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{{Infobox Chapter ACfK
 
{{Infobox Chapter ACfK
| pov = [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]]
+
| pov = [[Sansa Stark]]
 
| title = Sansa I
 
| title = Sansa I
| place        = [[King's Landing]]
+
| place        = [[King's Landing]] - The [[Red Keep]]
 
| page = 28
 
| page = 28
 
| previous = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 1|Arya I]]
 
| previous = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 1|Arya I]]
 
| current = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 2|Sansa I]]  
 
| current = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 2|Sansa I]]  
 
| next = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 3|Tyrion I]]
 
| next = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 3|Tyrion I]]
| arc previous =  
+
| arc previous = [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 67|Sansa VI]]<br>''A Game of Thrones''
 
| arc next = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 18|Sansa II]]
 
| arc next = [[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 18|Sansa II]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
__NOTOC__
 +
[[Sansa Stark]] attends the [[tourney on King Joffrey's name day]]. After several poor contests, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]] becomes enraged when Ser [[Dontos Hollard]] arrives half naked and too drunk to compete. Sansa manages to convince Joffrey to make Dontos his new fool instead of executing him. Afterward, while Prince [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] is riding against a quintain, [[Tyrion Lannister]] arrives to assume his position as acting [[Hand of the King]].
  
[[Sansa Stark]] attends the [[Tourney for King Joffrey's 13th Name Day]]. After several poor contests, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]] becomes enraged when the drunken knight Ser [[Dontos Hollard]] arrives half naked and too drunk to compete. Sansa manages to convince Joffrey to make Dontos his new fool instead of executing him. Afterward, while [[Tommen Baratheon|Prince Tommen]] is riding against a quintain, [[Tyrion Lannister]] arrives to assume his position as acting [[Hand of the King]].
+
==Synopsis==
 +
[[File:Sansa Stark.jpg|thumb|170px|left|Sansa Stark – by Amok ©]]
 +
 
 +
[[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] is watching the long tail of the [[red comet]] from her tower window when Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] arrives to escort her to the [[tourney on King Joffrey's name day]]. She asks him what it means. Ser Arys declares that it means glory to her betrothed, King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey]]; the gods have raised it as a banner in his honor, and the smallfolk have named it “King Joffrey’s Comet”. Sansa is not so sure and replies that she has heard the servants call it the “Dragon’s Tail.” Ser Arys replies that Joffrey sits on [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Dragon]]’s [[Iron Throne|throne]] and crimson is the color of [[House Lannister]], so it must mean he will triumph over his enemies. Sansa wonders apprehensively if this is true, since her [[Catelyn Stark|mother]] and [[Robb Stark|brother]] are among Joffrey’s enemies. Yet Joffrey is a [[House Baratheon of King's Landing|Baratheon]] as much as a Lannister, so his comet should be gold.
 +
 
 +
Ser Arys compliments Sansa on her gown, whose long sleeves hide the bruises given to her by Ser [[Boros Blount]] at Joffrey’s command when he learned that her brother [[Robb Stark|Robb]] had been proclaimed [[King in the North]]. Of all the [[Kingsguard]], Ser Arys is always courteous to Sansa, and is her preferred escort since he is the only one who objects to hitting her and never hits hard. The others all obey without question, except [[Sandor Clegane]], but Joffrey never commands the [[Hound]] to hit her.
 +
 
 +
As they walk, Sansa asks who will win the tourney. Ser Arys states he will, though there will be only 40 contestants, and there is small honor in unhorsing green boys. Sansa muses that this will be very different from the magnificent [[Hand's tourney]]. With King [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert]] dead and three kings vying for power it is not surprising that Joffrey’s tourney must be held within the [[Red Keep]]. Sansa asks if Queen [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] will attend, but learns that the queen has urgent business with the [[small council]]. Ser Arys also mentions that Cersei is furious that [[Tywin Lannister]] will not bring his army to the city as commanded.
 +
 
 +
The pitiful crowd in the small outer bailey fills only half the seats. Most of the spectators are [[City Watch of King's Landing|gold cloaks]] or wear the crimson of House Lannister. Only a few are nobility: grey-faced Lord [[Gyles Rosby]], Lady [[Tanda Stokeworth]] with her daughters [[Falyse Stokeworth| Falyse]] and [[Lollys Stokeworth|Lollys]], the exiled prince [[Jalabhar Xho]], and Lady [[Ermesande Hayford]], who is only a baby.
 +
 
 +
The Hound announces Sansa’s arrival at the royal box. Princess [[Myrcella Baratheon|Myrcella]] gives a shy nod, but Prince [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] excitedly tells her that he is to ride in the tourney. Joffrey quickly interjects that Tommen will be riding against a straw quintain. After Ser Arys excuses himself, Joffrey studies Sansa and declares he is pleased she wore the stones he gave her. Sansa is relieved that Joffrey has chosen to play the gallant today.
 +
 
