Directed By: Alik Sakharov / Written By: David Benioff & D.B. Weiss

Original Airdate: May 18, 2014

In King’s Landing, having demanded a trial by combat, Tyrion Lannister must now find someone to fight for him as both his brother Jaime and sellsword friend Bronn both hold legitimate reasons for not offering to combat against Cersei’s chosen opponent: Ser Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane. Meanwhile, in the Riverlands, Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne continue their search for Sansa Stark but new information may lead them to find her sister Arya instead. In Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen takes the mercenary Daario Naharis into her bed but seeks advice on ruling from her most trusted source: Ser Jorah Mormont. At the Eyrie, Lord Petyr Baelish has a shocking revelation for both Sansa and his crazed new wife Lysa Arryn.

main cast

castle black

Jon Snow and his fellow brothers return to Castle Black from their raid on Craster's Keep. At first sight of his direwolf Ghost, Alliser Thorne sends his "beast" away and outside of the castle. Thorne treatens that Ghost will be thrown into their evening stew, otherwise. Jon begrudgingly takes him away. Afterwards, in the hall, Jon informs the Night’s Watch that Mance Rayder’s army was closing in on Craster’s when they left. He adds that the wildlings will reach the Wall before the next full moon. Janos Slynt slights Jon by saying he’s surprised he didn’t stop by and say hello as Mance is his “old friend”. Jon pays no mind to Slynt’s comments and suggests they seal the tunnel to much of the Watch members chagrin. Thorne angrily informs Jon that he is suggesting to cower behind the Wall and hope the storm to pass. Grenn supports Jon by asserting that they cannot defend the gate against one-hundred-thousand men. Under pressure the First Builder, Othell Yarwyck, reluctantly agrees with Thorne's assessment of their chances of defending the tunnel and Jon is denied as well as reminded of his place in the Watch. Jon and Samwell Tarly are sent to serve as sentries on top of the Wall until Mance arrives.

meereen

It’s late night in Meereen when Daenerys Targaryen returns to her private chambers and is surprised that Daario Naharis is there waiting for her. He admits that while her door is heavily guarded, her window is not. Greeted with an irritated glare by Daenerys, Daario offers her some native wildflowers that he claims he swam a mile off-shore to retrieve. She pushes the flowers aside and warns him to not enter her chambers unattended again, firmly stating: “if I want you here, I will summon you.” After Daario apologizes for the intrusion, she inquires to know why he has come to visit, as he then laments that he’s only good at two things: killing men and sleeping with women. Daario explains that he has no recent opportunities to pursue either strength. Daenerys counters that the Second Sons are currently acting as Meereen's police force and that there are many women in the city who would throw themselves at him. Daario begs Daenerys to send him and his hired mercenaries to war. While pouring herself some wine Dany focuses on Daario's other proclaimed talent and orders him to remove his clothes. His smoulder briefly morphs into a look of disbelief combined with excitement. As Daario slowly removes his clothing, Daenerys stares at him with a look of new-found dominance in comparison to the start of her journey as Queen.

The following morning, as Daario is leaving Daenerys’ chambers, he bumps into Ser Jorah Mormont, who is not amused at Daario’s morning exit. In private, Daenerys informs Jorah that she sent Daario to take the Second Sons to Yunkai to regain control over the city. Jorah warns, however, without Daenerys to watch over their city, the Great Masters will just bide their time, await the departure of the invaders and reassert control. Daenerys assures him that this is why she has commanded Daario to lead the execution of every master in Yunkai. Jorah then advises to display mercy on the masters, noting that the slaves she has liberated have only known a world of brutality and Daenerys should show them a different way. Jorah then relates to the mercy shown by the late Eddard Stark for his dealings in slavery and convinces Daenerys to bring the masters to justice without execution. Daenerys considers for a moment and then tells Jorah to assign Hizdahr zo Loraq as her ambassador to inform the masters that they can live free in the new world she wants to create, or they can die clinging to their old one.

dragonstone

Meanwhile, on the island of Dragonstone, with King Stannis Baratheon and Davos Seaworth still sailing back from Braavos, Queen Selyse Baratheon enters Melisandre’s in order to speak with her, who is enjoying a bath. Melisandre quips that the Lord of Light told her to enjoy it, as it was the last time she would have a good bath, but the joke goes over Selyse's head. To cement Selyse's position as Melisandre's most devoted follower, the Red Priestess informs her about using potions and illusions when serving R’hllor. She adds that a bit of pageantry and deception in helping converts see the truth will be forgiven at a later time. Selyse then asks Melisandre if she used the potions to seduce and sleep with Stannis, to which the priestess replies that she did not. In an attempt to comfort Selyse, Melisandre asks her not to be upset and simply states that men never crave what they already have, noting that “it’s only flesh, it needs what it needs.” Despite the pointed enquiry, Selyse declares that she thanks god every day for bringing Melisandre to Stannis. She then remarks on her desire to leave their daughter Princess Shireen Baratheon behind when they go to the North. However, Melisandre is as dismissive about Shireen's "heresy," as she always is, and assures Selyse that Shireen will be needed where they are going. She then brings Selyse to a lit brazier in her chambers and asks her to look into the fire, no matter how harsh the truth of the flames may be to understand. Melisandre insists that the Lord of Light needs Shireen and she must join them when they set sail North.

