ACT ONE
INT. WINTERFELL – GREAT HALL – DAY
SANSA STARK and BRAN STARK preside at the head table as NORTHERN LORDS clamor to be heard.
SANSA STARK
My lords, all of your concerns will be addressed, if you’ll just wait––
(your turn.)
LORD MAZIN
House Mazin has been loyal for hundreds of years. We’ve never broken faith, not once. But now House Stark has broken faith with us!
NOISES OF AGREEMENT pass through the room. Sansa’s expression is pained.
SANSA STARK
House Stark has not broken faith, my lord. You chose my brother as your king because you had faith in his wisdom––
LORD MAZIN
A mistake!
LYANNA MORMONT
We did not choose a King in the North to have him fall on his knees before a Queen in the South.
More MURMURS OF AGREEMENT.
SANSA STARK
(standing)
Many of you have known me since I was a babe. You knew my parents, and their parents before them. Which one of you thinks me a fool or a traitor?
Silence. Their quarrel is with Jon, not Sansa.
SANSA STARK (CONT’D)
Then trust me when I say this: Jon
would die rather than betray you.
(MORE)
SANSA STARK (CONT’D)
Whatever choices he has made, he made them for the North.
BRAN STARK
Jon is only a day’s ride from Winterfell. Arya has already left to meet him. Wait for him. Hear what he has to say.
LORD MAZIN
And why should we wait here while winter buries our fields in snow?
BRAN STARK
The Night King and his armies have come through the Wall. Returning to your homes will not help you now.
LORD MAZIN
If the Wall has been breached, I’ll be safer at Crossreach than here.
SANSA STARK
And who will be left for you to trade with –– fight with –– when the rest of Westeros is taken by the dead? Winterfell is the safest place we can be. We must hold strong, together.
Sansa sits. The murmurs in the room quiet, but they do not cease. Sansa and Bran share a concerned look.
EXT. CASTLE BLACK – COURTYARD – DAY
A single HORN CALL sounds, rousing DOLOROUS EDD, who is directing recruits in archery practice in the freezing morning air. He races to peer over the Wall.
Outside, an exhausted TORMUND GIANTSBANE and BERIC DONDARRION wait with an assortment of wounded and weary men in Night’s Watch black.
DOLOROUS EDD
Who goes there?
TORMUND GIANTSBANE
A band of fucking minstrels. Who do you think?
DOLOROUS EDD
How do I know you’re not White
Walkers?
Beric ignites his drawn sword.
BERIC DONDARRION
That good enough?
TORMUND GIANTSBANE
Open the fucking gate.
Edd debates with himself, then nods to the guard to open the gate. The Eastwatch survivors drag themselves inside as Castle Black men rush to help them.
DOLOROUS EDD
What in seven hells happened?
TORMUND GIANTSBANE
Fucking dragon happened.
BERIC DONDARRION
Eastwatch is gone. We’re all that’s left.
DOLOROUS EDD
There were dozens of men there!
BERIC DONDARRION
Well, there aren’t any more.
DOLOROUS EDD
Where is the Night King now?
TORMUND GIANTSBANE
Headed south. You’re guarding a prisoner who’s already smuggled out. You might as well be pulling on your cocks for all the good you’re doing now.
BERIC DONDARRION
We need to go south and join the Northern armies.
DOLOROUS EDD
We can’t go south. We took vows. No Lord Commander has ever abandoned his post, not in the history of Westeros.
BERIC DONDARRION
We’re doing a lot of things that have never been done in Westeros.
TORMUND GIANTSBANE
You do what you like. I’m going south. Jon Snow is in Winterfell. He’ll need our help.
BERIC DONDARRION
I’m going too.
(to Edd)
You can be the Lord Commander who kept to your post. Or you can be the Lord Commander who saved the ass of everybody in Westeros.
That does it. Edd surveys the Eastwatch survivors and Castle Black men with different eyes.
DOLOROUS EDD
They’ll need to rest, and eat. Distribute armor. We’ll leave at first light for Winterfell.
Beric and Tormund share a silent moment of triumph.
EXT. KINGSROAD (NEAR CERWYN) – DAY
ARYA STARK sits astride her horse. She’s at the top of a hill, keeping a sharp lookout at the Kingsroad. A far-off screech makes her look up. Two dragons circle in the distance.
Arya watches, awed, until she notices a disturbance on the horizon. She squints. Dust emanates from thundering hooves, squeaking wagons, and the marching feet of the Unsullied.
As the procession becomes clearer, Arya kicks her horse into a canter, heading down the hill.