 +
[[File:MagaliVilleneuve JoffreyBaratheon.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Joffrey Baratheon – ©FFG]]
 +
 
 +
Once Sansa is seated, Joffrey informs her that the Beggar King [[Viserys Targaryen]] is dead. Joffrey is amused by the irony of a [[House Targaryen|dragon king]] being [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 46|killed]] with a molten gold crown. He suggests that perhaps he will feed Sansa’s brother Robb to wolves and boasts that he intends to challenge Robb to single combat. Sansa states that she would like to see that. Joffrey is suspicious of her meaning, so Sansa distracts him by asking if he will compete today. Joffrey responds that his mother claims it would not be fitting for him to compete in his own tourney, otherwise he would be champion. When asked to concur, the Hound says, “Against this lot? Why not?” When Sansa asks the Hound if he will joust, the scarred man replies that it would not be worth the bother, since this is a tourney of gnats. Joffrey suggests he should make the Hound fight the champion to the death, but the Hound replies that Joffrey would only be one knight the poorer (and the Hound is not a knight).
 +
 
 +
When the [[trumpet]]s sound, Joffrey takes Sansa’s hand, which repulses her, but she forces herself to be still.
 +
 
 +
In the first joust, Ser [[Meryn Trant]] of the Kingsguard defeats Ser [[Hobber Redwyne]] on the second pass. The [[House Redwyne|Redwyne]] twins are hostages like Sansa, and she doubts they entered the tourney voluntarily. Joffrey is disappointed by the poor show. Next, Ser [[Balon Swann]] faces the new-made squire [[Morros Slynt]], who is having difficulty with his lance. The sight of [[Janos Slynt]]’s heir takes Sansa back to the day her father was beheaded; it was Janos Slynt who threw her father down and held him while Ser [[Ilyn Payne]] swung the sword. Her prayer for Morros to embarrass himself is answered when the former commoner is violently unhorsed. Joffrey hoots in derision, telling Tommen that they picked the wrong foe for him, Morros jousts worse than a quintain. Then it is Ser [[Horas Redwyne]]’s turn. He fares better than his twin, unhorsing an old knight bedecked with silver griffins who makes a poor contest. Disgusted, Joffrey declares this a feeble show. He is getting bored and his mood is darkening, which worries Sansa.
  
==Synopsis==
+
[[File:Dontos Hollard.jpg|thumb|300px|left|”I lose! Fetch me some wine" – ©FFG]]
On [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey’s]] name day [[Sansa Stark|Sansa]] can see the long tail of the [[Red Comet|red comet]] from her tower window. When Ser [[Arys Oakheart]] arrives to escort her to the [[Tourney for King Joffrey's 13th Name Day|tourney]] grounds, she asks him what it means. He states that it means glory to [[Joffrey Baratheon|King Joffrey]]. The gods have raised it as a banner in his honor. The small folk have named it King Joffrey’s comet. Sansa is not so sure and replies that she has heard the servants call it the “Dragon’s Tail.” To this, Ser Arys repliees that Joffrey sits in the dragon’s chair and the [[House Lannister]] color is crimson. Sansa wonders, with foreboding, if it is true and thinks that as a [[House Baratheon|Baratheon]] it should be a golden comet.
 
  
Ser Arys complements her on her gown of pale purple silk; the long sleeves of her gown hide the bruises, a gift from a raging Joffrey when he learned that [[Robb Stark]] had been proclaimed King of the North. Ser [[Boros Blount]] was the one that beat her. Ser Arys is the only [[Kingsguard]] who objected when Joff commanded him to hit her, and even when he did, he never hit her hard. Sansa also has noticed that Joffrey never commands [[Sandor Clegane|the Hound]] to hit her. Ser Arys is always courteous to her, and her preferred member of the [[Kingsguard]]. As they walk, Sansa asks who will win today, and Ser Arys states he will, but it will be a poor victory since there will be only 40 contestants, and there is small honor in unhorsing green boys. Sansa muses that this will be very different from the [[Tourney of the Hand]]. She also asks about [[Cersei Lannister|the queen]] and learns that she will not be in attendance—Cersei is furious that [[Tywin Lannister]] will not bring his army to the city as commanded.
+
Next, Ser [[Dontos Hollard]] is called to face the freerider [[Lothor Brune]]. Brune takes his place, but Ser Dontos arrives drunk and half naked, struggling to catch and mount his horse. The audience all laugh at the drunken knight’s antics except for Joffrey. Eventually, Dontos gives up trying to mount, sits down in the dirt, forfeits the match, and asks for more wine. Joffrey stands and shouts, “A cask from the cellars! I’ll see him drowned in it.
  
