The Ghosts of Harrenhal: A Song of Ice and Fire Podcast (ASOIAF)

Brienne continues to search for Sansa Stark. None of her leads pan out in Duskendale. But not all is lost, she gets a fancy sigil on her shield. She considers Sansa’s possible alternative locations and gets awfully close to the truth. She discovers that a familiar face (to us) is following her. Simon and Jenny wish Brienne would follow her instincts.Chapter Review:Brienne of Tarth arrives in Duskendale; her first official destination on her journey to find Sansa Stark. Her House Lothston shield gives her trouble at the town gate and the guard suggests his sister as an artist to repaint the shield. After dropping the shield off and describing a sigil she’d like to see on it, she makes for the Dun Fort. The lord of the Dun Fort is absent so she is shown to his maester. After reading her letter from King Tommen proving she is on official royal business, the maester reveals she’s not the first to ask about Sansa and Dontos Hollard; more like the 21st.The maester breaks it to Brienne that Ser Dontos had little ties to Duskendale, as the rest of his family was wiped out years previously. Dejected, Brienne leaves and returns to the inn to wait on her shield. At the inn, she meets a dwarf holy man who tells her of a fool in Maidenpool with two travel companions. It intrigues Brienne enough to consider it as her next stop. The next morning the shield is delivered to her and exceeds her expectations. Brienne heads north up the coast but realizes she’s being followed. She springs a trap on the unwanted company. When she has the man where she wants him, it’s revealed that he’s Podrick Payne, who was hoping that following Brienne would lead him to Tyrion.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Brienne of Tarth - Charged with rescuing Sansa Stark.Sansa Stark - Eldest surviving Stark child. Currently in the Eyrie with Petyr Baelish.Dontos Hollard - Knight turned fool. Last seen fleeing with Sansa.Duskendale - Coastal town in the Crownlands.House Darklyn - Extinct royal house from Duskendale. Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Jaime might’ve bitten off more than he can chew with standing vigil over his father for seven days and nights. While battling sleep, he recalls his last conversation with Rhaegar Targaryen as well as his recent one with the chief undergaoler. He’s visited by Cersei and again rejects her plea to be Hand of the King. Finally, he brokers a lunch for Cersei and feeds her exact steps to success. Simon and Mackelly wonder if she’ll still muck it up.Chapter Review:While Jaime Lannister stands vigil over his father's body, he thinks of how if he’d known that Tyrion was going to kill their father he’d have stopped him. He thinks of the conversation he had with the chief undergaoler of the Red Keep dungeons. He gets the same story Cersei got regarding Rugen, the missing undergaoler. Jaime is furious to learn that the turnkeys who fell asleep the night of Tyrion’s escape were murdered, by order of the queen.Said queen appears in person, as Jaime stands vigil. She’s dressed as a commoner to escape notice. She says Kevan refused her offer of Hand of the King and that he knows about Jaime and Cersei’s relationship. She begs Jaime to reconsider taking the role of Hand of the King. Jaime again refuses. Again, in no uncertain terms. A furious Cersei stalks off after unleashing a barrage of angry words toward Jaime.When the sun comes up, mourners again flood the Great Sept of Baelor. Tywin’s body has continued to decay and the odor has intensified greatly. When Queen Cersei and King Tommen approach the corpse, Tommen gags and runs for the door. Jaime goes after him and consoles the little king. Queen Cersei arrives and admonishes her son for embarrassing her. Mace Tyrell is close on her heels. Jaime sets up a lunch between Cersei and Mace, to Cersei’s annoyance. But Jaime explains that it’s an opportunity to send Mace on a task out of the city, where he might get himself killed.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen.Cersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock, recently murdered by his son Tyrion.Kevan Lannister - Brother to Tywin.Grand Maester Pycelle - Elderly member of the Small Council. Support the Show.Support us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Busy day for Queen Cersei. She fends off mourners expressing regret and vying for her favor and works to keep the Tyrells off the Small Council. She bonds with Qyburn before finally having a highly contentious dinner with her uncle. Mackelly and Simon are in shock that Kevan went there.Chapter Review:Queen Cersei Lannister and King Tommen kneel before her father Tywin’s body. The odor emanating from the late Hand of the King is not missed by those in attendance, so all are glad when the prayers end. Afterward, mourners approach Cersei to express condolences. Falyse Stokeworth offers that if her sister Lollys has a son, they’d like to name him Tywin. Cersei shoots the idea down.  