Difference between revisions of "A Game of Thrones-Chapter 20"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Reverted edits by Rhaenys Targaryen (talk) to last revision by Thomaerys Velaryon)
 
(28 intermediate revisions by 18 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{| align=right border=1
+
{{Infobox Chapter AGoT
| align="center" colspan=3 style="border-top:1px  | [[A Game of Thrones]]  
+
| pov = [[Eddard Stark]]
|-
+
| place        = [[King's Landing]]
| align="center" colspan=3 style="border-top:1px  | [[Image:AGameOfThrones.jpg|100px]]
+
| title = Eddard IV
|-
+
| page =  
| align="center" colspan=3 style="border-top:1px  | Chapters
+
| previous = [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 19|Jon III]]
|-
+
| current = [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 20|Eddard IV]]
| align="center" | [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 19|Jon 3]]
+
| next = [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 21|Tyrion III]]
| align="center" | [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 20|Eddard 4]]
+
| arc previous = [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 16|Eddard III]]
| align="center" | [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 21|Tyrion 3]]
+
| arc next = [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 25|Eddard V]]
|-
+
}} __NOTOC__
| align="center" colspan=3 style="border-top:1px  | POV Characters
+
 
|-
+
Immediately upon his arrival in [[King's Landing]], [[Eddard Stark|Ned]] is summoned to a meeting of the [[small council]] to plan a [[Hand's tourney|tournament]]. Afterward, [[Petyr Baelish|Littlefinger]] intercepts him and leads him to where [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] is hiding, where they plan their strategy for justice.
| align="center" | [[Jon Snow|Jon]]
 
| align="center" | [[Eddard Stark|Eddard]]
 
| align="center" | [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]]
 
|-
 
| align="center" | [[Image:Minigdn.png|50px]]
 
| align="center" | [[Image:House Stark.PNG|50px]]
 
| align="center" | [[Image:House Lannister.png|50px]]
 
|}
 
  
 
==Synopsis==
 
==Synopsis==
Ned has just arrived at [[King's Landing]], and is told that the [[Small Council]] is having an urgent meeting. Ned looks at the members of the small council, and remembers [[Robert Baratheon]] saying how he is surrounded by flatterers and fools, and sees the truth in the statement. Robert is not present himself. Ned wants to wait for him and Ser [[Barristan Selmy|Barristan]] but the others point out that Robert rarely busies himself with affairs of the state and that he will not come.
+
[[Eddard Stark|Ned]] arrives in [[King's Landing]] tired and ready for a meal and a hot bath. Instead, he is immediately informed by the royal steward that there is an urgent meeting of the [[small council]] that he must attend. After momentarily losing his temper, Ned decides it is best not to offend the council on his first day in the capital. Therefore, he tasks his own [[Vayon Poole|steward]] to see that his daughters are guided to their rooms and that Arya is not allowed to go exploring.
 +
 
 +
In borrowed clothes (his are all still packed), Ned arrives to find four members of the council waiting for him: [[Petyr Baelish|Littlefinger]] the [[master of coin]], [[Varys]] the [[master of whisperers]], [[Renly Baratheon]] the [[master of laws]], and [[Grand Maester]] [[Pycelle]]. The simpering eunuch Varys immediately expresses sorrow over the [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 16|troubles]] on the road and assures Ned they are all praying for Prince [[Joffrey]]’s recovery. Ned coldly informs him that the prince grows stronger every day. When he sees Renly, Ned is struck by how much he looks like a young [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]]. Littlefinger immediately quips that Renly is much better dressed, having spent more on clothes than many ladies of the court.  
  
The King did send an order that a [[Tourney of the Hand|tourney]] and feast would be held in honour of Ned’s appointment as [[Hand of the King|Hand]]. Ned wants nothing of it, but has no say. He learns that over the last fourteen years, the King and his council have beggared the realm, with the crown in debt some six million gold, most of it owed to the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]]. Ned cannot believe that [[Jon Arryn]] allowed this to happen, but [[Petyr Baelish|Littlefinger]] claims it was Robert's own doing. Ned leaves to return to the [[Tower of the Hand]], but is intercepted by Littlefinger, who takes him on a long journey through the castle and into the city in an effort to mislead anyone who might be watching them.  
+
Upon introducing himself to Ned for the first time, Littlefinger mentions that [[Catelyn Stark|Catelyn]] has most likely mentioned him before. Ned recalls that Littlefinger also knew his brother, [[Brandon Stark|Brandon]], adding that Brandon mentioned him often and with some heat. Littlefinger responds that he would have thought heat did not suit the Starks, who are rumured to be made of ice and to melt south of the [[Neck]]. Ned replies that he does not plan on melting anytime soon.
  
