visits Cersei and announces that Stannis has attacked Storm's End. They have a rare moment of sibling happiness. Tyrion poisons Cersei with something to keep her in the privy the next day. Giving him a clear run at ruling the kingdom. From atop the Iron Throne he issues the Lannister's counter-demands to Cleos Frey. His cousin observes that they're unlikely to be received warmly in the North, but Tyrion isn't very concerned. He just wants to keep the dialogue going while the Baratheons destroy each other. Next up is Ser Alliser Thorne, visiting from the Wall with the still animated hand of Jaffer Flowers. Unfortunately said hand has rotted, and was thrown away. Tyrion is disturbed by Thorne's news, but is always concerned about appearing foolish. He dismisses Thorne with a few barbs, but agrees to advertise the Night's Watch to the hungry citizens.  His last stop of the day is at the chambers of Maester Pycelle. Tyrion has proven to himself beyond any doubt that Pycelle is Cersei's man and he wants him out of the picture. The clan chiefs scare Pycelle to the point of bed-wetting, roughly trim his beard with their axes, and march him to the dungeons. All the time the old man complains that everything he did, he did for the Lannisters. 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. Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Tully. Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly grand maester of the Seven Kingdoms. Fellow member of the king's Small Council. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks). Bronn - A sellsword who fought and won Tyrion's trial by combat. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard. Ser Cleos Frey - Cousin to the Lannisters. Captive of Robb Stark. Sent to King's Landing with the Stark's demands. Shagga - Clan chief from the Mountains of the Moon. Timmet - Clan chief of the Mountains of the Moon. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQAll 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 Support the show

Tyrion tours the wildfire production lines in the Guildhall of the Alchemists. He welcomes Cleos Frey to King's Landing and reads Robb Stark's demands. He meets with Cersei who is furious that Tyrion plans to sell off Myrcella to Dorne in return for their cooperation in the war. Simon and Mackelly weigh the strategies. Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister meets with the pyromancer Hallyne in the Guildhall of the Alchemists. They have 7,000 pots of wildfire ready to be used in the defense of King's Landing. Tyrion is very uneasy - this substance burns on water and does unspeakable damage to all that it touches. He asks for some empty pots to be used in training the defenders. Bronn informs Tyrion of two urgent summons. The Hand decides to visit Jacelyn Bywater first. Tyrion's cousin Cleos Frey has arrived from his captivity in Riverrun. Robb Stark's demands are unacceptable, but Tyrion is pleased that he can stretch out the negotiations. He forbids anyone from Cleos' crew from entering King's Landing. He doesn't want word of the starvation to reach the King in the North. En route to his second urgent visit (with Cersei) he hears a preacher decrying the royals and the church. He's a bit offended by being referred to as a “demon monkey.”His sister Cersei is furious to have been kept waiting and incandescent that Tyrion should try to ship Myrcella to Dorne without consulting her. He tries to placate and feels like he's made progress. Compelling amongst his arguments is that the princess may well be considerably safer in Sunspear than she is in the capital. 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.  Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly grand maester of the Seven Kingdoms. Fellow member of the king's Small Council. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks).Bronn - A sellsword who fought and won Tyrion's trial by combat. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard. Cleos Frey - Cousin of the Tyrion, Cersei, and Jamie Lannister. Current captive of Robb Stark and go-between for him and Tyrion and Cersei.Hallyne - Pyromancer of the Alchemists' Guild in King's Landing.Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ  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 Support the show