The crowd is pitiful in the small outer bailey behind the walls of the [[Red Keep]], where the tourney will be held. Most of the spectators are [[City Watch of King's Landing|Gold Cloaks]] or wear the crimson of House Lannister. Only a few are nobility: Grey-faced Lord [[Gyles Rosby]], Lady [[Tanda Stokeworth]] with her daughters [[Falyse Stokeworth| Falyse]] and [[Lollys Stokeworth|Lollys]], exiled prince[[Jalabhar Xho]], and Lady [[Ermesande Hayford]], who is only a baby.
+
Without thinking, Sansa protests and is immediately shocked that she dared, given Joffrey’s mood. He turns on her, furious at being gainsaid, and Sansa struggles to make up a story that it is a curse to kill a man on one’s name day. Joffrey does not believe her, but the Hound comes to her rescue by agree that, “What a man sows on his name day, he reaps throughout the year.” Joffrey reluctantly agree to have the fool killed on the morrow. Sansa seizes the opportunity to suggest that Joffrey make Dontos wear motley and clown for him as a fool instead of executing him; he does not deserve the mercy of a quick death. Joffrey likes this idea and agrees. Ser Dontos thanks both Joffrey and Sansa.
  
The Hound announces Sansa’s arrival: [[Myrcella Baratheon|the princess]] gives a shy nod, [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen]] excitedly tells her he will ride in the tourney (Joffrey quickly interjects that Tommen will be riding against a straw quintain), and Joffrey, clad in a breastplate, studies her before saying he is pleased she wore his stones. He then orders her to sit. Sansa is relieved that Joffrey has chosen to play the gallant today. Joffrey now informs her that [[Viserys Targaryen]], the Beggar King, is dead, having been crowned with molten gold by the [[Dothraki]]. When he tells her that he intends to challenge Robb Stark to single combat, Sansa states she would like to see that. She asks if Joffrey will be in the lists, he replies that his mother has told him it is not fitting since the tourney is in his honor, but otherwise he would be champion, and asks the Hound to concur. Clegane responds, “Against this lot? why not.” When Sansa asks the Hound if he will joust, he replies that it is not worth the bother since this is a tournament of gnats. Joffrey says he should make the Hound fight to the death, and the Hound replies Joffrey would lose one knight (the Hound is not a knight). When the trumpets sound, Joffrey takes Sansa’s hand, which repulses her, but she is still.
+
Once Ser Dontos has been led away, the master of revels inquires whether he should summon a new opponent for Lothor Brune or proceed with the next tilt. Instead, Joffrey calls off the tourney in disgust, saying he would have them all put to death if it weren't his name day. Tommen vehemently protests that he was supposed to ride against the quintain. An argument among the royal siblings ensues. When Myrcella finally points out that their mother agreed, Joffrey mocks her for being childish, but Myrcella points out that they ’’are’’ children. The Hound, laughing, tells Joffrey that she has a point. Joffrey sullenly agrees.  
  
In the first joust, Ser [[Meryn Trant]] of the Kingsguard drives Ser [[Hobber Redwyne]] (the Redwyne twins are hostages like Sansa) from his saddle on the second pass. Ser [[Horas Redwyne]] goes to help his brother from the field. Joffrey is disappointed by the poor show. Next, Ser [[Balon Swann]] faces the new-made squire [[Morros Slynt]], who is having difficulty with his lance. The sight of [[Janos Slynt]]’s heir takes Sansa back to the day her father was beheaded; it was Janos Slynt who threw her father down and held him while Ser [[Ilyn Payne]] swung the sword. Her prayer for Morros to embarrass himself is answered when the former commoner is violently unhorsed. Joffrey hoots in derision, telling Tommen they picked the wrong foe for him: “The straw knight jousts better than that one.” Then it is Ser Horas Redwyne’s turn. He fares better than his twin, unhorsing an old knight bedecked with silver griffins who makes a poor contest. Joffrey, disgusted, states “This is a feeble show.” The king is getting bored and his mood is darkening, which worries Sansa.
+
Tommen’s opponent is a child-sized quintain wearing a helmet with antlers. Tommen hits it solidly, but it spins around to strike Tommen on the back of the head, unhorsing him. This incites a gale of laughter from the crowd, most of all from King Joffrey. Princess Myrcella rushes out to help her brother to his feet. Sansa, with queer courage, suggests that Joffrey should accompany her to help and tell Tommen he rode well. Joffrey angrily refuses, stating that getting unhorsed is not riding well. However, Tommen shows courage when he prepares to try again. Sansa finds herself wishing that Tommen was the eldest child; she wouldn’t mind marrying him.
  