She congratulates Lancel on his betrothal and his new lordship. He’s not thrilled about either. He met with the high septon. Cersei reminds him of the power of silent prayer.She’s approached by Mace Tyrell. He’s angling to be named Hand of the King, but says his uncle Garth is on his way to King’s Landing to serve as Master of Coin. Cersei has no interest in another Tyrell on the Small Council, so lies and says she’s offered the role to Gyles Rosby. Mace is shocked, but his mother steers him away. Later,  she asks Rosby to be Master of Coin and to act as though it was offered yesterday.Back in the Red Keep, Qyburn says he's found a gold coin in the missing gaoler Rugen’s chamber. It’s from the Reach, which causes Cersei to question whether the Tyrells were involved in the plot to free Tyrion. Cersei plans to call for the headsman for Gregor Clegane. Qyburn asks to move Gregor to the dungeons, to continue to work with him.Her uncle Kevan arrives for dinner. Cersei asks him to be Tommen’s Hand of the King. Kevan says he will, if he’s also made King Regent. Cersei is to go back to Casterly Rock. She refuses. Kevan says he’s taking his brother and going home. Tommen has his mother… and his father too.Characters/Places/Names/EventsCersei Lannister - Mother to King Tommen, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.King Tommen Baratheon - Child king of the Seven Kingdoms.Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock, recently murdered by his son Tyrion.Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen.Kevan Lannister - Brother to Tywin.Qyburn - Former Maester, stripped of his chain by the Citadel. Support the Show.Support us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Arya arrives in Braavos. Inside the temple of the Many-Faced God, she meets a man who isn’t fooled by her aliases. He tests her on her fear of death, and she passes with flying colors. She hopes to feed a hunger, but it’s not for food. Mackelly and Simon wonder what it is she’s hungry for.Chapter Review:Arya Stark, or “Salty” as she’s known by the ship’s crew, sees the lights of Braavos on the eastern horizon. Soon the enormous titan statue that guards the city comes into view. As her ship The Titans Daughter passes underneath, she can see the defenses built into the titan. The ship’s captain Ternesio Terys is all too happy to get rid of Arya, and has his oldest son Yorko row her to land. However, before he lets her go, Ternesio makes sure she knows his name and is aware of the favors he’s done for her.Yorko provides a comprehensive, if slightly biased, guided tour as he rows her through the canals of Braavos. He leaves her at the stairs to the temple of the Many-Faced God. Arya tries the doors of the temple but they’re locked. She shouts that Jaqen H’ghar sent her, brandishes the iron coin he gave her, and says “valar morghulis.” The doors suddenly open on their own. Inside, she finds statues to many gods as well as several people weeping quietly. A man sits by a pool weeping. Arya gives him a cup of water from the pool and he drinks it. He stands and staggers to an alcove between the statues. Arya notices a stab wound in his gut.She’s met by a young girl and a man, both in cowed robes. The man asks Arya her name. She tries several of her aliases, but the man isn’t fooled. It’s only when she says she’s Arya Stark of Winterfell that the man is content. He says this is no place for her, but she begs him. She has nowhere to go. He asks if she fears death. When Arya says she doesn't, the man lowers his hood to reveal a skull with a worm in the eye socket. He asks for a kiss, and Arya obliges. She then tries to eat the worm. It disintegrates and the skull turns into the face of a kind man. He asks if she’s hungry. She thinks that she is, but it’s not for food.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark.Braavos - A free city in Essos.Titan of Braavos - Huge statue that guards the sea entrance to Braavos.Multi-Faced God - A god worshiped in Essos. Support the Show.Support us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Lord Commander Jon Snow sends Sam to Oldtown to earn his maester’s chain. Gilly, her baby, and maester Aemon are to go with him. Simon and Mackelly dream of a warmer future.Chapter Review:Samwell is scouring the Castle Black libraries for information on the Others. Pickings are surprisingly slim. He’s tired and hungry so he heads up to the castle. In the yard, he’s met by Edd, Grenn, and Pyp. Jon wants to see him.The guys think that Jon is too good for them now he’s Lord Commander, but Sam defends his friend - he does have a lot on his plate. First order of business is rebuilding the stairs up the Wall, and training every single brother in archery.Sam meets Gilly at Jon’s door. She’s upset and he’s clumsy in her presence. Within, Jon tells Sam that she was begging for Mance’s life on behalf of Val, but Mance’s crimes are unforgivable even if Stannis and Melisdanre didn’t have an eye on Mance’s royal blood for their magic. Jon wants Sam to take Gilly, her baby, and Maester Aemon to Oldtown. There Sam is to earn his chain as Aemon’s replacement. Sam is conflicted - he wanted to be a maester but his father forbad it. At dawn the next day, they ride toward Eastwatch, with Aemon and a tearful Gilly in a wayn.