Arya and the surviving recruits bury Yoren, subsist on acorn paste, and spy a village that is not completely abandoned. Reconnaissance gets Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie captured by Gregor Clegane's men. Weasel escapes and Lommy meets his maker. Simon and Mackelly grope for positives. Chapter Review: Arya Stark, Gendry, Hot Pie, Lommy, and Weasel (the new name given to the crying girl) head back to the holdfast in the daylight. They bury Yoren and find three comrades still alive. Kurz succumbs to a wound, and the other two abscond rather than throw their lot in with Arya's crew. Lommy is injured and must be carried. Weasel has stopped crying. Continuing north around the western edge of the God's Eye, they find a village not entirely abandoned. Arya and Gendry check it out and determine that it is Lannister troops who inhabit it. Gendry is captured, so Arya returns to the others to solicit Hot Pie's help in a daring rescue mission. Lommy wants to abandon Gendry - but Arya convinces Hot Pie to help. Hot Pie makes enough noise as they enter the village to have them both immediately captured. Arya comes face to face with Gregor Clegane, the Mountain that Rides. Hot Pie cracks under questioning and leads the troops back to Lommy. Weasel has scarpered, and the Lannisters are unwilling to carry Lommy, so they run him through. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Yoren - Man of the Night's Watch who was in King's Landing seeking recruits and supplies. Gendry - Recruit to the Night's Watch. Former armorer's apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Hot Pie - Recruit of the Night's Watch. Lommy - Recruit of the Night's Watch. Jaqen H'ghar - Unwilling recruit of the Night's Watch, from the dungeons of King's Landing. Biter and Rorge - Jaqen H'ghar's cellmates on the journey north from the King's Landing dungeons. Amory Lorch - Cruel Lannister knight. Implicated in the murder of Rhaegar Targaryen's two children. Raiding the Riverlands with 300 men. Ser Gregor Clegane - The Mountain that Rides. Sandor Clegane's older brother. Bannerman to Tywin Lannister. Beric Dondariron - Lord of Blackhaven. Sent by Ned Stark to arrest Gregor Clegane for his crimes in the Riverlands. Continues to harass the Lannister forces. Needle - Arya Stark's sword. Fashioned by Winterfell smith Mikken, and gifted to Arya by her half-brother Jon Snow. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ 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 Support the show

Sansa rendezvous with a would-be rescuer. Her Florian is not quite who she'd imagined but he'll have to do. On the way back, she bumps into Sandor Clegane drunk as a lord (the Hound, not Sansa). He tells her that a dog can always smell a lie, and she's the worst liar in King's Landing. Mackelly and Simon consider the canine polygraph test. Chapter Review: Sansa Stark has received a note telling her to come to the Godswood if she wants to go home. She's uncertain, but she really wants to go home. A maid almost spots the note, which Sansa then burns. She bides her time and sneaks out when the coast is clear. She imagines it will be some handsome knight determined to free her and right the wrongs. It turns out to be drunken Ser Dontos Hollard. She's not impressed. But he gives an impassioned speech about how she reminded him of what a true knight should be, and that he's determined to repay her by getting her home. He compares himself to Florian, the legendary knight who wooed Jonquil. Sansa is swept away and agrees to Dontos' as yet unfinished plans. On the walk back, she bumps into a drunken Hound. He escorts her back across the drawbridge into Maegor's holdfast. He says that he'll have a song from her eventually, and she agrees to sing for him one day. He calls her a liar and tells her that everyone in King's Landing is a liar and she is the worst of them. 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. Ser Preston Greenfield - Member of the Kingsguard. Ser Boros Blount - Member of the Kingsguard. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ 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 Support the show

Tyrion meets with Pycelle, Littlefinger, and Varys, feeding each a different story, hoping to learn which story reaches Cersei's ears. Allister Thorne has arrived, hunger is getting out of hand in King's Landing, and Cersei wants Jamie freed and her father's army to come defend her. A Hand's job is never done! Mackelly and Simon try to prioritize.Chapter Review:Tyrion Lannister breaks his fast with Grand Maester Pycelle. He dispatches a raven to Doran Martell in Dorne but Tyrion won't be drawn on the letter's content. Tyrion steals a bottle from Pycelle's potion shelves, while the maester isn't looking.Tyrion and Bronn discuss today's supplicants: Tanda Stokeworth with offers of food and her plump unwed daughter, Ser Alliser Thorne newly arrived from the Wall with a hand for the Hand - Tyrion doesn't like Thorne so has him consigned to a dingy cell without meeting with him. A representative of the Bank of Braavos who'd like to discuss repayment by the crown of some loan, sounds like a job for Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish. A discontent Riverlands lordling and local merchants all get fobbed off.Tyrion meets with Baelish and proposes marrying princess Myrcella to young Robert Arynn. If Baelish can broker that and bring the Vale's forces out to oppose Renly and Stannis, the glittering prize of Harrnehal will be his. Petyr is wary, but unable to refuse.Next is Varys, who already knows about the prior meetings, and apparently the contents of the letter: Tommen to be a ward of the Martells. Tyrion does not deny. One of this trio is going to blab to the queen and Tyrion cannot wait to find out.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.Shae - a prostitute, consort of Tyrion Lannister.Lord Varys - The Spider. Eunuch and Master of Whispers. Member of the small council.Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Tully.Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly grand maester of the Seven Kingdoms. Fellow member of the king's Small Council.Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks).Bronn - A sellsword who fought and won Tyrion's trial by combat. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard.Ser Alliser Thorne - Member of the Night's Watch. Sent to King's Landing with Othor's hand to convince the king to send more troops.Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ 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 Support the show