Next, the joust between Ser [[Dontos Hollard]] and the freerider [[Lothor Brune]] is announced. Lothor Brune takes his place but there is no sign of Ser Dontos. Ser Dontos arrives shortly thereafter, drunk and half naked, struggling to catch and mount his horse. The audience all laugh at the drunken knight’s antics except for King Joffrey. Eventually. Dontos gives up trying to mount, sits down in the dirt, forfeits the match, and asks for more wine. Joffrey stands and says “A cask from the cellars! I’ll see him drowned in it.” Sansa protests without thinking; she is immediately shocked that she spoke, knowing Joffrey is in a foul mood. Joffrey turns on her, furious at being gainsaid, and Sansa struggles to make up a story that it is a curse to kill a man on one’s name day. Joffrey does not believe her, but the Hound comes to her rescue by telling Joffrey, “What a man sows on his name day, he reaps throughout the year.” Joffrey reluctantly agrees to have the fool killed on the morrow. Sansa seizes the opportunity to suggest to Joffrey that Dontos is better suited to be a fool than a knight and should be made to wear motley instead of being executed. He does not deserve the mercy of a quick death. Joffrey likes this idea and agrees. Ser Dontos thanks both Joffrey and Sansa.  
+
Just then, the portcullis rises and the gates of the Red Keep open. A column of dusty horsemen enter under the golden lion banner of House Lannister. Some of the horsemen wear the armor of Lannister men-at-arms but the majority are freeriders, sellswords, and [[Vale mountain clans|monstrous savages]]. In their midst rides [[Tyrion Lannister]], the ugliest man Sansa has ever set eyes upon. Tommen and Myrcella rush to greet their uncle and Sansa is stunned to see that Tommen and Tyrion are the same height.  
  
Once Ser Dontos has been led away, the master of revels inquires whether he should summon a new opponent for Lothor Brune or proceed with the next tilt. Instead, Joffrey calls off the tourney in disgust, saying he would have them all put to death if it weren't his name day. Tommen vehemently protests that he was supposed to ride against the quintain. An argument among the royal siblings ensues. When Myrcella finally points out that mother agreed, Joffrey mocks her for being childish, and Myrcella responds that they are children. The Hound, laughing, tells Joffrey that she has a point. Joffrey sullenly agrees. Tommen’s opponent is a child-sized quintain wearing a helmet with antlers.
+
After greeting his niece and nephew, the dwarf waddles over to Joffrey, shadowed by a [[Bronn|black-haired sellsword]] and a [[Timett|one-eyed savage]]. When Tyrion greets him, Joffrey expresses surprise at Tyrion’s arrival and the Hound comments that they heard Tyrion was dead. Myrcella expresses happiness that he is alive. Tyrion thanks her and then gives his condolences to Joffrey and Sansa for the loss of their fathers. Sansa is speechless, wondering if Tyrion is mocking her. Joffrey is momentarily confused until Tyrion reminds him that his own father, King Robert, has also recently died. Joffrey responds “Oh, him. Yes, it was very sad, a boar killed him.” Tyrion asks him if that is what ‘they’ say. Sansa, armoring herself in courtesy, apologizes to Tyrion for his [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 28|abduction]] by her mother. Tyrion thanks Sansa for the sentiment, telling her that many people are sorry, and some will be even sorrier.
  
Tommen hits the quintain solidly, but it spins around to strike Tommen on the back of the head, unhorsing him. This incites a gale of laughter from the crowd, most of all from King Joffrey. Princess Myrcella rushes out to help her brother to his feet. Sansa, with queer courage, suggests that Joffrey should accompany her to help and tell Tommen he rode well. Joffrey angrily refuses, stating that Tommen got unhorsed. However, Tommen shows courage when he prepares to try again. As she watches them help Tommen remount his pony, Sansa finds herself wishing that Tommen was the eldest; she wouldn’t mind marrying him.
+
[[File:Thaldir Tyrion's Enforcers.jpg||thumb|300px|right|Tyrion Lannister – ©FFG]]
  
Just then, the portcullis rises and the gates of the Red Keep open. A column of dusty horsemen enter under the golden lion banner of House Lannister. Some of the horsemen wear the armor of Lannister men-at-arms but the majority are freeriders, sellswords, and [[Mountain clans|monstrous savages]]. In their midst rides [[Tyrion Lannister]], the ugliest man Sansa has ever set eyes upon. Tommen and Myrcella rush to greet their uncle and Sansa is stunned to see that Tommen and Tyrion are the same height.  
+
Then, Tyrion asks Joffrey where he might find Queen Cersei. Joffrey answers that she is with the small council; [[Jaime Lannister]] keeps losing battles and was captured, [[Battle of the Camps|Riverrun]] was lost, and Robb is calling himself king. Tyrion comments that all sorts of people are calling themselves kings these days. Suspicious of the comment, Joffrey tells Tyrion stiffly that he is happy he is alive, and asks about a gift for his name day. Tyrion responds that he has brought his wits, and Joffrey replies he would prefer Robb’s head. Before Joffrey departs with Myrcella and Tommen, the Hound tells Tyrion to guard his tongue. Sansa is left alone with Tyrion and his monsters.  
  