Baelish takes Ned to a brothel that he owns and tells him his wife is waiting inside. Ned takes this for an insult and pushes him up against the wall. He reminds Baelish of [[Brandon Stark|his brother]], who fought with Littlefinger for the hand of Catelyn and injured him, saying that he (Brandon) was too kind to Littlefinger. Then he hears Ser [[Rodrik Cassel|Rodrik]]’s voice and sees that Catelyn and Ser Rodrik are really in the brothel. Catelyn tells Ned about the attempt on Bran. Ned feels that he should take his case, and the dagger, to the King but Littlefinger discourages him because there is no proof. Littlefinger says he will try to help him and then leaves.
+
[[File:Jonny Klein Small Council ChamberII.png|thumb|280px|left|The [[small council]] chamber - by Jonny Klein. © Fantasy Flight Games]]
  
Ned gives Catelyn instructions for his bannermen to fortify [[Moat Cailin]] and to keep a careful watch over [[Theon Greyjoy]] in case [[Balon Greyjoy|his father]]’s fleets are needed. He hopes it will not come to war and that Robert will believe him when he finds out what happened.
+
After a short greeting to Grand Maester Pycelle, Ned asks after the other members of the council and is told that [[Stannis Baratheon]] left for [[Dragonstone]] shortly after the king went north and that both Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] and King Robert are still riding through the city. When Ned suggests they wait, Renly explains that Robert finds the details of coin and crops boring and rarely bothers to attend. Then Renly says that the king sent him ahead to convene the council to handle an urgent matter and Littlefinger produces a sealed letter for Ned.
 +
 
 +
The king's letter contains an order that a [[Hand's tourney|tourney]] be held in honor of Ned's appointment as [[Hand of the King]]. Ned is incredulous and not particularly happy with this extravagance being held in his name; the prizes alone total ninety thousand gold dragons and the costs are sure to run high as well. When Ned questions whether the treasury will bear the expense, Littlefinger reveals that the Crown is already over six million gold pieces in debt, half of it to the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]]. Ned is shocked; the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] left a treasury overflowing with gold. He cannot believe that [[Jon Arryn]] allowed Robert to beggar the realm, but the council explains that while Lord Arryn was a prudent man, Robert did not always listen. Ned insists that this tournament is something the realm cannot afford and declares that they will consider it later, then leaves abruptly.
 +
 
 +
As Ned proceeds toward the [[Tower of the Hand]], reflecting on the miseries of the last fortnight of the journey south, he is intercepted by Littlefinger, who tells him he is going the wrong way. After a long journey through the [[Red Keep]], Ned eventually realizes that Littlefinger is not leading him to the Tower. Littlefinger explains that he is leading Ned to his wife, but Ned does not believe him. Eventually, Littlefinger brings him to the foot of a bluff outside the castle, where they mount onto waiting horses and ride into the city.
 +
 
 +
Littlefinger leads Ned to a brothel he owns and tells him his wife is waiting inside. Ned is furious at being taken all this way to a brothel and holds a knife to Littlefinger's throat, claiming his brother was too kind. He is interrupted by a man he eventually recognizes as Ser [[Rodrik Cassel]], disarming his suspicions. Littlefinger leads Ned upstairs to meet with Catelyn, explaining that a brothel is such a good hiding place because it is so unlikely.
 +
 
 +
After embracing and exchanging news with Catelyn, Ned sees the scars on her hands and she places the [[Valyrian steel dagger]] used against [[Bran Stark|Bran]] in his hands. However, Ned cannot understand why [[Tyrion Lannister]] would have attempted to murder Bran. Littlefinger states that the reason is obvious, and that Tyrion would have never acted alone. Ned tries to assure himself that Robert could never have been involved in this, but he remembers all the horrid things the king has either supported or ignored. Queen [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]], on the other hand, Ned has no trouble believing to be responsible. Littlefinger reminds him that to accuse either is treason, but that if they can find proof of Cersei’s involvement, it is possible the king will listen.
 +
 
 +
Ned feels that he should take his case and the dagger directly to the king, but Littlefinger reminds him that there is no solid proof that Tyrion was involved. Then Catelyn explains that she has told Littlefinger about their suspicions concerning Jon Arryn's death, and that Littlefinger has promised to help them learn the truth. When Ned asks how much Varys knows about all of this, he is told that Varys has not been told, but Catelyn warns that the man knows things no normal man has any way of knowing.
 +
 