The Small Council discusses an appropriate response to Stannis' widely publicized accusation of Cersei's children being Jamie's. Later Tyrion employs all the blacksmiths in King's Landing to make him a monstrous chain. Later still, Tyrion publicly enters a brothel before sneaking out through a secret door to visit Shae in private. Mackelly and Simon debate the levels of cunning on display. Chapter Review:Stannis Baratheon has been sending word of Cersei and Jamie Lannister's incest to every house, great and small, in the realm. The Small Council discusses a response. Cersei wants to quash it completely, in particular so that neither her father nor her children ever hear of it. Wiser heads point out that trying to silence such a rumor tends to indicate a guilty conscience. Littlefinger comes up with the winning idea. They will circulate their own salacious accusation against Stannis: that his daughter Shireen is in fact the child of Patchface the fool. Tyrion Lannister and Bronn meet with the armorers and smiths of King's Landing and commission an almighty chain. Some are worried about their prior commission (from Cersei) to equip the Gold Cloaks, but Tyrion assures them that his project takes priority and he'll protect them from the Queen. Tyrion visit's Chataya's brothel. He makes no attempt to hide. But once inside he exits through a secret tunnel, built by a former Hand of the King, and meets Lord Varys in a stable. There he's disguised as a child on horseback and rides across King's Landing to visit Shae. 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.Shae - Prostitute, consort of Tyrion Lannister.Lord Varys - The Spider. Eunuch and Master of Whispers. Member of the Small Council.Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin, member of the Small Council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Stark.Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly grand maester of the Seven Kingdoms. Fellow member of the king's Small Council. Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks).Bronn - Sellsword who fought and won Tyrion's trial by combat. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard.Chataya - Madam of the King's Landing brothel, in which King Robert's child Barra was born and later murdered. From the Summer Isles. Alayaya - Daughter of Chataya. Prostitute.Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ 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 Support the show

Arya and her fellow recruits spend the night in an abandoned holdfast south of the God's Eye. Tywin's second favorite goon, Amory Lorch, and his gang arrive in the night and attack. Arya does all she can in battle, but eventually flees with Gendry and a couple of others, having paused to throw Jaqen H'ghar a lifeline. Simon and Mackelly worry for her future.Chapter Review:The Night's Watch recruits are stymied by an uncrossable river. They head north to the point of difluence with the Gods Eye lake. They find an unharmed village, utterly abandoned. No boats or anything useful. Gendry suggests that they could build rafts to get across to Harrenhal. Hot Pie fears ghosts, but Arya Stark sees her salvation: Lady Whent and knights will be waiting and she can reveal her true identity.Yoren wants to sleep on it, inside the small holdfast. Their sleep is disturbed by the arrival of a large mounted force that rides through the village setting fire to the homes. Amory Lorch verbally jousts with Yoren before setting his men to attack the terrified recruits. Arya acquits herself honorably enough, but there's only one winner between 300 hardened soldiers and 30 trembling recruits, regardless of the 10-foot high walls. She, Gendry, Hot Pie, an injured Lommy, and the crying girl use a tunnel from the burning stables to escape. Before she leaves, she tosses an axe to the three prisoners who would otherwise burn to death.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Yoren - Man of the Night's Watch. He was in King's Landing seeking recruits and supplies.Gendry - Recruit to the Night's Watch. Former armorer's apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon.Hot Pie - Recruit of the Night's Watch.Lommy - Recruit of the Night's Watch.Jaqen H'ghar - uUnwilling recruit of the Night's Watch, from the dungeons of King's Landing. Biter and Rorge - Jaqen H'ghar's cellmates on the journey north from the King's Landing dungeons.Amory Lorch - Cruel Lannister knight. Implicated in the murder of Rhaegar Targaryen's two children. Raiding the Riverlands with 300 men.Beric Dondariron - Lord of Blackhaven. Sent by Ned Stark to arrest Gregor Clegane for his crimes in the Riverlands. Continues to harass the Lannister forces.Needle - Arya Stark's sword. Fashioned by Winterfell smith Mikken, and gifted to Arya by her half-brother Jon Snow.Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ 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 Support the show