EXT. KINGSROAD (NEAR CERWYN) – DAY
As Arya’s horse approaches the royal procession, she is loosely enveloped on all sides by advance Dothraki riders. RHOZO, a Dothraki bloodrider, approaches Arya.
ARYA STARK
I need to speak with Jon Snow.
RHOZO
(broken English)
Go home. You don’t pass here.
ARYA STARK
I will pass here. He is my brother.
RHOZO
(In Dothraki, to other riders)
The little mouse has a death wish.
Rhozo pulls his arakh.
RHOZO (CONT’D)
(to Arya)
Go. Now. Or die.
Arya sighs and pulls Needle from her scabbard. Such a waste of a good Dothraki soldier.
ARYA
I do not want to hurt you.
RHOZO
(in Dothraki)
The mouse carries a stick!
The other Dothraki chuckle.
RHOZO (CONT’D)
(to Arya)
Go.
Arya dismounts.
ARYA
No.
Arya holds her sword at the ready. Rhozo dismounts. He and Arya circle each other, ringed by watching Dothraki.
Without warning, Rhozo swings his curved blade in huge hacking motions, ludicrously powerful against Arya’s skinny sword.
Arya doesn’t flinch. She ducks and weaves, deflecting his blade, meeting strength with cunning and grace.
The procession draws closer. More voices and faces join the ring of Dothraki guards.
Rhozo lets out a yell and chops down with all his might. Arya meets him with Needle.
But Rhozo forces Arya to drop her sword. He grabs Arya around the waist, dropping his own weapon as he pushes her to her knees. Rhozo assumes the stance behind her, fumbling with his clothes, ready to take her from behind as Dothraki men take women.
Arya pulls her Catspaw dagger from her belt and cuts Rhozo’s hand. Rhozo lets go. Arya springs upright, driving the hilt of her dagger into Rhozo’s temple.
Rhozo falls on his back. Quick as a flash, Arya stands over him, her dagger pointing toward his skull as Needle traces the bulge in his loincloth. His eyes widen as he registers the threat to both of his heads.
The circle of onlookers parts for two newcomers, but Arya doesn’t take her eyes off Rhozo.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN (O.S.)
What is the meaning of this?
ARYA STARK
He needed a lesson in civility.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN (O.S.)
And who are you?
JON SNOW
Arya?
Arya glances behind to see Jon and Daenerys, who have caught up from the main procession on their horses. Jon slides off his horse, transfixed by the girl in front of him.
Arya sheathes Needle and turns her back on the Dothraki. Without a word, she jumps into Jon’s arms. Jon closes his eyes and Arya smiles into his shoulder, fighting back tears.
JON SNOW (CONT’D)
How?
ARYA STARK
(pulling away)
Not here.
Arya turns to Daenerys, who has been watching this encounter with benevolent confusion.
ARYA STARK (CONT’D)
I’m Arya Stark of Winterfell. Is there somewhere we can speak?
EXT. TARGARYEN CAMP – DAY
JORAH MORMONT walks through the activity as men and women set up camp. He carries a tankard of water and enters the largest tent.
INT. TARGARYEN CAMP – TENT – DAY
MISSANDEI, TYRION LANNISTER, and VARYS stand behind Daenerys and Jon, who sit at a low table with Arya. Jorah hands the water to Arya, who nods her thanks and drinks deeply.
ARYA STARK
The Northern lords are unhappy. They don’t like being told they have a new queen. Especially a Southern one.
JON SNOW
Have they disbanded?
ARYA STARK
When I left, Sansa was convincing them to stay until your arrival. But they’re not your only problem.
JON SNOW
What do you mean?
ARYA STARK
The Army of the Dead is marching south. The Wall has been breached. The Night King rides into battle on a dragon that breathes blue fire.
Daenerys pales. She leans over and grips the edge of the table with white knuckles. Jorah moves to help her. Tyrion glances at Daenerys and tries to distract from her moment of weakness.
TYRION LANNISTER
Blue fire? How do you know this?
ARYA STARK
(deflecting)
We got a raven.
Jon runs a tired hand over his forehead.
JON SNOW
If the Night King comes south and the banners have disbanded, we’ll be as defenseless as babes.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
We are far from defenseless. We have the Unsullied, the Dothraki, and the dragons.
JON SNOW
It’s not enough. The Army of the Dead is a hundred thousand strong, and growing with every kill. The Northern banners have fifty thousand men by themselves. We need their numbers to even the odds.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
How do we know if the raven’s message is true?
Arya bristles.
ARYA STARK
I would not come all this way if we didn’t believe it to be true.
JON SNOW
We should prepare. I’ll need to speak with the banners as soon as we arrive.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
You’ll speak with them? Alone? You told me the Northern lords would come to accept me as their queen.