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Samwell Tarly - Bother of the Night’s Watch, friend to John Snow. Slayer of Others.Stannis Baratheon - Claimant to the Iron Throne.Gilly - Daughter of Craster. Beloved of Samwell.Jon Snow - New Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.Melisandre - Priestess of R’Hellor, advisor to King Stannis.Maester Aemon - 102-year-old maester of the Night’s Watch.  The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Brienne begins her wild goose chase in the hunt for Sansa Stark. She meets some unusual travelers on the road and makes some unexpected travel companions, on her way to Duskendale. She also learns that she’s not the only one looking for the Stark girl. Simon and Mackelly worry about saddle sores.Chapter Review:Armed with Oathkeeper, Brienne of Tarth rides through the Crownlands asking all and sundry if they have seen a high-born maid of three and 10 riding with a portly knight or a fool. She doesn’t mention Sansa’s name, and gets no help from anyone.She camps down with a couple of hedge knights for the night. Ser Creighton tells of his amazing, hardly believable, exploits at the Battle of the Blackwater. Ser Illifer is a quieter soul. But it is the latter who figures out who she is. He accuses her of Renly’s murder, but she denies it. They meet a group of “sparrows” the next day. These adherents of the Faith of the Seven are heading to King’s Landing with the bones of murdered holy people. They hope to find protection from King Tommen when they get there. Another knight, Ser Shadrich, tells Brienne that she is not the only hunter. Varys has offered a reward for Sansa’s whereabouts. Brienne feigns ignorance. That night she slips away from the others - preferring the lonely road.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Brienne of Tarth - Charged with rescuing Sansa Stark.Sansa Stark - Eldest surviving Stark child. Currently in the Eyrie with Petyr Baelish.Illifer the Penniless - Taciturn hedge knight.Creighton Longbough - Loquacious hedge knight.Ser Shadrich - Hedge knight, also seeking for Sansa to claim the reward offered by Varys. The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Cersei is awakened to the news that her father is dead. She can hardly believe it, but is not exactly broken up about it. At least her little brother is locked up and will be a head short by this evening. Ah, about that: he’s escaped. Mackelly and Simon spot many of Cersei’s character flaws, while ignoring their own.Chapter Review:Cersei dreams of sitting the Iron Throne. It’s a great dream until Tyrion appears, and her clothes disappear. Then it takes a nasty turn. She gets cut and the Iron Throne fights her. Tyrion laughs. A maid wakes her. Not to save her from the dream but because the Kingsguard are here to let her know that Tywin is dead. Cersei’s struggling to separate the dream from reality. But she begins to piece it together. She dresses and is escorted to the Tower of the Hand.En route, she ponders how she should react and how she and her rivals will use her father’s death to their advantage. Jamie has followed the secret passage in the fireplace, and Loras Tyrell has been sent to check on King Tommen. She sends Boros Blount to confirm that Tyrion is still secured. She wants Pycelle to prepare her father’s body, but he’s been and gone and not even bothered to remove the quarrel from Lord Tywin’s guts.Qyburn comes in and prepares the body, and asks what’s to be done with Shae. Cersei hadn’t even noticed her. She wants her removed quietly, so nobody gets the idea that Tywin was consorting with a prostitute. Jamie arrives back, no sign of the murderer. She offers him the role of Hand, he refuses. Uncle Kevan demands that they stop squabbling. Blount returns with news that Tyrion is escaped. Cersei recalls a prophecy in which the Valonqar will choke the life from her.