After greeting his niece and nephew, the dwarf waddles over to Joffrey, shadowed by a [[Bronn|black-haired sellsword]] and a [[Timett|one-eyed savage]]. When Tyrion greets him, Joffrey expresses surprise at Tyrion’s arrival and the Hound comments that they had heard Tyrion was dead. Myrcella expresses happiness at the fact that he is alive. Tyrion thanks her and then gives his condolences to Joffrey and Sansa for the loss of their fathers. Sansa is speechless, wondering if Tyrion is mocking her. Joffrey is momentarily confused until Tyrion reminds him that his own father, King Robert, has also recently died. Joffrey responds “Oh, him. Yes, it was very sad, a boar killed him.Tyrion asks him if that is what ‘they’ say. Sansa, armoring herself in courtesy, apologizes to Tyrion for his [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 28|abduction]] by her mother. Tyrion thanks Sansa for the sentiment, telling her that many people are sorry, and some will be even sorrier.
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Unable to think of anything else to say, Sansa comments on Tyrion's injured arm. Tyrion tells her that a northman hit him with a morning star, but he escaped by falling off his horse. Tyrion asks if it is mourning for her father that makes Sansa so sad. Sansa reflexively insists that her father, mother, and brother are traitors and that she is loyal to her beloved Joffrey. Tyrion is unconvinced and responds by comparing her to a [[deer]] surrounded by wolves. Sansa, without thinking, whispers “Lions.” The dwarf gently takes her hand and assures her that he is only a little lion and means her no harm, then departs.
  
Then, Tyrion asks Joffrey where he might find [[Cersei Lannister|Queen Cersei]]. Joffrey answers that she is with the [[Small Council]]; [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] keeps losing battles and was captured, Riverrun was lost, and Robb is calling himself king. Tyrion comments  that all sorts of people are calling themselves kings these days. Joffrey, wondering about the comment, tells Tyrion he is happy he is alive, and asks about his gift for his name day. Tyrion responds that he has brought his wits, and Joffrey replies he would prefer Robb’s head. Before Joffrey departs with Myrcella and Tommen, the Hound tells Tyrion to guard his tongue. Sansa is now alone with Tyrion and his monsters.  
+
Sansa notes that Tyrion speaks to her more gently than Joffrey, but then she remembers that Queen Cersei once spoke gently as well. She reminds herself that Tyrion is still a Lannister and that she must never trust a Lannister again.
  
Not being able to think of anything else to say, she comments on his injured arm. Tyrion tells her how one of her northmen hit him with a morning star and asks if it is mourning for her father that makes Sansa so sad. Sansa reflexively insists that her father, mother, and brother are traitors and that she is loyal to her beloved Joffrey. Tyrion is unconvinced and responds by comparing her to a deer surrounded by wolves. Sansa, without thinking, whispers “Lions.” The dwarf gently takes her hand and assures her that he is only a little lion and means her no harm, before departing.
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==Character List==
 +
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| style="width:20;" |
 +
'''Appearing:'''
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[Aron Santagar]]
 +
*[[Arys Oakheart]]
 +
*[[Balon Swann]]
 +
*[[Dontos Hollard]]
 +
*[[Ermesande Hayford]]
 +
*[[Falyse Stokeworth]]
 +
*[[Gyles Rosby]]
 +
*[[Hobber Redwyne]]
 +
*[[Horas Redwyne]]
 +
*[[Jalabhar Xho]]
 +
*[[Joffrey Baratheon]]
 +
*[[Lollys Stokeworth]]
 +
*[[Lothor Brune]]
 +
*[[Meryn Trant]]
 +
*[[Morros Slynt]]
 +
*[[Myrcella Baratheon]]
 +
*[[Sandor Clegane]]
 +
*[[Sansa Stark]]
 +
*[[Tanda Stokeworth]]
 +
*[[Tommen Baratheon]]
 +
*[[Tyrion Lannister]]}}
 +
| style="width:20;" |
 +
'''Mentioned:'''
 +
{{Columns|3|
 +
*[[Aegon I Targaryen]]
 +
*[[Aerys II Targaryen]]
 +
*[[Boros Blount]]
 +
*[[Cersei Lannister]]
 +
*[[Eddard Stark]]
 +
*[[Jaime Lannister]]
 +
*[[Maegor I Targaryen]]
 +
*[[Mandon Moore]]
 +
*[[Mordane]]
 +
*[[Old Nan]]
 +
*[[Janos Slynt]]
 +
*[[Petyr Baelish]]
 +
*[[Preston Greenfield]]
 +
*[[Renly Baratheon]]
 +
*[[Robb Stark]]
 +
*[[Robert Baratheon]]
 +
*[[Tywin Lannister]]
 +
*[[Viserys Targaryen]]}}
 +
|}
  
