Game of Thrones Episode 15: The Ghost of Harrenhal

Catelyn’s attempt to broker peace between Renly and Robb collapses when a shadowy assassin kills Renly in his tent, throwing the camp into chaos and forcing her and Brienne to flee. In King’s Landing, Tyrion learns that Joffrey is planning to defend the city with a hidden stockpile of wildfire, while Arya receives an unexpected bargain from Jaqen H’ghar, and Daenerys is drawn deeper into the dangers and temptations of Qarth.

Catelyn meets with Renly in his camp and urges him to support Robb Stark against Stannis, but before any agreement can stabilize the alliance, a supernatural shadow enters the tent and fatally strikes Renly. Brienne is immediately blamed by the guards, and when they attack, she kills them and escapes with Catelyn. Afterward, Brienne and Catelyn stop by a river, where Brienne swears loyalty to Catelyn; Catelyn promises not to interfere with Brienne’s desire for vengeance against Stannis, whom they both believe is responsible for Renly’s death.

With Renly gone, the political balance shifts quickly. Loras blames Stannis, while Littlefinger and Margaery persuade him to leave the camp rather than continue the fight there. Stannis then arrives and receives the submission of Renly’s surviving bannermen, who swear fealty to him. Davos advises against using blood magic for the assault on King’s Landing, and Stannis reluctantly gives Davos command of the fleet.

In King’s Landing, Tyrion learns from Lancel that Cersei has been stockpiling wildfire, and he goes to the royal pyromancer, Wisdom Hallyne, who reveals that there is a massive cache intended to be launched at Stannis’s forces. Tyrion realizes the danger of the plan and takes control of the situation away from Cersei.

In Harrenhal, Arya is working among the Lannisters when she encounters Jaqen H’ghar, who is now disguised as one of their men. Jaqen tells her that because she saved him and the other prisoners, he owes her three deaths, and Arya names the cruel interrogator known as the Tickler as her first target. Soon afterward, the Tickler is found dead, and Jaqen confirms that the first debt has been paid.

Elsewhere, Jon volunteers to join Qhorin in an attack on a wildling watchpost. Theon, seeking to prove himself, sets off to raid Torrhen’s Square and draw Stark forces away from Winterfell. In Qarth, Daenerys is approached by Pyat Pree, who invites her to the House of the Undying, while Quaithe warns Jorah of dangers ahead; Xaro proposes marriage to Daenerys in exchange for support, but Jorah argues that she must claim power on her own, and she agrees.