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Cersei Lannister - Queen regent and mother to King Tommen.Tywin Lannister - Lord of Casterly Rock, recently murdered by his son Tyrion.Jamie Lannister - Twin and lover to Cersei. Biological father of Tommen The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Areo Hotah observes as Prince Doran Martell is visited by three Sand Snakes, each with a plan to seek revenge for their father Oberyn’s murder. The prince hears each niece out but makes no commitments. Doran does commit to sending Areo to round up all the Sand Snakes and confine them in the palace indefinitely. Simon and Mackelly worry about their venomous bite.Chapter Review:Areo Hotah, the Captain of Guards for Prince Doran Martell, bars Obara Sand's way, as she attempts an unscheduled visit with her uncle Doran. To avoid bloodshed, Doran allows her passage. The oldest of Oberyn Martell’s bastard daughters, Obara is loud, brash, and filled with vengeance for Oberyn’s murder. Doran reminds her that it was a trial by combat, and Oberyn willingly participated in it. Obara wants to take the Dornish hosts and attack. She will lead a host to Old Town while her sister Nymeria follows the Kingsroad with the other host. Doran says he’ll think on the matter.When Obara storms out, Doran announces it’s time to leave the Water Gardens and return to Sunspear. He fears the Sand Snakes are riling the populace over Oberyn’s death. Along the way, they are met by Nymeria Sand. She has an alternative plan to Obara’s. She wants the heads of Tywin, Jaime, and Cersei Lannister, along with King Tommen’s. Doran asks her to be patient. She will not.Upon entering Sunspear, the populace is in an uproar, calling for vengeance. Inside the palace, he's first greeted by his daughter Arianne, but then met by Tyene Sand in the throne room. Her plan for vengeance is to marry Myrcella Baratheon to her cousin Trystane Martell, then hail Myrcella as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. When the Lannisters ride against Dorne for challenging Tommen’s claim, the Dornish army destroys them. When Tyene is gone, Doran commands Areo to round up all eight of the Sand Snakes and confine them to a palace tower.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Areo Hotah - Captain of Guar The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Aeron “Damphair” Greyjoy, learns of his eldest brother Balon’s death and their brother Euron’s claiming the Sea Stone Chair. He is not happy with that outcome and calls for a kingsmoot to decide the next king. Simon and Mackelly consider the options.Chapter Review:Aeron Greyjoy is drowning men in the sea (to bring them back with the kiss of life) when news arrives that his brother King Balon is dead. Aeron doesn’t break down or anything, but he recalls Balon with awe and reverence for his returning the Iron Islands to its traditional god (the Drowned God) and practices (they really don’t sow).At Hammerhorn (Lord Goodbrother’s seat) Aeron learns further that his eldest remaining brother Euron has returned to Pike. He was banished for life by Balon, but has conveniently arrived back the day after the king’s death. Goodbrother wants to know if Euron’s claim should be supported, but the prophet needs time to pray on this one.Aeron had spoken with Balon recently, and knows that Balon thought Asha should succeed him - and she too has claimed the throne. But Aeron is skeptical that the Iron Islanders would accept a queen. Theon is believed dead and Aeron despises Euron - he won’t have someone so unrighteous on the throne. He doesn’t want the honor for himself, so that leaves only Victarion, Aeron’s older, but Euron’s younger, brother. While praying, he's struck by inspiration: in the old days kings were chosen not by hereditary. He calls for a kingsmoot on Nagga’s Hill on Old Wyk. All claimants and captains should go there to choose their next ruler.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Aeron “Damphair” Greyjoy - Youngest brother of King Balon Greyjoy. Priest of the Drowned God.Balon Greyjoy - King of the Iron Islands. Died falling from a bridge at Pike.Euron “Crow’s Eye” Greyjoy - Younger brother of Balon, elder brother to Aeron. Was banished by Balon, but now returned to Pike.Victarion Greyjoy - Next younger The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

The Citadel novice Pate and his fellow maester-hopeful friends discuss the existence of dragons, while Pate dreams of winning the love of Rosey the tavern girl. Later, Pate sells a stolen key to the Citadel to a man known as “the alchemist.” When the transaction is complete, Pate becomes suddenly dizzy and collapses. Mackelly and Simon fear the worst for Pate.Chapter Review:Pate the Citadel novice sits at the Quill and Tankard Inn with his fellow maesters-in-training. They’re celebrating Alleras earning a new link for his maester’s chain. They discuss news of dragons in Essos. Pate’s only half listening. He’s mostly focused on Rosey, a server at the tavern. He hopes to earn the coin to take her maidenhead and fantasizes about a life together with her. Problem is, he’s broke. He hopes to change that by selling a stolen key to a man called “the alchemist.” The key is said to open every door in the Citadel. The