Difference between revisions of "A Clash of Kings-Chapter 2"

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==Synopsis==
 
==Synopsis==
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 King Joffrey’s comet. Sansa is not so sure and replies that she had heard the servants call it the “Dragon’s Tail.” To this Ser Arys states 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 gold comet.
+
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 in her gown of pale purple silk; the long sleeves of her gown hide the bruises, a gift from a raging Joffrey when he learned the [[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 of how Joffrey never commands [[Sandor Clegane|the Hound]] to hit her. Ser Arys is always courteous to her, and [[Kingsguard]] she preferred. As they walk, Sansa asks who will win today, and Ser Arys states he will, but is will be a poor victory since there are there will be only 40, and there is small honor in unhorsing green boys. Sansa muses that this will be very different from [[Tourney of the Hand]]. Sansa also asks and learns that [[Cersei Lannister|the queen]] will not be in attendance—she is furious that [[Tywin Lannister]] will not bring his army to the city as commanded.
+
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.
  
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 crowd is [[City Watch of King's Landing|Gold Cloaks]] or wear the crimson of House Lannister. Only a few nobility: Grey-faced Lord [[Gyles Rosby]], Lady [[Tanda Stokeworth]] with her daughters [[Falyse Stokeworth| Falyse]] and [[Lollys Stokeworth|Lollys]], exile prince[[Jalabhar Xho]], and Lady [[Ermesande Hayford]] and her baby.
+
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.
  
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, and then asks if he will be in the lists, he replies that his mother has stated that it is not fitting since the tourney is in his honor, otherwise he would be champion, and asks the Hound to concur. Clegane states that “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 be 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.
+
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.
  
In the first joust, Ser [[Meryn Trant]] of the Kingsguard drives Ser [[Hobber Redwyne]] (the Redwyne twins are hostage 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]], is having difficulty with his lance. The sight of [[Janos Slynt]]’s heir takes Sansa back to the day her father was beheaded; it had been Janos Slynt who had thrown 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 tellilng 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 made a poor contest. Joffrey is disgusted states “This is a feeble show;” the Hound responds “I warned you, Gnats.” The king was getting bored and his mood darkening, which worries Sansa.
+
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.
  
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 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 and clown for you instead of being executed. He does not deserve the mercy of a quick death. Joffrey likes this idea and proclaims it. Ser Dontos thanks both Joffrey and Sansa.  
+
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.  
  
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 except it is his name day. Tommen vehemently protests that he was supposed to ride against the quintain. An argument among the royal siblings ensues. Myrcella finally points out that mother agreed, Joffrey mocks “Mother said. Don’t be childish,and Myrcella responds that they are children. The Hound, laughing, tells Joffrey. “She has you there.Joffrey sullenly agrees. Tommen’s opponent is child size to which someone had attached antlers to the helment
+
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.
  
Tommen hits the quintain solidly, then 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. , The Hound interupts with “The boy has courage. He’s going 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 Tommen.
+
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.
  
Just then the portcullis rises and the gates of the Red Keep open. A column of dusty horsemen 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.  
+
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.  
  
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.Tyrion tells the hound “I was speaking to the king, not to his cur.” Myrcella states she is happy he is not dead. Tyrion thanks her and then gives his condolences to Joffrey and Sansa for the loss of their father’s. Sansa is speakless, 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.” This is an opening for Tyrion to say “Is that what ‘they’ say, Your Grace?” Sansa, armoring herself in courtesy, apologizes to Tyrion for his [[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 28|abduction]] by her mother. Tyrion responds by saying, “A great many people are sorry for that, and before I am done, some may be a deal sorrier,” before thanking Sansa for the sentiment, telling her that many people are sorry, and more will be.
+
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.
  
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 only comments “All sorts of people are calling themselves kings these days.Joffrey, wondering about the comment, tells Tyrion he is happy he is not dead, and asks about his gift for his name day. Tyrion responds that he brought his wits, and Joffrey replies he would prefer Robb’s head. Joffrey departs with his brother and sister. Before he leaves, the Hound tells Tyrion “I’d guard that tongue of yours, little man.Sansa is now alone with Tyrion and his monsters.  
+
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.  
  
Not being able to think of anything else to say, she tells him he hurt his arm. Tyrion tells 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, unconvinced, responds “No doubt. As loyal as 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.
+
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.
  
 
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.
 
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.

Revision as of 17:58, 29 April 2013

Sansa I
A Clash of Kings chapter
AClashOfKings.jpg
POV Sansa
Place King's Landing
Page 28 UK HC (Other versions)
Chapter chronology (All)
Arya I  ← Sansa I →  Tyrion I

Sansa II

Sansa Stark attends the Tourney for King Joffrey's 13th Name Day. After several poor contests, 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 Prince Tommen is riding against a quintain, Tyrion Lannister arrives to assume his position as acting Hand of the King.

Synopsis

On Joffrey’s name day Sansa can see the long tail of the red comet from her tower window. When Ser Arys Oakheart arrives to escort her to the tourney grounds, she asks him what it means. He states that it means glory to 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 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 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 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.

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 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, exiled princeJalabhar Xho, and Lady Ermesande Hayford, who is only a baby.

The Hound announces Sansa’s arrival: the princess gives a shy nod, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 abduction by her mother. Tyrion thanks Sansa for the sentiment, telling her that many people are sorry, and some will be even sorrier.

Then, Tyrion asks Joffrey where he might find Queen Cersei. Joffrey answers that she is with the Small Council; 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.

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.

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.

References and Notes