Game of Thrones Episode 26: The Climb

Tywin Lannister pressures Olenna Tyrell into agreeing to a marriage between Cersei Lannister and Loras Tyrell by threatening to make Loras join the Kingsguard, which would end his ability to marry or inherit. Olenna argues with Tywin over Cersei’s age and Loras’s future, but finally relents and accepts the match.

Tyrion confronts Cersei about the attempt on his life during the Battle of the Blackwater and realizes that Joffrey was the one who ordered it. Cersei tells him he is not in danger now that Tywin has become Hand of the King, and later Tyrion privately informs Sansa that Tywin has arranged for them to marry, with Shae present.

On the river roads, the Brotherhood Without Banners decide to hand Gendry over to Melisandre, and Gendry is taken away with Arya left behind in their custody.

Robb Stark meets with Lothar Frey and Black Walder Rivers while trying to repair his alliance with House Frey and secure support for his war effort.

At Harrenhal, Roose Bolton agrees to send Jaime Lannister to King’s Landing after Jaime assures him Tywin will not blame Bolton for his maiming, but Brienne remains imprisoned for aiding treason.

Theon is being brutally tortured by an unseen captor who keeps testing him with questions and beating him when he answers incorrectly. The scene ends with Theon still trapped and suffering.

At the Wall, Jon Snow and the wildlings begin the dangerous climb. Ygritte admits she knows Jon is still loyal to the Night’s Watch, but tells him their bond matters more; as the climb continues, an avalanche strikes the wall, killing several wildlings and leaving Jon and Ygritte hanging by their rope while Orell considers cutting it.

Jon manages to save himself and Ygritte by getting a secure hold on the Wall, and the two eventually reach the top together before sharing an embrace and taking in the view.