man has offered a golden dragon for the key, which coincidentally is exactly how much Pate needs for his rendezvous with Rosey. However, the alchemist is nowhere to be seen.Lazy Leo Tyrell arrives and provides a mixture of mean-spirited barbs along with news about a Targaryen queen and her three dragons. The others take his news with a grain of salt but there’s stunned silence when Leo says a glass candle is burning at the Citadel. He says it indicates nothing good for the future. The men grow tired of Leo and head for home. Pate leaves separately and is finally met by the alchemist. The pair move to a secluded alley to trade key for coin. Leo bites the coin to make sure it’s truly gold. With that they go their separate ways. However, after a few steps Pate becomes dizzy and collapses. His last thought is of Rosey.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Pate, Alleras, Mollander, Leo Tyrell, and Roone - Novices at the Citadel.Armen - Acolyte at the Citadel.Citadel - Institution of higher learning in Westeros where maester The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Merrett Frey is lured to a ransom payment by the Brotherhood without Banners. They have his great nephew Petyr Pimple. Upon arrival he learns that his kinsman is dead, and that he’ll be joining him because Catelyn Stark points the finger at him for his involvement in the Red Wedding. Simon and Mackelly are almost as speechless as she is.Chapter Review:Merrett Frey heads toward Oldstones with ransom money to secure the release of his great nephew Petyr. He bemoans his rotten luck that has brought him to this juncture. A concussion as a squire means he can no longer fight and was never knighted. As Walder’s ninth son, he’s got no hope of rising very far. But at least he can bring back Ser Ryman’s son and get some favor that way.He wasn’t even involved in the planning for the Red Wedding. His only role was to get the Greatjon Umber drunk. And even in this he failed. Umber fought like a giant before finally being chained.When he arrives at Oldstones, he is robbed of the gold by members of the Brotherhood without Banners. Petyr is already dead and Merrett will join them if they can prove he had a hand in the Red Wedding. Merrett knows that there are no witnesses. But the brothers reveal Catelyn Stark, risen from the dead. Lem asks her if she saw Merrett at the wedding and she, unable to speak, nods. They string him up.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Catelyn Stark - Murdered mother of the Stark children. Brought back to life.Merrett Frey - Ninth son of Lord Walder, known principally as the Frey who drinks the most.Petyr Pimple - Great grandson of Lord Walder Frey.Lem Lemoncloak - Member of the Brotherhood without Banners.Tom Sevenstreams - Singer in the Brotherhood without Banners.Lord Beric Dondarrion - Head of the Brotherhood without Banners. Has been repeatedly resurrected from death by Thoros of Myr.Thoros of Myr - Priest of R’hellor, member of the Brotherhood without Banners. Able to raise the The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Sansa builds a snow-castle, and squabbles with Robert Arryn. Petyr Baelish kisses her against her will. Lysa confronts Sansa about trying to steal Littlefinger from her and threatens to push her out of the Moon Door. Baelish intervenes and pushes Lysa out instead. Simon and Mackelly try to pick up the pieces (not of Lysa, that would be nasty). Chapter Review:Sansa Stark wakes early to snow falling. It makes her wistful for Winterfell. She dresses and builds a snow castle, which quickly turns into Winterfell. She’s joined by Petyr Baelish who says she is even more beautiful than her mother was at her age. He kisses her, she yields briefly before pushing him away. Cousin Robert arrives and uses his doll as a giant to smash the walls. Sansa tries to stop him, and his beloved doll is destroyed. Later she’s summoned to her aunt by the singer Marillion. He’s a favorite of Lysa Arryn, to whom he’s unfailingly pleasant. He uses this as a license to abuse the servants and force himself on the unwilling. They proceed to the great hall. Lysa saw Sansa kiss Baelish, but blames the child. Sansa protests. Lysa compares Sansa to Catelyn - both want to steal away Lysa’s love Petyr. She describes how he deflowered her and the termination of the subsequent pregnancy.She threatens to push Sansa out of the Moon Door, but is prevented by the timely arrival of Lord Baelish. He talks Lysa down. She reveals that it was she who murdered her husband Jon, with the help of Petyr. He reassures Lysa that he only ever loved one woman. She softens, but then he adds “Only Cat” and pushes her out of the door. He calls for guards to arrest Marillion.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Sansa Stark - Elder daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark.Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish - Former member of the Small Council, now lord of Harrenhal and Protector of the Vale.Lysa Arryn - Lady of the Eyrie. Widow of Jon Arryn, wife of Petyr, and sister to Catelyn.Ro The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Jon decides that he will accept Stannis’ offer and become Lord of Winterfell. But at that moment Ghost returns, reminding him of his belief in the old gods and his outsider status to the Starks. He joins his brothers for the vote for the new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and is surprised as anyone when he wins. Mackelly and Simon start drawing up a transition team.Chapter Review:Jon Snow spars in the yard of Castle Black with Iron Emmett. A ringing blow to the head brings back memories of Winterfell, sparring with Robb, and Catelyn’s enmity. When he is back in the present he discovers he’s viciously assaulted Emmett and is being restrained by several brothers.Jon takes a bath to ease his muscles. While there he overhears Alliser Thorne, Bowen Marsh and a reluctant Orwell Yarwyck plotting to install Janos Slynt as Lord Commander. Jon heads north of Wall to consider Stannis’ offer of legitimacy, Winterfell, and Val’s hand in marriage. He admits to himself that it is all he ever wanted and that he’ll give up his vows and his gods for it. At that moment Ghost returns, his red eyes and white fur redolent of a weirwood. They reunite and Jon takes it as a sign that his decision was wrong.He joins his brothers in the latest round of voting for the Lord Commandership. Stannis has promised to keep them sequestered until they have made a choice. Edd has put forward Jon’s name. Thorne invites Yarwyck to speak but is surprised when the First Builder advises every man to vote with his conscience. Jon’s case is bolstered by Mormont’s raven who lands on Jon’s shoulder announcing “Snow” over and over again. Jon wins in a landslide.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night’s Watch.Robb Stark - Jon’s dead half brother.Catelyn Stark - Robb’s mother. Never a fan of Jon.Maester Aemon - Elderly, blind maester of the Night’s Watch.Castle Black - Headquarters of the Nig The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Sam and the men vying for Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch attend an audience with King Stannis. Stannis wants a Lord Commander chosen tonight. Sam hatches a plan to consolidate the votes between the leading contenders. Both men agree a new candidate might suffice. Sam knows just the guy. Simon and Mackelly pick up what he’s putting down.Chapter Review:Samwell Tarly assists Maester Aemon to a summons by King Stannis Baratheon. They are accompanied by the current vote-getters for Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. King Stannis has had enough of waiting for the brothers to agree on a leader. He wants this wrapped up today. When Janos Slynt suggests King Stannis offer guidance to the brothers, Stannis says anybody but Janos should suffice.King Stannis has other needs from the Night’s Watch, and the Lord Commander should have a say in the matter. He wants the Gift and the abandoned castles. The brothers don’t take this news well. Stannis says he needs to rebuild the castles to garrison a force to stop the Others’ attack.Before leaving, Maester Aemon asks to “see” Lightbringer. Sam describes the beautifully glowing sword to the blind maester. Afterward, Aemon finds it odd the sword gave off no heat. Later, Sam hatches a plan to stop Slynt from being voted Lord Commander. He asks Cotter Pyke to back Ser Deny Mallister. Pyke has no interest. Sam asks Ser Denys to back Pyke. Again, no interest. Sam suggests a different candidate. To Ser Denys he touts the mystery brother as well-educated, from old blood, castle trained, and highly trusted. To Pyke he describes the man as a good fighter but a bastard. Both men agree this unnamed candidate has potential.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Samwell Tarly - Brother of the Night’s Watch, friend to John Snow. Slayer of an Other.Stannis Baratheon - Lord of Dragonstone, rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms.Denys Mallister - Commander of the Shadow Tower.Cotter Pyke - C The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Tyrion is rescued from his cell by Jaime, but learns the awful truth of Jaime’s previous betrayal. Tyrion, in turn, tells Jaime he killed Joffrey. The two part ways acrimoniously. On his way to freedom, Tyrion stops to visit his father. He finds a familiar face waiting in Tywin’s bed and Tywin in the privy. Tyrion deals with them both in similar fashion. Simon and Mackelly wallow in the sadness and betrayal.Chapter Review:Tyrion Lannister prepares to attack, as the door to his cell opens. It turns out to be his brother Jaime. Jaime is here to rescue him. When Tyrion