Jon touches Daenerys’s sleeve lightly, and Arya notes the fond gesture.
JON SNOW
And they will. But it took some time for me to see you as you are. It may take
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
Have I traveled all this way to let someone else speak for me?
JON SNOW
You’ve
Daenerys looks to Tyrion, who nods.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I need time to think.
JON SNOW
Of course.
(a beat)
Arya, you must be tired. I’ll show you to your tent.
Daenerys watches as they leave her behind.
EXT. TARGARYEN CAMP – DAY
Jon and Arya stroll through the camp. Spying Rhozo among a group of Dothraki, Arya’s hand tightens on Needle.
JON SNOW
No one will hurt you here. You have my word.
ARYA STARK
You don’t need to protect me.
JON SNOW
What kind of brother would I be if I didn’t?
ARYA STARK
The smart kind.
Jon gestures to Needle.
JON SNOW
Has it served you well?
ARYA STARK
Better than you can imagine.
JON SNOW
I’m sorry you had need of it.
ARYA STARK
I’m not.
JON SNOW
Where did you get the dagger?
ARYA STARK
Bran gave it to me.
JON SNOW
How did Bran get a Valyrian steel dagger?
ARYA STARK
It’s a long story.
Jon shakes his head.
ARYA STARK (CONT’D)
How did you end up bedding a Targaryen?
JON SNOW
What?
Arya smiles, mischief dancing in her eyes. Jon snorts.
JON SNOW (CONT’D)
You always were sharp.
(beat)
Are you disappointed in me?
ARYA STARK
Father married a Southern girl. And yours has dragons.
Jon pulls Arya into a one-arm hug as they walk together.
INT. RED KEEP – COUNCIL CHAMBER – NIGHT
CERSEI LANNISTER sits at the head of the small council table with QYBURN at her right. They are alone at a table that once held more than half a dozen advisors.
CERSEI LANNISTER
How long until the Golden Company reaches the Blackwater?
QYBURN
They are at least a week away, Your Grace. More if the wind is uncooperative.
CERSEI LANNISTER
We need them here. After that dragon whore’s attack on our supply train, we have too few fighters by my measure.
QYBURN
I understand, your Grace. But there is another matter to consider.
Cersei unconsciously rests a hand on her stomach as she registers the threat in his words.
CERSEI LANNISTER
Oh?
QYBURN
There is some…unrest in the city, Your Grace. Rumors are spreading about Daenerys and her magical powers. Walking through flames and such.
CERSEI LANNISTER
Crib tales for the feeble-minded.
QYBURN
There are plenty of feeble-minded people in Flea Bottom who believe them. There’s talk of supporting her claim to the throne.
CERSEI LANNISTER
Is that so?
(beat)
Issue an order to the Gold Cloaks and the Queensguard. Anyone who utters a word in support of that white-haired witch is to be executed for treason.
Qyburn bows and leaves Cersei. She is now entirely alone, just her and a vast expanse of table where her loyal advisors should be.
EXT. THE SILENCE – DECK – SAILING – NIGHT
The huge ship creaks and moans on the waves. Strong winds gust as storm clouds hide the stars.
YARA GREYJOY is lashed to the mast. She is windswept, wet, and exhausted, but she still struggles at her bonds.
EURON GREYJOY drags KINVARA, the red priestess, by the arm. Kinvara is gagged and bound, but unlike Yara, she no longer struggles.
YARA GREYJOY
Small cock, smaller brain –– Father was right about you.
EURON GREYJOY
Your beloved father is a stain on the rocks. The carrion birds are shitting his opinions into the ocean.
Euron lets go of Kinvara and moves toward Yara, the gleam of a madman in his eyes.
YARA GREYJOY
A real brave man you are, stealing women and killing old men. Slaying your own kin. I can hardly breathe for fear of you.
EURON GREYJOY
In the kraken’s embrace, you’ll be gasping for sure.
Euron grinds against Yara, who turns away in disgust.
EURON GREYJOY (CONT’D)
Little Yara, you have no idea the plans I have for you. Watch.
Euron leads Kinvara to the ship’s railing. Yara can’t help but watch as Euron unsheathes his dagger. He caresses Kinvara’s cheek with the blade.
EURON GREYJOY (CONT’D)
Shame. You’re quite pretty. Or at least, you were.
Euron draws the dagger across Kinvara’s forearm. He holds her arm over the side of the ship, letting her blood trickle into the dark waters below.
Yara searches Kinvara’s face, which is strangely blank. Euron’s face is a mask of maniacal joy.
YARA GREYJOY
Blood magic? Are you mad?