Arya and the Night's Watch recruits continue their trek north into territory that is increasingly ravaged by war. They veer off the Kingsroad to avoid trouble, but progress is slow. Arya sneaks out of camp to pee and is confronted by a pack of wolves. They scare her but leave her unharmed. Simon and Mackelly survey the landscape. Chapter Review: Yoren has left the Kingsroad and is circling around the western shore of the God's Eye. This road barely deserves the name and progress is very slow. Provisions have run out, so Yoren puts two convicted poachers to use, ranging ahead and bringing back dinner. The locals don't want to share their crops and Yoren is forced to pay for that which should be given to the Night's Watch for their service to the realm. They see more and more war damage. Ruined crops, burned keeps. They take in a woman who has lost an arm and a little girl who cries constantly. The woman succumbs to her wounds and is buried. The recruits become more fearful and open-up to one another. They speculate as to Gendry's secret and Lommy comes quite close suggesting he might be Ned Stark's bastard.   Arya sneaks out of camp to use the loo, and is confronted by a pack of wolves. She reaches for Needle, but the wolves leave her in peace. She confides the story of her direwolf Nymeria to Yoren and tries to sleep as wolves howl and humans scream. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Yoren - Man of the Night's Watch leading recruits from King's Landing north to the Wall. Gendry - Recruit to the Night's Watch. Former armorer's apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Hot Pie - Orphan boy recruit of the Night's Watch.Lommy Greenhands - Orphan boy recruit of the Night's Watch. Jaqen H'ghar - Unwilling recruit of the Night's Watch, from the dungeons of King's Landing. Biter and Rorge - Jaqen H'ghar's cellmates on the journey north from the King's Landing dungeons. Nymeria - Arya Stark's direwolf. Last seen near the Inn at the Crossroads. Rumors of a giant wild she-wolf abound. Needle - Arya Stark's sword. Fashioned by Winterfell smith Mikken, and gifted to Arya by her half-brother Jon Snow. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ 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 Support the show

Tyrion wines, dines, and has his way with Lord Janos Slynt. He appoints a new head of the City Watch and rounds out his evening by verbally sparring with Lord Varys. Mackelly and Simon consider Tyrion's power moves and prospects.  Chapter Review:  Tyrion plies Janos Slynt, the new Lord of Harrenhal, with wine over a lavish dinner. The commander of the City Watch is quite drunk by the time Tyrion turns the tables and announces Slynt's new career as a member of the Night's Watch. The new head of the Gold Cloaks, Jacelyn Bywater, has his former boss escorted to a waiting ship and onward to the Wall.  Lord Varys admires Tyrion's stratagems but the Hand is annoyed that the all-knowing Spider failed to protect baby Barra and her mother from murder at the hand of Slynt's brutal henchmen. Varys apologizes, but claims he did get Gendry out of the city when he saw what Cersei had planned for Robert's progeny. The men discuss Cersei's cruelty and the riddle of where power truly resides.  After Varys departs, Bronn confirms that he's recruiting worthy new men to Tyrion's service, and with the Gold Cloak's now led by Tyrion's man Bywater, his position in King's Landing should be secure.  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. Shae - A prostitute and consort of Tyrion Lannister. Lord Varys - The Spider. Eunuch and Master of Whispers. Member of the king's small council.Janos Slynt - Outgoing Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks), the police force of King's Landing. Now stripped of his Lordship of Harrenhal.  Jacelyn Bywater - New Commander of the City Watch (AKA Gold Cloaks).  Bronn - A sellsword who fought and won Tyrion's trial by combat. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard.  Timett son of Timett - Member of the Burned Men clan from the Mountains of the Moon. Confederate/captor of Tyrion Lannister.  Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQ 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 Support the show

