Varys tells him he had to be sure Eddard could be trusted. Eddard wants to know why Varys is telling him this now. Varys tells him that the king is a fool and will soon be dead unless Eddard can save him. In the Red Keep, Lord Varys meets with Eddard. After quarreling for a few minutes, Ashter allows Theon to go about his business. Afterwards, Theon bumps into Ashter Stark, who is upset that he did not get to have sex with Ros because of Theon. Elsewhere in the castle, Theon Greyjoy enjoys the attentions of his favorite whore, Ros, but becomes annoyed when she compares his prowess unfavorably to that of Tyrion Lannister. However, when Bran gets frustrated at not being able to practice his archery, Luwin suggests that he could learn to use a shortbow, of the kind used in mounted combat by the Dothraki, a notion which pleases Bran. Maester Luwin tries to set his mind at rest about the matter, to no avail. In Winterfell, Bran is angry about his mother's absence. Afterwards, they resume their trek to the Eyrie. Despite having the opportunity to escape, Tyrion fights, killing his first man during the skirmish, and in doing so saves Catelyn's life. Despite taking several losses, the party is able to drive off the attackers. Before Catelyn can answer, the party comes under attack from one of the hill tribes. Tyrion also protests his innocence in the attempt on Bran's life and points out he'd have to be an idiot to give the assassin his own blade. He also says that Lady Lysa Arryn has gone mad since her husband's death and will try to kill him in the Eyrie. Tyrion congratulates her on her cunning, while pointing out that his father will give out a handsome reward for his safe return (a point that clearly piques Bronn's interest). Catelyn notes that she said they were riding for Winterfell often and loudly.

Tyrion Lannister has his blindfold removed and finds that their party - augmented by several knights and the sellsword Bronn from the Crossroads Inn - is on the road through the hills and mountains into the Vale of Arryn. Ser Loras declares Sandor the victor of the match to the Hound's discomfort. Sandor immediately bows to the king, while Gregor storms off the field. They exchange several blows, until King Robert orders them to cease. Sandor Clegane comes to Loras' defense, preventing his brother from killing him. Carmine Grayburn moves in to try and stop Ser Gregor, but is stopped by another Gold Cloak out of fear for Carmine's safety. Enraged at having lost, Gregor first decapitates his horse and then attacks Ser Loras. Loras is riding a mare that is in-heat, which confuses the Mountain's horse, causing him to throw his rider. Loras gives a beautiful flower to Sansa Stark, while Littlefinger and Lord Renly make a wager on who will win with Renly betting on Loras. The first tilt of the day is between the fearsome Ser Gregor Clegane, the Mountain That Rides, and the popular 'Knight of the Flowers', Ser Loras Tyrell. Robert is forced to admit that he's right but they can at least watch the joust from the stands.

Robert is adamant about fighting in the joust but Eddard tells him that he is too fat for his armor and the other knights would let him win simply due to the fact that he was the king. He also tells Eddard that King Robert is planning to joust during the day's activities.Д®ddard finds King Robert tormenting his squire, Lancel Lannister, finally sending him off on a snipe hunt in amused disgust. Barristan reflects on the irony of them being on opposite sides of the war during Robert's Rebellion and now they are working together. Eddard is suspicious of Ser Hugh's death, wanting to know how he could afford a new set of armor so soon after being made a knight. Barristan notes that he had no family or friends so he stood the knight's vigil himself for Ser Hugh. Lord Eddard Stark arrives at the tourney ground to speak to Lord Commander Barristan Selmy about the death of Ser Hugh of the Vale. In Snake Mount, Lucius has been summoned to Winterfell to answer for his crimes against House Bracken. In the Eyrie, Catelyn is shocked by her sister Lysa's paranoia and distrust. Ned's position is already precarious due to a disagreement with King Robert Baratheon over plans to assassinate Daenerys before she can rally the Dothraki to invade Westeros. Tyrion's predicament becomes common knowledge in King's Landing, making life difficult for Eddard Stark.

Crossroads inn game of thrones