EURON GREYJOY
The Drowned God, horse gods, fire gods, blood gods –– I pray to them all. And they all answer me.
Euron tilts his head back to soak in the gale, then smiles as the wind calms. The sails fill with a steady stream of air, and the ship moves smoothly through the now-gentle waves.
Yara looks at the clearing night sky in disbelief.
EXT. TARGARYEN CAMP – CLEARING – NIGHT
Arya sits by a campfire. The sounds of camp life swirl around her as she sharpens Needle.
Dothraki drums beat nearby, their rhythm matched by the scrape of Arya’s blade against the whetstone.
SANDOR CLEGANE stumbles through the clearing, holding a wineskin. He collapses onto the grass. He stretches his feet out and rests his head on a log. Arya’s hands pause mid-task.
SANDOR CLEGANE
I heard there was a new cunt in camp. No one told me it was the Stark bitch.
Arya resumes sharpening Needle.
ARYA STARK
Which am I then? A cunt or a bitch?
SANDOR CLEGANE
You left me to be eaten by crows. You’re both.
ARYA STARK
How did you survive?
SANDOR CLEGANE
Death isn’t too keen on my company.
(long beat)
Why? You planning to arrange another meeting?
Arya tests Needle’s point against her finger.
ARYA STARK
Might do.
SANDOR CLEGANE
I think I just wet myself.
(beat)
Am I still on your fearsome little list then?
ARYA STARK
No.
SANDOR CLEGANE
So what poor bastard is next on your list?
ARYA STARK
I don’t have a list anymore.
SANDOR CLEGANE
Why? Lost your taste for killing?
ARYA STARK
My sword is as sharp as yours. Sharper, probably. The list helped me fall asleep. I sleep well enough now.
SANDOR CLEGANE
So what do you plan to use your sharp little sword for, then? Cutting vegetables in the kitchens?
ARYA STARK
Protecting what’s mine.
Sandor regards her. She’s calm, not the angry little girl he knew.
SANDOR CLEGANE
You’ve gotten smarter.
ARYA STARK
And you’ve gotten stupid. You’ve drunk so much wine you couldn’t fight off a child.
SANDOR CLEGANE
Do you want to test that notion?
ARYA STARK
Sure.
(beat)
Let me go find a child.
Sandor laughs and raises his wineskin.
ARYA STARK (CONT’D)
Then why are you here? Why pledge yourself to a queen you wouldn’t die for?
SANDOR CLEGANE
Where else, little wolf? You think I’m going run to my cozy home, where my loving brothers and sisters are waiting for me. Bah!
This brings Arya up short.
ARYA STARK
You saved my life. You saved my sister’s life. You went beyond the Wall with Jon. We could find a room at Winterfell, if you want it.
Sandor catches her eyes, testing the truth.
ARYA STARK (CONT’D)
You’d have to take a bath first.
Sandor relaxes, takes a swig.
SANDOR CLEGANE
You high born cunts, all alike.
Fancy ass clothes and castles.
Sandor offers Arya his wineskin. Arya drinks deep, then hands it back to him. She resumes sharpening Needle as the odd pair sit in comfortable silence.
EXT. TARGARYEN CAMP – CLEARING – NIGHT
Daenerys sits on a rock wall. Drogon nuzzles next to her. Dany strokes his snout.
Tyrion approaches but gives Drogon a wide berth.
TYRION LANNISTER
Are you well?
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
Yes.
(beat)
No. No, I suppose not.
TYRION LANNISTER
The loss of your dragon is a terrible tragedy.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I know no one can understand. But these dragons are my children.
TYRION LANNISTER
Children come in many forms. I had a niece and nephew once whom I loved like my own.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
Were they raised from the dead and enslaved by the Night King?
TYRION LANNISTER
No. Not last I heard.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
How can I save the North if I can’t even save my own child?
TYRION LANNISTER
Northerners are proud people. They don’t want saving. They want a leader. You are the best leader I have ever known.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
They’ve already chosen a leader.
TYRION LANNISTER
They haven’t met you yet.
Drogon moves away from the rock wall. Tyrion climbs up and sits beside Daenerys.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
Jon would have me sit quietly while he speaks to the lords on my behalf.
TYRION LANNISTER
Jon knows the North. But you cannot win over the people by sitting in silence.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
So what would you have me do?
TYRION LANNISTER
The Starks carry a great deal of power in the North. You can offer power in the South. Show them all how beneficial this alliance could be.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
And if they decide they’d rather forfeit a powerful alliance than accept a Southern queen?
TYRION LANNISTER
No one forfeits power, my Queen. Not in Westeros.
They sit together, the Queen and her Hand, watching her dragons take flight against the night sky.
END OF ACT ONE