Arya and the Night's Watch recruits are badgered by Gold Cloaks intent on returning one of their number to King's Landing. Despite Arya's concerns, it is Gendry who they're after. He's saved by the bravery of Yoren and his fellow recruits. Simon and Mackelly consider the implications.  Chapter Review:  Arya's journey north with Yoren and the latest members of the Night's Watch is punctuated by signs of war. Roadside graves, refugees fleeing south, and opportunistic profiteers. A stop at an inn provides an opportunity for all who have nothing to hide to get a bath. Conversation is of Robb Stark's success and the dangers of the road to come.  Arya goes outside and begins to befriend one of the three chained prisoners. He's from Essos and introduces himself as Jaqen H'ghar. He apologizes for the manners of his friends Biter and Rorge. Arya gets feisty, Jaqen is impressed, and Gendry reminds her not to fraternize with the prisoners.  A contingent of Gold Cloaks arrives, looking for one of the recruits. Arya hides with Gendry explaining that she is who they seek. Yoren faces them down, with help from the other recruits, who rally to protect their comrade. Turns out that they were after Gendry. He's puzzled as to why, and also why Arya thought it would be her. Yoren makes contingency plans for when the Gold Cloaks return in greater numbers - horses for Arya and Gendry, and orders to ride north as fast as possible if trouble comes.  Characters/Places/Names/Events:  Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark.  Yoren - Man of the Night's Watch in King's Landing seeking recruits and supplies.  Gendry - Recruit to the Night's Watch. Former armorer's apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon.  Hot Pie - Recruit of the Night's Watch.  Lommy - Recruit of the Night's Watch.  Jaqen H'ghar - unwilling recruit of the Night's Watch, from the dungeons of King's Landing.  Biter and Rorge - Jaqen H'ghar's cellmates on the journey north from the King's Landing dungeons.  Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

Tyrion disrupts the small council by announcing that he'll be the new Hand of the King. Cersei is not best pleased. Varys proves his ability to sniff out a secret by befriending Shae before Tyrion has had a chance to hide her. Mackelly and Simon join in the posturing about what real power is. PS: Stick around after the end music to hear Simon serenade Mac.Chapter Review: Tyrion gains entry to the small council by staring down Ser Mandon Moore (with a bit of help from Bronn and Timmet). He shows the council the letter from his father naming him Hand of the King. The various members of the council congratulate Tyrion, but the queen is far from pleased. A mood not improved when she learns he's brought only a token force, not the full army of the West that she was hoping for. Tyrion requests a moment alone with his sister. The flatterers and fools exeunt. They discuss Jaime's absence, Littlefinger's awful decision to elevate the incompetent Janos Slynt, Joffrey's awful decision to behead Ned Stark, Varys' awful decision to fire Ser Barristan Selmy, and Sansa's awful (for the Stark's) decision to betray her family. Tyrion gets the idea that the small council are useless and it's a good job he's here. He rides through the city, seeing causes for concern (more bodyguards than produce), and learns that Cersei is doing nothing to help the citizens. Arriving back at his lodgings he finds Shae entertaining Lord Varys. He's dismayed, as he hoped to keep her presence a secret. He and Varys joust over what constitutes true power. 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. Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock. Father of Jamie, Cersei, and Tyrion Lannister. Jamie Lannister - Member of the royal Kingsguard. Twin brother to Queen Cersei and older brother to Tyrion. Nicknamed the "Kingslayer" for killing King Aerys Targaryen. Captive of Robb Stark. Shae - Prostitute, consort of Tyrion Lannister. Lord Varys - The Spider. Eunuch and Master of Whispers. Member of the small council. Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish - Master of Coin. Member of the small council, and childhood friend to Catelyn Stark. Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly grand maester of the Seven Kingdoms. Fellow member of the king's small council.  Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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. 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 Support the show