 +
Ned then asks Littlefinger to give him time alone with his wife. Littlefinger asks if they want time in a bed chamber but Ned tells him that will not be necessary; he just needs a little time. Catelyn goes to Littlefinger and tells him that she appreciates his efforts, and has found a brother that she thought she had lost. Ned is not so confident that Littlefinger can be trusted, but says nothing.  After Littlefinger leaves, Ned gives Catelyn instructions for his bannermen to fortify [[Moat Cailin]] and to keep a careful watch over [[Theon Greyjoy]] in case [[Balon Greyjoy|his father's]] [[Iron Fleet|fleet]] is needed. He hopes it will not come to war and that Robert will believe him when he finds out what happened.
  
 
==Character List==
 
==Character List==
 
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
| style="width:20;" |
+
| style="width:25;" |
 
'''Appearing:'''
 
'''Appearing:'''
 +
* [[Catelyn Stark]]
 
* [[Eddard Stark]]
 
* [[Eddard Stark]]
* The king's steward
+
* [[Petyr Baelish]]
* [[Vayon Poole]]
+
* [[Pycelle]]
 
* [[Renly Baratheon]]
 
* [[Renly Baratheon]]
* [[Petyr Baelish]]
+
* [[Rodrik Cassel]]
* Grand Maester [[Pycelle]]
 
 
* [[Varys]]
 
* [[Varys]]
* [[Catelyn Tully]]
+
* [[Vayon Poole]]
* [[Rodrik Cassel]]  
+
| style="width:75;" |
| style="width:20%;" |
 
 
'''Mentioned:'''
 
'''Mentioned:'''
* [[Robert Baratheon]]
+
{{Columns|3|
 +
* [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)]]
 +
* [[Aerys II Targaryen]]
 +
* [[Aron Santagar]]
 +
* [[Arya Stark]]
 +
* [[Balon Greyjoy]]
 
* [[Barristan Selmy]]
 
* [[Barristan Selmy]]
 +
* [[Bran Stark]]
 +
* [[Brandon Stark]]
 +
* [[Cersei Lannister]]
 +
* [[Galbart Glover]]
 +
* [[Helman Tallhart]]
 +
* [[High Septon (fat one)]]
 +
* [[Ilyn Payne]]
 
* [[Joffrey Baratheon]]
 
* [[Joffrey Baratheon]]
* [[Brandon Stark]]
+
* [[Jon Arryn]]
* [[Bran Stark]]
 
* [[Arya Stark]]
 
 
* [[Jory Cassel]]
 
* [[Jory Cassel]]
| style="width:20%;" |
+
* [[Luwin]]
'''Mentioned:'''
+
* [[Lyanna Stark]]
* [[Stannis Baratheon]]
+
* [[Mace Tyrell]]
* [[Aerys II Targaryen]]
+
* [[Mycah]]
* [[Tywin Lannister]]
 
* [[Mace Tyrell|Lord Tyrell]]
 
* The [[High Septon]]
 
* [[Jon Arryn]]
 
* [[Sansa Stark]]
 
| style="width:20%;" |
 
'''Mentioned:'''
 
 
* [[Nymeria (direwolf)]]
 
* [[Nymeria (direwolf)]]
* The [[Mycah|butcher's boy]]
 
* [[Tyrion Lannister]]
 
* [[Daenerys Targaryen]]
 
 
* [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
 
* [[Rhaegar Targaryen]]
* [[Aegon Targaryen]]
+
* [[Robert I Baratheon]]
* [[Lyanna Stark]]
+
* [[Sansa Stark]]
| style="width:20%;" |
+
* [[Stannis Baratheon]]
'''Mentioned:'''
+
* [[Summer]]
* [[Cersei Lannister]]
 
* [[Ilyn Payne]]
 
* [[Helman Tallhart]]
 
* [[Galbart Glover]]
 
* Lord [[Wyman Manderly|Manderly]]
 
 
* [[Theon Greyjoy]]
 