thanks him, Jaime says he’s repaying a debt. Tyrion insists on knowing the secret of this debt. Jaime tells him he lied to Tyrion about Tysha, on their father’s command. Tyrion’s wife truly was a crofter’s daughter, met on the road. The news sends Tyrion into a fury. He tells Jaime that Cersei has been unfaithful to Jaime and that, yes, he killed Joffrey. With that the two part ways.Tyrion meets Varys, to escape through the dungeons and to the sea, bound for Essos. Along the way, Tyrion realizes he’s below the Tower of the Hand. He insists Varys tell him how to find his father’s bed chamber. When Tyrion arrives, he finds Shae in Tywin’s bed. She says she was forced to say horrible things about him at trial. She calls him her Giant of Lannister. At that, Tyrion strangles her with the Hand of the King chain she wears.He finds a crossbow and tracks his father to the privy. Tywin says he doesn’t know what happens to the “whore” Tysha after Tyrion’s “sharp lesson.” Tyrion says if he uses the term again, he will kill his father. True to his word, when Tywin says it again, Tyrion shoots him dead.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.Tywin Lannister - Tyrion’s father, Hand of the King.Shae - Prostitute and lover of Tyrion.Tysha - Tyrio The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Please enjoy some outtakes, miscues, and general mayhem that we suffered through and saved just for your listening pleasure. Thank you all for being part of this journey.Support the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Jon is summoned by King Stannis. The king offers Jon his dream come true; the title of Lord Stark of Winterfell. Stannis also plans to let the wildlings through the Wall, if they bend the knee. Jon agrees with the wildling plan but needs time to think about being legitimized and made lord of Winterfell. Simon and Mackelly consider shopping for castle-warming gifts.Chapter Review:Jon Snow spars in the yard of Castle Black with Satin. Melisandre interrupts; King Stannis wants a word with Jon. Stannis tells Jon he’s heard much about him. Jon confirms some facts and dispels some rumors. The bottom line is that he never turned his cloak. The king believes him. Stannis knows Janos Slynt and knew Ned Stark. Stannis reveals that he plans to let the wildlings through the Wall, as long as they bend the knee and take R’hllor as their true god. The king explains that he’s here to fight the true enemy: the Great Other. They will need the wildling’s help in that fight.Stannis then tells Jon the primary reason he sent for him. The king doesn’t need another sword in the Night’s Watch. He needs the North. There’s no better way to rally the North than through a son of Eddard Stark. He plans to legitimize Jon, making him Jon Stark the Lord of Winterfell. It was a dream of Jon’s when he was young, but he never wanted harm to come to his siblings. However, he’s likely the last of them alive. But there’s another issue: he’s taken The Black. Melisandre says his vow is meaningless, since it wasn’t said to R’hellor. The final detail of the plan is that Stannis wants to marry Jon to the wildling Val. Jon asks for time to consider the offer.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night’s Watch.Stannis Baratheon - Brother of dead King Robert, claims the Iron Throne because Cersei’s children are not Robert’s.Melisandre - Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R’Hellor, the Lord of Light. Janos Slynt - N The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Sam and Gilly have made to Castle Black. Gilly has taken on a second baby to feed. Sam has a crafty idea to ensure Gilly and son are cared for. Janos Slynt is making waves in the vote for Lord Commander. Mackelly and Simon consider voter fraud to keep Slynt out of the top spot.Chapter Review:Samwell Tarly, Gilly, and Gilly’s baby have finally made it to Castle Black. Gilly has begun feeding Mance and Dalla’s newborn son. Dalla’s sister Val has heard that Melasandre plans to burn Mance and asks that he be allowed to see his son first. Jon Snow says he’ll ask.Later, Jon asks Sam about his feelings for Gilly. Sam says he knows there’s no future for them but tells Jon of a plan to send Gilly and the baby to Sam’s mother at Horn Hill. Sam will lie and say that the boy is his. Jon thinks it could work, but it depends on the type of man the boy grows up to be. It is killing Sam to keep a secret from Jon. Sam knows that Bran is alive but swore multiple times not to reveal it, and he holds true to his word.That night the men vote on a new Lord Commander. Nobody is close to the two-thirds vote necessary to win. Denys Mallister and Cotter Pyke are the front-runners but Janos Slynt continues to climb in the voting. Sam knows that if Mallister and Pyke could agree on only one of the men running, they’d be very close to having the numbers. However, Sam is too craven to raise the idea to his superiors.