It's King Joffrey's nameday! He celebrates by being cruel and unpleasant. Sansa saves the hapless Ser Dontos Hollard with a little help from the Hound. The celebration is curtailed by the arrival of Tyrion with his mountain tribes. Simon and Mac join the festivities. Chapter Review: Sansa is escorted by Ser Arys Oakheart to the tourney for Joffrey's name day. En route, they speculate as to the meaning of the red comet that dominates the sky. The tourney is a pale shadow of Ned's tourney a few months earlier. The royal family is confined to the Red Keep for safety and so it's held in the small outer bailey. Since many of the noble houses are now in open or covert rebellion, the list of participants is also much diminished. The feeble jousts are enlivened by drunken Ser Dontos Hollard's arrival, sans pants and sans horse. Joffrey aims to kill him for sport but Sansa saves Hollard's skin with a bit of quick thinking, oddly backed-up by Sandor Clegane. Ser Dontos is pegged as Joffrey's new fool. Tyrion arrives with his mountain clans. He gives Joffrey some grief and offers and receives apologies from Sansa for the behavior of their respective families. Sansa is touched by his kindness, but reminds herself that he's still a Lannister, they're good at appearing kind. 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 - Bastard son of Jaime Lannister and his twin sister Queen Cersei Lannister. Currently King Joffrey Baratheon, First of His Name. Ser Arys Oakheart - Member of the Kingsguard, in King's Landing. Sandor Clegane - The Hound. Prince Joffrey's personal protector and now member of the Kingsguard. Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to Queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Bronn - A sellsword who fought and won Tyrion's trial by combat. Now Tyrion's friend and bodyguard. Timett son of Timett - Member of the Burned Men clan from the Mountains of the Moon. Confederate/captor of Tyrion Lannister. Catelyn Stark - Lady of Winterfell. Wife of Lord Eddard Stark and daughter of Hoster Tully, the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Jamie Lannister - Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Twin brother to Queen Cersei and older brother to Tyrion. Nicknamed the "Kingslayer" for killing King Aerys Targaryen. Robb Stark - Eldest son of Eddard (Ned) and Catelyn (Cat) Tully. Newly minted King in the North. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

Arya is heading north with Yoren and the new Night's Watch recruits, including Gendry - Robert Baratheon's bastard son. Arya gets into a fight with Hot Pie whose bulk proves no match for her training. Yoren is displeased and beats her. The boys spend 20 mins discussing how they're going to stretch this out to 50 mins. Chapter Review: Arya is headed north with Yoren and the new recruits (voluntary, and considerably less so) to the Night's Watch. She's making her water away from the road, but with her new haircut she's passing for a boy. Her traveling companions are a pretty sorry bunch, but she's afraid of the three that are chained in a wagon. There are several wagons, as Yoren is bringing enough materials to keep the Night's Watch supplied for the long winter to come. Hot Pie, one of the better fed recruits, tries to take Needle from her, and she uses her Syrio Forel training to beat him within an inch of his life. At one point, Gendry (also headed to the Wall) saves her from getting brained by Hot Pie. Perhaps a friendship in the making? Yoren is not best pleased, but beats her away from the others, so that he can go easy on her (she cannot sit down for several days, so she's not sure how easy he went). He explains that her father's beheading was a derailed plan - and she knows who is to blame: Joffrey. Characters/Places/Names/Events: Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Eddard (Ned) and Catelyn (Cat) Stark. Joffrey Baratheon - King of the seven Kingdoms. Bastard son of Cersei Lannister and her twin Jamie. Syrio Forel - Former First Sword of Braavos. Fencing instructor to Arya Stark. Robb Stark - Eldest son of Ned and Cat Stark. The newly minted King in the North.Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Recently sworn brother of the Night's Watch. Sansa Stark - Eldest daughter of Ned and Cat Stark. Betrothed to Joffrey Baratheon. Yoren - Man of the Night's Watch, in King's Landing seeking recruits and supplies. Gendry - Recruit to the Night's Watch. Former armorer's apprentice. Bastard son of King Robert Baratheon. Check out our merchandise store:  https://ghostsofharrenhal.threadless.com/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.Join the discussion on our Discord server! https://discord.com/invite/FTy7BExyBQWe'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.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 Support the show

We read the book and now we're discussing A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King’s Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert’s name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse—unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Consider supporting the show on Patreon See what I'm reading on Goodreads Check out my book on writing

We take a look at A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire. Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King’s Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert’s name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse—unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season. Consider supporting the show on Patreon See what I'm reading on Goodreads Get my Book