Game of Thrones Episode 45: Kill the Boy

Grey Worm lies recovering after the previous attack, while Missandei stays at his bedside and tends to him. When he wakes and learns that Ser Barristan has died, he blames himself for failing his queen and, after admitting he was afraid he would never see Missandei again, kisses her.

In Meereen, Daenerys mourns Barristan’s death and is angered by the violence in the city. Hizdahr zo Loraq comes to speak with her, and after considering advice to retaliate against the noble families, she has the leaders of the great houses seized and brought before her. She warns them that the dragons will kill them if she commands it, then forces them to face the beasts. She later agrees to Hizdahr’s proposal to marry him.

At Castle Black, Sam reads to Maester Aemon, who is weak and near the end of his life. Jon Snow comes to ask for Aemon’s advice about a difficult decision, and Aemon tells him to trust his instincts and “kill the boy” within himself. Jon then goes to Tormund, who is being held prisoner, and offers a deal: if the wildlings help defend the realms south of the Wall against the White Walkers, Jon will allow them to settle there. Tormund agrees in principle, but insists Jon must come with him to Hardhome to speak with the rest of the wildlings. The rest of the Night’s Watch strongly objects to Jon’s plan, but he pushes ahead with it anyway.

At Winterfell, Brienne and Podrick arrive nearby and arrange for a Stark-loyal man to watch for a signal from Sansa if she is ever in danger. The message is that she should light a candle in the broken tower. Sansa later receives that instruction, and when she visits the tower, Myranda confronts her and leads her to Reek. At dinner, Ramsay humiliates Reek by forcing him to apologize to Sansa for the deaths of Bran and Rickon, even though he knows Theon did not kill them. Roose grows irritated with Ramsay’s behavior and then reveals that he and Walda are expecting a son, which clearly annoys Ramsay.

Stannis prepares to march south from Castle Black toward Winterfell, and Davos tries to persuade him not to bring Selyse and Shireen with him. Stannis refuses and begins the march with them in the army.

Tyrion and Jorah travel through the ruins of Old Valyria. They see the city’s remains and a dragon in the distance, but their journey turns dangerous when they are attacked by stone men.