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Samwell Tarly - Brother of the Night’s Watch, friend to John Snow. Slayer of Others.Gilly - Wildling daughter/wife of Craster.Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night’s Watch.Stannis Baratheon - Lord of Dragonstone, rightful King of the Seven Kingdoms.Denys Mallister - Commander of the Shadow Tower.Cotter Pyke - Commander of Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.Janos Slynt - New recruit to the Night’s Watch. Formerly commander of the Gold Cloaks in King’s Landing and briefl The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Arya and the Hound return to the Inn at the Crossroads, where they meet some of the Mountain’s men. Trouble ensues, leaving three dead and the Hound mortally wounded. Arya refuses him mercy and leaves him to die. Finally, she uses her mysterious iron coin to earn her passage out of Westeros. Simon and Mackelly wish Arya a bon voyage. Chapter Review:Arya Stark and Sandor Clegane (AKA the Hound) find themselves back at the Inn at the Crossroads. As soon as they enter, Arya knows there’s trouble. She recognizes two of Gregor Clegane’s men: Polliver and the Tickler. They’re accompanied by a young squire. The men recognize the Hound.The soldiers fill them in on news of the realm: King Joffrey is dead, Sansa Stark killed him, and Sansa’s sister has been found. The Hound finds that last bit funny but doesn’t share why. When the Tickler wants Sandor to come with them to Harrenhal, chaos breaks out. Sandor has his hands full fighting Polliver and the Tickler. Arya is distracted by the fighting and is surprised by the squire. She turns and stabs him with a dagger. The Hound kills Polliver and Arya stabs the Tickler repeatedly. Sandor makes Arya finish the squire off. She pulls Needle from Polliver’s belt and slides it into the boy’s heart.The next day the Hound is unable to continue riding to Saltpans due to his injuries. He wants mercy from Arya, and spews horrible things at her to get her to do it. She leaves him to die on the side of the road and continues to Saltpans. At the port town, she sells Craven and tries to buy passage on a ship for Eastwatch. The ship is going to Braavos, and she doesn’t have the funds to catch a ride. She pulls out the iron coin Jaqen H’ghar gave her and utters "Valar Morghulis." The shocked captain offers her passage and her own cabin.Characters/Places/Names/Events:Arya Stark - Younger daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark.Sandor “The Hound” Clegane - Former personal bodyguard to King Joffrey The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Jon gets a reprieve from the ice cell and noose that Thorne and Slynt had promised. Hooray! It's so he can go on a suicide mission to assassinate Mance Rayder. Boo! But at the last second redemption comes from an unlikely source. Simon and Mackelly consider the new power structures at the Wall.Chapter Review:Jon is lowered down the north face of the Wall in a cage. It beats the tiny ice cell in which he’d been held for the last 4 days. Thorne and Slynt’s plan to hang him had been foiled by Maester Aemon. But they’ve found a sure-fire alternative. He’s to go parlay with Mance Rayder, murder the King Beyond the Wall in the middle of his army, and then make it back alone to Castle Black - this will prove his loyalty.Tormund guides him through angry faces - none are pleased to see the turncoat back in black. Mance’s woman Dalla is about to give birth. Mance himself is relatively sanguine about Jon’s return. He never trusted Jon enough to tell him that they had found the fabled Horn of Winter in the Frostfangs. Mance says that the Night’s Watch will let the wildlings pass through the Wall or the horn will be blown in three days, and they’ll pass through the rubble instead.Jon concedes that the Night’s Watch might consider this, if Mance and his people bend the knee. But Mance won’t promise that. Seeing an impasse, Jon looks for ways to carry out the assassination. But before anything happens, an army attack the wildlings. It’s Stannis coming west from Eastwatch, and he routes Mance’s forces with ease. During the chaos, Dalla goes into labor. Characters/Places/Names/Events:Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Member of the Night’s Watch.Maester Aemon - Elderly, blind maester of the Night’s Watch.Ser Alliser Thorne - Senior member of the Night’s Watch. Recently returned from King’s Landing.Janos Slynt - New recruit to the Night’s Watch. Former commander of the Gold Cloaks in King’s Landing.Mance Rayder The Story ChaserThis is a journey along the way of writing my first book. I will be telling some...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showSupport us: Buy from our store Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/wa...