Sansa notes that Tyrion speaks to her more gently than Joffrey, but remembers that Queen Cersei once spoke gently as well. She reminds herself that Tyrion is still a Lannister and that she must never trust a Lannister again.
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==Places, houses, objects, events and terms mentioned==
 +
{| class="wikitable" width="100%"
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| style="width:20;" |
 +
'''Places:'''
 +
{{Columns|2|
 +
*[[Arbor]]
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*[[Blackwater Rush]]
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*[[Casterly Rock]]
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*[[Great Sept of Baelor]]
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*[[Green Fork]]
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*[[Harrenhal]]
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*[[King's Landing]]
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*[[Red Keep]]
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*[[Red Watch]]
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*[[Stonehelm]]
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*[[Trident]]
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*[[Winterfell]]}}
 +
| style="width:20;" |
 +
'''Houses:'''
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*[[House Baratheon]]
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*[[House Hollard]]
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*[[House Lannister]]
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*[[House Redwyne]]
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*[[House Slynt]]
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*[[House Targaryen]]
 +
| style="width:20;" |
 +
'''Objects:'''
 +
*[[Iron Throne]]
 +
| style="width:20;" |
 +
'''Events:'''
 +
*[[Battle on the Green Fork]]
 +
*[[Tourney on King Joffrey's name day]]
 +
| style="width:20;" |
 +
'''Terms:'''
 +
{{Columns|2|
 +
*[[City Watch of King's Landing]]
 +
*[[Dragon]]
 +
*[[Fool]]
 +
*[[Freerider]]
 +
*[[Horse]]
 +
*[[House Lannister guards]]
 +
*[[King in the North]]
 +
*[[Kingsguard]]
 +
*[[Knight]]
 +
*[[Lackwit]]
 +
*[[Lion]]
 +
*[[Master-at-arms]]
 +
*[[Name day]]
 +
*[[Red comet]]
 +
*[[Smallfolk]]
 +
*[[Squire]]
 +
*[[Tourney]]
 +
*[[Wet nurse]]
 +
}}
 +
|}
  
 
==References and Notes==
 
==References and Notes==
{{References|2}}
+
{{References}}
 +
*[https://www.tor.com/2012/01/13/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-clash-of-kings-part-2/ A Read of Ice and Fire: A Clash of Kings, Part 2] Analyses and summary of the chapter by Leigh Butler.
  
* [http://slynt.blogspot.com/2011/03/re-read-sansa-i-princess-schmincess.html Review of the chapter in the course of a 10th reread]
 
* [http://blogoficeandfire.blogspot.com/2010/02/sansa-tyrion.html Humorous review of the chapter]
 
* [http://www.tor.com/blogs/2012/01/a-read-of-ice-and-fire-a-clash-of-kings-part-2 Review and summary] by Leigh Butler.
 
  
 
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|A Clash of Kings: Chapter 02]]
 
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters|A Clash of Kings: Chapter 02]]
 
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Sansa Stark]]
 
[[Category: A Song of Ice And Fire chapters--POV Sansa Stark]]
[[Category:Chapters which take place in King's Landing]]
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[[Category:Chapters which take place at the Red Keep]]
  
 
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Revision as of 08:23, 8 June 2021

Sansa I
A Clash of Kings chapter
AClashOfKings.jpg
POV Sansa Stark
Place King's Landing - The Red Keep
Page 28 UK HC (Other versions)
Chapter chronology (All)
Sansa VI
A Game of Thrones
Arya I  ← Sansa I →  Tyrion I

Sansa II

Sansa Stark attends the tourney on King Joffrey's name day. After several poor contests, Joffrey becomes enraged when Ser Dontos Hollard arrives half naked and too drunk to compete. Sansa manages to convince Joffrey to make Dontos his new fool instead of executing him. Afterward, while Prince Tommen is riding against a quintain, Tyrion Lannister arrives to assume his position as acting Hand of the King.