king’s landing

In King's Landing, Ser Jaime Lannister pays another visit to his brother Tyrion Lannister in his cell. He informs Tyrion that he made a deal for him with their father Lord Tywin Lannister had he remained level-headed at the trial. Tyrion scoffs at the deal that was struck which would sent him to the Night’s Watch for the rest of his days. He goes on to say that he couldn’t stand there listening to Shae’s betrayal and then admits his stupidity for genuinely believing she loved him. Tyrion then amuses the irony of Tywin striking down both his heirs if Jaime were to die being his champion but Jaime declines to champion Tyrion as he cannot fight well enough with his left hand. Tyrion then requests Jaime to bring him Bronn, hoping the sellsword will stand for him just as he did at the Eyrie. Tyrion asks Jaime who their sister Cersei Lannister plans on naming as champion to fight Bronn. Elsewhere, Ser Gregor Clegane, known by most as “the Mountain,” is mercilessly killing prisoners with a great-sword. Cersei approaches him and thanks him for his haste in returning to the capital as her champion for the trial by combat. Gregor asks who he will be fighting. Cersei asks him if it matters as he shakes his head to confirm that it doesn’t.

A few days following the trial, Ser Bronn answers Tyrion's summons to his cell, now garbed in fancier clothes, and reveals that Cersei has arranged for him to marry Lollys Stokeworth, the second daughter of Lord Stokeworth, essentially a bribe to sway him from helping Tyrion. The marriage will elevate Bronn's social status once again, becoming a minor nobleman. Bronn is satisfied with the arrangement because Stokeworth's heir, Falyse is barren, thus ensuring Lollys will eventually inherit Castle Stokeworth, especially if Falyse suffers an "accident" beforehand. Bronn then reminds Tyrion of his promise to offer him double of whatever anyone that wanted him to sell Tyrion out was offering. Despite Tyrion's offer of wealth and possibly a portion of the North, Bronn notes that it now appears unlikely that he will control the North through Sansa Stark. Moreover, Bronn openly doubts his ability to defeat Cersei's champion, the huge and fearsome Ser Gregor, as a single mistake could prove fatal. He points out that, despite their friendship, Tyrion never risked his life for him. Bronn explains: "I like you... I just like myself more." Tyrion is disappointed but understands Bronn's decision, noting that Bronn's opportunism is what he liked about him in the first place. They say their goodbyes and shake hands. Tyrion muses that he may have to kill the Mountain himself, joking that it would make for a great song. Bronn solemnly insists to hear it one day, nods apologetically, and leaves.

With all hope lost, Tyrion is later approached in his cell by Prince Oberyn Martell, who informs Tyrion that Cersei approached him. He notes his appreciation for a Lannister who shares the same passion as “dead Lannisters.” Oberyn then expresses to Tyrion his disappointment when they first met as children. Oberyn explains that he and his sister Elia Martell were told stories of the "Lannister Monster" and his extreme deformities. During a childhood visit to Casterly Rock, Cersei showed Tyrion, with great ceremony, to Oberyn and Elia. Oberyn tells Tyrion that he saw no monster, just a baby. Cersei told Oberyn and his sister that Tyrion killed her mother at birth, and then cruelly assaulted Tyrion until their brother Jaime stopped her. Oberyn says that he and Elia were quite disturbed at Cersei's already strong hatred toward Tyrion, who begins to tear up with this walk down memory lane. Oberyn tells Tyrion that he seeks justice for the death of his sister, and Tyrion replies, "You are in the wrong place". Oberyn counters that he is in the perfect place; all those he means to bring to justice for his sister's murder are close at hand. Intending to exact his revenge against Gregor Clegane, Oberyn offers his service as Tyrion's champion in the coming trial by combat.

the riverlands

Meanwhile, in the Riverlands, Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane stumble upon a ransacked village in the distance. Curious to find provisions they proceed with caution and encounter a dying man. Upon Sandor’s enquiry of who was responsible for the ransack, the man with the fatal stab wound informs that he stopped asking a while ago. Sandor gives the man a gift of mercy by stabbing him in the heart. Moments later, Sandor is ambushed by Biter, the caged murderer whom Jaqen H’ghar was imprisoned with during Arya’s failed journey to Castle Black with Yoren. Biter, very much living up to his nickname, comes up behind Sandor and bites him on the neck. The Hound swiftly snaps Biter's neck and drops him dead in the dirt. Rorge then appears, the other murderer she met on the road, revealing that there is a price on the Hound's head. The Hound asks Arya if Rorge is on her kill list, but she denies it as she doesn't know his name. Sandor asks Rorge for his name and after he says it, Arya thanks him and promptly stabs him in the heart with her sword Needle. Sandor cynically comments that she's learning.

