Game of Thrones Episode 20: Valar Morghulis

King’s Landing is still reeling after the battle, and Tyrion wakes badly injured to learn that he has been stripped of power while Tywin Lannister is named Hand of the King in his place. Joffrey publicly rewards the victors, confirms the new political order, and agrees to break his engagement to Sansa so he can be betrothed to Margaery Tyrell instead.

Tyrion is tended by Maester Pycelle, who seems pleased to see him reduced, while Varys visits Tyrion and makes clear that no one is likely to reward him for defending the city. Tyrion also speaks with Shae, who urges him to leave for Pentos, but he refuses because he is drawn to the danger and game of politics; the two reaffirm their love for each other.

Sansa is told that her marriage arrangement is over, and Littlefinger offers to help her escape King’s Landing, but she refuses to go with him. Littlefinger is rewarded with Harrenhal for his role in the alliance with House Tyrell. In another part of the city, Varys quietly visits Ros and tries to recruit her as part of his own plans against Littlefinger.

Far from the capital, Stannis sits at Dragonstone in anger and humiliation after his defeat, resentful that Melisandre’s promises did not save him. On the road south, Brienne escorts Jaime and comes across Stark men who have hanged three women for sleeping with Lannister soldiers; when one of the soldiers recognizes Jaime, Brienne kills both men and then buries the women, insisting to Jaime that she serves Catelyn, not House Stark.

In the Riverlands, Robb tells Catelyn that he loves Talisa and will not go through with the marriage arrangement to House Frey, despite her warning, and he marries Talisa anyway. On the Iron Islands, Theon is urged by Luwin to flee and seek the Night’s Watch, but Theon refuses, tries to rally his remaining men, and is knocked unconscious before being taken away by Dagmer and the Bolton forces.

At Harrenhal, Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie are surprised by Jaqen, who offers Arya a chance to go to Braavos and learn from him, but she declines because she wants to find her family. Jaqen then gives her a strange parting gift before they separate.

Beyond the Wall, Jon continues to prove himself among the wildlings and earns more trust in their group as they move toward Mance Rayder’s camp. At Winterfell, Bran and Rickon are forced to flee after the castle falls into chaos, and their path is left uncertain as they head away from danger.

Daenerys, Jorah, and Kovarro reach the House of the Undying in Qarth. Jorah warns her against going inside, but Daenerys enters anyway, finds herself drawn deeper into the strange place, and becomes separated as she searches for her stolen dragons.