Synopsis

Sansa Stark – by Amok ©

Sansa is watching the long tail of the red comet from her tower window when Ser Arys Oakheart arrives to escort her to the tourney on King Joffrey's name day. She asks him what it means. Ser Arys declares that it means glory to her betrothed, King Joffrey; the gods have raised it as a banner in his honor, and the smallfolk have named it “King Joffrey’s Comet”. Sansa is not so sure and replies that she has heard the servants call it the “Dragon’s Tail.” Ser Arys replies that Joffrey sits on Aegon the Dragon’s throne and crimson is the color of House Lannister, so it must mean he will triumph over his enemies. Sansa wonders apprehensively if this is true, since her mother and brother are among Joffrey’s enemies. Yet Joffrey is a Baratheon as much as a Lannister, so his comet should be gold.

Ser Arys compliments Sansa on her gown, whose long sleeves hide the bruises given to her by Ser Boros Blount at Joffrey’s command when he learned that her brother Robb had been proclaimed King in the North. Of all the Kingsguard, Ser Arys is always courteous to Sansa, and is her preferred escort since he is the only one who objects to hitting her and never hits hard. The others all obey without question, except Sandor Clegane, but Joffrey never commands the Hound to hit her.

As they walk, Sansa asks who will win the tourney. Ser Arys states he will, though there will be only 40 contestants, and there is small honor in unhorsing green boys. Sansa muses that this will be very different from the magnificent Hand's tourney. With King Robert dead and three kings vying for power it is not surprising that Joffrey’s tourney must be held within the Red Keep. Sansa asks if Queen Cersei will attend, but learns that the queen has urgent business with the small council. Ser Arys also mentions that Cersei is furious that Tywin Lannister will not bring his army to the city as commanded.

The pitiful crowd in the small outer bailey fills only half the seats. Most of the spectators are gold cloaks or wear the crimson of House Lannister. Only a few are nobility: grey-faced Lord Gyles Rosby, Lady Tanda Stokeworth with her daughters Falyse and Lollys, the exiled prince Jalabhar Xho, and Lady Ermesande Hayford, who is only a baby.

The Hound announces Sansa’s arrival at the royal box. Princess Myrcella gives a shy nod, but Prince Tommen excitedly tells her that he is to ride in the tourney. Joffrey quickly interjects that Tommen will be riding against a straw quintain. After Ser Arys excuses himself, Joffrey studies Sansa and declares he is pleased she wore the stones he gave her. Sansa is relieved that Joffrey has chosen to play the gallant today.

Joffrey Baratheon – ©FFG

Once Sansa is seated, Joffrey informs her that the Beggar King Viserys Targaryen is dead. Joffrey is amused by the irony of a dragon king being killed with a molten gold crown. He suggests that perhaps he will feed Sansa’s brother Robb to wolves and boasts that he intends to challenge Robb to single combat. Sansa states that she would like to see that. Joffrey is suspicious of her meaning, so Sansa distracts him by asking if he will compete today. Joffrey responds that his mother claims it would not be fitting for him to compete in his own tourney, otherwise he would be champion. When asked to concur, the Hound says, “Against this lot? Why not?” When Sansa asks the Hound if he will joust, the scarred man replies that it would not be worth the bother, since this is a tourney of gnats. Joffrey suggests he should make the Hound fight the champion to the death, but the Hound replies that Joffrey would only be one knight the poorer (and the Hound is not a knight).

When the trumpets sound, Joffrey takes Sansa’s hand, which repulses her, but she forces herself to be still.

In the first joust, Ser Meryn Trant of the Kingsguard defeats Ser Hobber Redwyne on the second pass. The Redwyne twins are hostages like Sansa, and she doubts they entered the tourney voluntarily. Joffrey is disappointed by the poor show. Next, Ser Balon Swann faces the new-made squire Morros Slynt, who is having difficulty with his lance. The sight of Janos Slynt’s heir takes Sansa back to the day her father was beheaded; it was Janos Slynt who threw her father down and held him while Ser Ilyn Payne swung the sword. Her prayer for Morros to embarrass himself is answered when the former commoner is violently unhorsed. Joffrey hoots in derision, telling Tommen that they picked the wrong foe for him, Morros jousts worse than a quintain. Then it is Ser Horas Redwyne’s turn. He fares better than his twin, unhorsing an old knight bedecked with silver griffins who makes a poor contest. Disgusted, Joffrey declares this a feeble show. He is getting bored and his mood is darkening, which worries Sansa.

”I lose! Fetch me some wine" – ©FFG

Next, Ser Dontos Hollard is called to face the freerider Lothor Brune. Brune takes his place, but Ser Dontos arrives drunk and half naked, struggling to catch and mount his horse. The audience all laugh at the drunken knight’s antics except for Joffrey. Eventually, Dontos gives up trying to mount, sits down in the dirt, forfeits the match, and asks for more wine. Joffrey stands and shouts, “A cask from the cellars! I’ll see him drowned in it.”