Afterwards, Sandor clumsily addresses his wounds from Biter. Arya informs that he is doing it wrong, suggesting to burn the wound and cauterize it, adding that otherwise it will get infected and fester, which will eventuate in death. She is rebuffed by Sandor because of his fear of fire. As Arya understands the severity of the wound she insists that it will only take a second and won’t hurt that much. As she approaches with a burning stick from the campfire Sandor stands up and retreats from her, shouting “no fire!”. As she sits back down to wipe down Needle, Sandor starts complaining about his own decisions surrounding their journey and ponders with getting stabbed, cut and bitten if any monetary reward is worth this much trouble. He adds that he never should have laid eyes on Arya. After an awkward silence, Sandor confirms that while her brother Jon gave Arya her sword his brother Ser Gregor gave him this, as he points to the scarring on his face. He then admits the story of his facial scars from burns inflicted by Gregor's wrath. He adds that the while the pain was bad and the smell worse, the worst part of it all was that it was his own brother who did it and his own father who protected Gregor and not him. Sandor informs that his father covered up the truth, making him feel alone. Arya offers to clean the wound with water and stitch him up, and Sandor allows her to do so.

Elsewhere in the Riverlands, Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne stop at the Crossroads Inn along the Kingsroad where they are served kidney pie that was made by Arya’s old travel companion Hot Pie, who proceeds to tell them at length the process in finding the right ingredients. He then asks of Brienne's business, to which she replies that she is in Lady Catelyn Stark's service to find and protect Sansa Stark. Hot Pie abruptly leaves after addressing the Starks as traitors. As Brienne and Podrick prepare to leave the inn, Podrick reminds Brienne that telling people of their quest could be dangerous, but Brienne's honesty is swiftly rewarded when Hot Pie approaches outside and gives them a loaf of bread shaped like a wolf, secretly displaying his loyalty to House Stark. He tells them that he knows nothing of Sansa, but has seen her sister Arya Stark alive, along with Sandor Clegane. Brienne is surprised because Arya has been presumed dead since she disappeared when her father Eddard was executed years ago. They deduce that Arya's captor is probably going to try to ransom Arya somewhere. Having memorized the complex family trees of the Great Houses, Podrick surmises that Arya's aunt, Lady Lysa Arryn, is the Hound's only remaining chance of a reward for her. Therefore, Brienne and Podrick decide to head for the Eyrie.

the eyrie

While wandering the Eyrie's snow-covered courtyards, Sansa Stark walks around the courtyard of the Eyrie and then decides to build a snow replica of Winterfell. After she is finished, Sansa is then joined by her cousin Robin Arryn, who chances upon her and seems impressed with her efforts in building the castle. The cousins get along until Robin asks where the Moon Door is in her replica of Winterfell. Sansa explains that Winterfell doesn't need a Moon Door but she then agrees to add one, but in the process, Robin accidentally knocks over a tower. Robin insists she replicate the tower. This irritates Sansa, and Robin then throws a tantrum in response, destroying the snow castle. Unable to control her anger, Sansa slaps Robin in the face. She immediately softens and tries to apologize, but before she can Robin threatens to tell his mother Lysa Arryn and then runs away. Lord Petyr Baelish witnesses the altercation and assures Sansa that he will deal with her aunt Lysa, whom he says should have disciplined her child long ago. Petyr then muses on how he should have been Sansa's father, but then tells Sansa that she is more beautiful than her mother Catelyn. Though increasingly uncomfortable at his approach Sansa freezes and doesn’t pull away when he suddenly kisses her. She remains in a state of shock and confusion. Unknown to the pair, the kiss is seen by Lysa. Afterwards, Sansa is summoned by Lysa Arryn to the High Hall, where she sits over the open Moon Door awaiting her niece and looking down into the depths of the Vale. Lysa delights in telling Sansa the gory details about Moon Door executions. Sansa then begins to grow concerned when Lysa comments on how far the drop is to the ground. Suddenly, Lysa then viciously grabs Sansa and holds her down to face the opening of the Moon Door. She threatens to throw Sansa through the door for kissing Littlefinger, admitting to her witness of their physical engagement. Her threat is stopped when Petyr arrives and swears by everything he can think of that he will send Sansa away. Lysa releases the terrified Sansa and embraces Petyr, who assures Lysa that he only ever loved one woman - after a long pause he admits that the one woman is her sister Catelyn. Lysa has only an instant to contemplate this betrayal, as Petyr shoves her out of the Moon Door and looks down as she plummets to her death hundreds of feet below.

*Episode descriptions from GOT Wiki