* [[Theon Greyjoy]]
* [[Balon Greyjoy]]
+
* [[Tyrion Lannister]]
 +
* [[Tywin Lannister]]
 +
* [[Wyman Manderly]]
 +
}}
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==Mentions==
 +
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| style="width:25;" |
 +
'''Events:'''
 +
*[[Battle of the Trident]]
 +
*[[Hand's Tourney]]
 +
| style="width:25;" |
 +
'''Houses:'''
 +
{{Columns|2|
 +
*[[House Arryn]]
 +
*[[House Baratheon]]
 +
*[[House Baelish]]
 +
*[[House Cassel]]
 +
*[[House Glover]]
 +
*[[House Greyjoy]]
 +
*[[House Lannister]]
 +
*[[House Manderly]]
 +
*[[House Payne]]
 +
*[[House Santagar]]
 +
*[[House Stark]]
 +
*[[House Tallhart]]
 +
*[[House Targaryen]]
 +
*[[House Tyrell]]
 +
}}
 +
| style="width:25;" |
 +
'''Places:'''
 +
{{Columns|2|
 +
*[[Barrowlands]]
 +
*[[Braavos]]
 +
*[[Darry]]
 +
*[[Dragonstone]]
 +
*[[King's Landing]]
 +
*[[Kingsroad]]
 +
*[[Lys]]
 +
*[[Moat Cailin]]
 +
*[[Neck]]
 +
*[[The north]]
 +
*[[Norvos]]
 +
*[[Qohor]]
 +
*[[Red Keep]]
 +
*[[Summer Isles]]
 +
*[[Tower of the Hand]]
 +
*[[Trident]]
 +
*[[White Harbor]]
 +
*[[Winterfell]]
 +
}}
 +
| style="width:50;" |
 +
'''Terms:'''
 +
{{Columns|2|
 +
*[[Currency|Copper]]
 +
*[[Direwolf]]
 +
*[[Dorne|Dornish]]
 +
*[[Eunuch]]
 +
*[[Fool]]
 +
*[[Currency|Golden dragon]]
 +
*[[Grand Maester]]
 +
*[[Hand of the King]]
 +
*[[Iron Bank of Braavos]]
 +
*[[Maester]]
 +
*[[Master of coin]]
 +
*[[Myr]]ish
 +
*[[Small council]]
 +
*[[Steward]]
 +
*[[Tourney]]
 +
*[[Tyrosh]]i
 +
*[[Valyrian sphinx]]
 +
*[[Valyrian steel dagger]]
 +
}}
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://agot10th.blogspot.com/2009/10/eddard-iv-or-flatterers-and-fools.html Analysis and review of the chapter in the course of a 10th reread of the books]
 
 
*[http://blogoficeandfire.blogspot.com/2009/05/eddard-tyrion_20.html Humorous review of the chapter]
 
*[http://blogoficeandfire.blogspot.com/2009/05/eddard-tyrion_20.html Humorous review of the chapter]
 +
*[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2011/06/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-game-of-thrones-part-11 Summary and analyses of the chapter] by Leigh Butler.
 +
*[http://towerofthehand.com/books/101/021/index.html Summary of the chapter] on Tower of the Hand.
  
 
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|A Game of Thrones: Chapter 20]]
 
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|A Game of Thrones: Chapter 20]]
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Eddard]]
+
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Eddard Stark|A Game of Thrones: Chapter 20]]
 +
[[Category:Chapters which take place in King's Landing]]
 +
[[Category:Chapters which take place at the Red Keep]]
 +
 
 +
[[es:Juego de Tronos-Capítulo 20]]
 +
[[fr:A Game of Thrones, Chapitre 21, Eddard]]
 +
[[pt:A Guerra dos Tronos - Capítulo 20]]
 +
[[ru:Игра престолов, Эддард IV]]

Latest revision as of 13:24, 19 February 2021

Eddard IV
A Game of Thrones chapter
AGameOfThrones.jpg
POV Eddard Stark
Place King's Landing
Page US HC (Other versions)
Chapter chronology (All)
Eddard III
Jon III  ← Eddard IV →  Tyrion III

Eddard V

Immediately upon his arrival in King's Landing, Ned is summoned to a meeting of the small council to plan a tournament. Afterward, Littlefinger intercepts him and leads him to where Catelyn is hiding, where they plan their strategy for justice.

Synopsis

Ned arrives in King's Landing tired and ready for a meal and a hot bath. Instead, he is immediately informed by the royal steward that there is an urgent meeting of the small council that he must attend. After momentarily losing his temper, Ned decides it is best not to offend the council on his first day in the capital. Therefore, he tasks his own steward to see that his daughters are guided to their rooms and that Arya is not allowed to go exploring.

In borrowed clothes (his are all still packed), Ned arrives to find four members of the council waiting for him: Littlefinger the master of coin, Varys the master of whisperers, Renly Baratheon the master of laws, and Grand Maester Pycelle. The simpering eunuch Varys immediately expresses sorrow over the troubles on the road and assures Ned they are all praying for Prince Joffrey’s recovery. Ned coldly informs him that the prince grows stronger every day. When he sees Renly, Ned is struck by how much he looks like a young Robert. Littlefinger immediately quips that Renly is much better dressed, having spent more on clothes than many ladies of the court.