Without thinking, Sansa protests and is immediately shocked that she dared, given Joffrey’s mood. He turns on her, furious at being gainsaid, and Sansa struggles to make up a story that it is a curse to kill a man on one’s name day. Joffrey does not believe her, but the Hound comes to her rescue by agree that, “What a man sows on his name day, he reaps throughout the year.” Joffrey reluctantly agree to have the fool killed on the morrow. Sansa seizes the opportunity to suggest that Joffrey make Dontos wear motley and clown for him as a fool instead of executing him; he does not deserve the mercy of a quick death. Joffrey likes this idea and agrees. Ser Dontos thanks both Joffrey and Sansa.

Once Ser Dontos has been led away, the master of revels inquires whether he should summon a new opponent for Lothor Brune or proceed with the next tilt. Instead, Joffrey calls off the tourney in disgust, saying he would have them all put to death if it weren't his name day. Tommen vehemently protests that he was supposed to ride against the quintain. An argument among the royal siblings ensues. When Myrcella finally points out that their mother agreed, Joffrey mocks her for being childish, but Myrcella points out that they ’’are’’ children. The Hound, laughing, tells Joffrey that she has a point. Joffrey sullenly agrees.

Tommen’s opponent is a child-sized quintain wearing a helmet with antlers. Tommen hits it solidly, but it spins around to strike Tommen on the back of the head, unhorsing him. This incites a gale of laughter from the crowd, most of all from King Joffrey. Princess Myrcella rushes out to help her brother to his feet. Sansa, with queer courage, suggests that Joffrey should accompany her to help and tell Tommen he rode well. Joffrey angrily refuses, stating that getting unhorsed is not riding well. However, Tommen shows courage when he prepares to try again. Sansa finds herself wishing that Tommen was the eldest child; she wouldn’t mind marrying him.

Just then, the portcullis rises and the gates of the Red Keep open. A column of dusty horsemen enter under the golden lion banner of House Lannister. Some of the horsemen wear the armor of Lannister men-at-arms but the majority are freeriders, sellswords, and monstrous savages. In their midst rides Tyrion Lannister, the ugliest man Sansa has ever set eyes upon. Tommen and Myrcella rush to greet their uncle and Sansa is stunned to see that Tommen and Tyrion are the same height.

After greeting his niece and nephew, the dwarf waddles over to Joffrey, shadowed by a black-haired sellsword and a one-eyed savage. When Tyrion greets him, Joffrey expresses surprise at Tyrion’s arrival and the Hound comments that they heard Tyrion was dead. Myrcella expresses happiness that he is alive. Tyrion thanks her and then gives his condolences to Joffrey and Sansa for the loss of their fathers. Sansa is speechless, wondering if Tyrion is mocking her. Joffrey is momentarily confused until Tyrion reminds him that his own father, King Robert, has also recently died. Joffrey responds “Oh, him. Yes, it was very sad, a boar killed him.” Tyrion asks him if that is what ‘they’ say. Sansa, armoring herself in courtesy, apologizes to Tyrion for his abduction by her mother. Tyrion thanks Sansa for the sentiment, telling her that many people are sorry, and some will be even sorrier.

Tyrion Lannister – ©FFG

Then, Tyrion asks Joffrey where he might find Queen Cersei. Joffrey answers that she is with the small council; Jaime Lannister keeps losing battles and was captured, Riverrun was lost, and Robb is calling himself king. Tyrion comments that all sorts of people are calling themselves kings these days. Suspicious of the comment, Joffrey tells Tyrion stiffly that he is happy he is alive, and asks about a gift for his name day. Tyrion responds that he has brought his wits, and Joffrey replies he would prefer Robb’s head. Before Joffrey departs with Myrcella and Tommen, the Hound tells Tyrion to guard his tongue. Sansa is left alone with Tyrion and his monsters.

Unable to think of anything else to say, Sansa comments on Tyrion's injured arm. Tyrion tells her that a northman hit him with a morning star, but he escaped by falling off his horse. Tyrion asks if it is mourning for her father that makes Sansa so sad. Sansa reflexively insists that her father, mother, and brother are traitors and that she is loyal to her beloved Joffrey. Tyrion is unconvinced and responds by comparing her to a deer surrounded by wolves. Sansa, without thinking, whispers “Lions.” The dwarf gently takes her hand and assures her that he is only a little lion and means her no harm, then departs.

Sansa notes that Tyrion speaks to her more gently than Joffrey, but then she remembers that Queen Cersei once spoke gently as well. She reminds herself that Tyrion is still a Lannister and that she must never trust a Lannister again.

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