Game of Thrones Episode 18: The Prince of Winterfell

Theon tries to hide the fall of his hold on Winterfell, while Arya uses Jaqen to escape Harrenhal, Robb discovers the consequences of Catelyn’s decision to free Jaime, and the battle for King’s Landing moves closer as Tyrion, Stannis, and Daenerys each prepare for the next phase of the war.

At **Winterfell**, Theon orders his men to kill the ravens so no word gets out about Bran and Rickon’s supposed deaths. His sister arrives with a small group of men and tells him he cannot hope to hold Winterfell with such a weak force, especially so far from the sea; she urges him to abandon the castle and return home with her. Theon refuses, determined to keep Winterfell for himself. Later, Maester Luwin follows Osha beneath the castle and discovers that Bran and Rickon are alive and hiding in the crypts. Luwin then realizes that the bodies Theon displayed were not the Stark boys, but the murdered children of a farm family burned in their place, and Bran overhears this truth from hiding.

At **Harrenhal**, Arya learns that Tywin is leaving with his men, which means she has missed her chance to have Jaqen kill him. She forces Jaqen to honor her remaining favor by helping her, Gendry, and Hot Pie escape from the fortress. That night, after Jaqen kills the guards, the three slip out of Harrenhal and make their escape.

In the **Riverlands**, Robb returns to camp with Talisa and learns that Jaime has escaped. Catelyn admits she arranged for Brienne to take Jaime to King’s Landing in exchange for the return of Sansa and Arya, and Robb responds by placing Catelyn under guard. This creates more tension within Robb’s camp, especially as the war continues to close in around him.

In **King’s Landing**, Tyrion and Bronn work through old texts and plans to prepare the city’s defenses for the coming siege. Varys stops by and praises Bronn’s work with the gold cloaks. Tyrion also receives troubling news that King Joffrey’s inexperience and arrogance make the city’s defense even more dangerous. When Cersei comes looking for the woman she believes Tyrion has hidden, she seizes Ros by mistake instead of Shae. Tyrion confronts Cersei and swears she will pay for it.

Elsewhere, **Stannis** and Davos continue their march and talk about Robert’s Rebellion while they prepare for the assault on King’s Landing. At the same time, Tywin meets with his council and discusses both the threat to King’s Landing and the situation at Harrenhal and the north. Before leaving to face Robb’s army, Tywin departs Harrenhal, which is what sets Arya’s escape in motion.

Beyond the Wall, **Jon Snow** is brought before the Lord of Bones with Ygritte’s group. The Lord of Bones initially orders Jon executed, but Ygritte speaks up for him and convinces him not to kill Jon. Jon is left alive, alongside the captured Qhorin Halfhand, though he remains in the hands of the wildlings.

In **Qarth**, Daenerys learns that her dragons are still missing and decides she cannot simply leave them behind. Against Jorah’s advice, she chooses to seek out the House of the Undying in hopes of finding a way to recover them.