Upon introducing himself to Ned for the first time, Littlefinger mentions that Catelyn has most likely mentioned him before. Ned recalls that Littlefinger also knew his brother, Brandon, adding that Brandon mentioned him often and with some heat. Littlefinger responds that he would have thought heat did not suit the Starks, who are rumured to be made of ice and to melt south of the Neck. Ned replies that he does not plan on melting anytime soon.

The small council chamber - by Jonny Klein. © Fantasy Flight Games

After a short greeting to Grand Maester Pycelle, Ned asks after the other members of the council and is told that Stannis Baratheon left for Dragonstone shortly after the king went north and that both Ser Barristan Selmy and King Robert are still riding through the city. When Ned suggests they wait, Renly explains that Robert finds the details of coin and crops boring and rarely bothers to attend. Then Renly says that the king sent him ahead to convene the council to handle an urgent matter and Littlefinger produces a sealed letter for Ned.

The king's letter contains an order that a tourney be held in honor of Ned's appointment as Hand of the King. Ned is incredulous and not particularly happy with this extravagance being held in his name; the prizes alone total ninety thousand gold dragons and the costs are sure to run high as well. When Ned questions whether the treasury will bear the expense, Littlefinger reveals that the Crown is already over six million gold pieces in debt, half of it to the Lannisters. Ned is shocked; the Targaryens left a treasury overflowing with gold. He cannot believe that Jon Arryn allowed Robert to beggar the realm, but the council explains that while Lord Arryn was a prudent man, Robert did not always listen. Ned insists that this tournament is something the realm cannot afford and declares that they will consider it later, then leaves abruptly.

As Ned proceeds toward the Tower of the Hand, reflecting on the miseries of the last fortnight of the journey south, he is intercepted by Littlefinger, who tells him he is going the wrong way. After a long journey through the Red Keep, Ned eventually realizes that Littlefinger is not leading him to the Tower. Littlefinger explains that he is leading Ned to his wife, but Ned does not believe him. Eventually, Littlefinger brings him to the foot of a bluff outside the castle, where they mount onto waiting horses and ride into the city.

Littlefinger leads Ned to a brothel he owns and tells him his wife is waiting inside. Ned is furious at being taken all this way to a brothel and holds a knife to Littlefinger's throat, claiming his brother was too kind. He is interrupted by a man he eventually recognizes as Ser Rodrik Cassel, disarming his suspicions. Littlefinger leads Ned upstairs to meet with Catelyn, explaining that a brothel is such a good hiding place because it is so unlikely.

After embracing and exchanging news with Catelyn, Ned sees the scars on her hands and she places the Valyrian steel dagger used against Bran in his hands. However, Ned cannot understand why Tyrion Lannister would have attempted to murder Bran. Littlefinger states that the reason is obvious, and that Tyrion would have never acted alone. Ned tries to assure himself that Robert could never have been involved in this, but he remembers all the horrid things the king has either supported or ignored. Queen Cersei, on the other hand, Ned has no trouble believing to be responsible. Littlefinger reminds him that to accuse either is treason, but that if they can find proof of Cersei’s involvement, it is possible the king will listen.

Ned feels that he should take his case and the dagger directly to the king, but Littlefinger reminds him that there is no solid proof that Tyrion was involved. Then Catelyn explains that she has told Littlefinger about their suspicions concerning Jon Arryn's death, and that Littlefinger has promised to help them learn the truth. When Ned asks how much Varys knows about all of this, he is told that Varys has not been told, but Catelyn warns that the man knows things no normal man has any way of knowing.

Ned then asks Littlefinger to give him time alone with his wife. Littlefinger asks if they want time in a bed chamber but Ned tells him that will not be necessary; he just needs a little time. Catelyn goes to Littlefinger and tells him that she appreciates his efforts, and has found a brother that she thought she had lost. Ned is not so confident that Littlefinger can be trusted, but says nothing. After Littlefinger leaves, Ned gives Catelyn instructions for his bannermen to fortify Moat Cailin and to keep a careful watch over Theon Greyjoy in case his father's fleet is needed. He hopes it will not come to war and that Robert will believe him when he finds out what happened.

Character List

Appearing:

Mentioned:

Mentions

Events:

Houses:

Places:

Terms:

External links