ACT TWO
INT. WHITE HARBOR – JAIME’S TENT – NIGHT
JAIME LANNISTER sits alone. He looks like shit. Bloodshot eyes and a ratty beard. The journey from Winterfell to White Harbor has not been kind to the Kingslayer.
Jaime gulps from a wineskin until it is empty. He throws it away in complete disgust. BRIENNE OF TARTH walks in and catches it.
BRIENNE OF TARTH
Still can’t aim with your left hand, Ser Jaime?
He doesn’t look at her. Brienne’s mood sobers and she sits next to him.
BRIENNE OF TARTH (CONT’D)
I’m sorry about Tyrion.
(off his non-response)
I didn’t know him, but of course Pod never shut up about the man. Always going on about the Lannister who saved his life. I never understood his loyalty, but a man as good as Pod would know who was worthy of his trust.
JAIME LANNISTER
Podrick was a sentimental fool.
BRIENNE OF TARTH
Tyrion was also the talk of the kingdom, and Westeros did not have kind things to say. I’ve heard the good and the bad, but in the end it didn’t really matter. In the end he chose to fight for his kingdom. He died a good man.
JAIME LANNISTER
Get out.
BRIENNE OF TARTH
You’re a good man too, Jaime.
Jaime finally looks at her. She gives him a somber smile. Jaime goes in for a violent kiss, engulfing her face with his drunken mouth. Brienne is caught off guard. She tries to push him away.
BRIENNE OF TARTH (CONT’D)
(smothered)
Jaime. Stop.
Jaime continues to kiss her. Brienne pushes against his chest to no avail. Jaime fumbles to undo his pants.
This angers Brienne. She punches him in the balls. Jaime grunts, his breath escaping him in one guttural gasp. He falls to his knees.
BRIENNE OF TARTH (CONT’D)
It’s best you get your grieving out of the way quickly. We need Jaime Lannister in this fight. Not whoever this pathetic cock is.
Brienne exits, leaving Jaime lying on the floor.
INT. WHITE HARBOR – WAR TENT – DAY
The Starks and Targaryens have gathered their advisors and the remaining leaders of the armies and banners that have supported them. Noticeably absent is Jaime Lannister.
Tensions are high. The Dothraki stand smugly, but Athcho is weary. The Northern men look at them with disgust.
JON SNOW
Thank you all for being here. We have suffered devastating losses. Important leaders sacrificed their lives so we could survive and fight another day.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
We are doing everything we can to treat the wounded. But supplies are low and danger is still present.
Varys nods to Daenerys.
JON SNOW
We don’t have time to sit back while the dead keep moving. It’s time we plan our next attack.
Murmurs ripple through the gathering. The North and Wildlings protest. LYANNA MORMONT keeps a calculated stare on Daenerys.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
We must appoint new leaders to replace those we have lost.
She looks to the Unsullied. The absence of Grey Worm cuts deep.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN (CONT’D)
(in Valyrian)
When I freed you from slavery I asked you to appoint your own Commander. I will do so once more. Who do you choose?
An UNSULLIED SOLDIER steps forward.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN (CONT’D)
What is your name?
LORD MAZIN
Enough of this shit.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I beg your pardon?
LORD MAZIN
We didn’t come here to watch you appoint your next slave to–- (Commander).
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
They are not slaves. They are free men. You are all free men fighting for the same cause. Survival.
ATHCHO
We were free men when we swore our lives to you. When you walked out of the flames unscathed. You were supposed to be our savior, but instead you led us to slaughter.
(in Dothraki)
Aggravating woman.
The Dothraki yell in agreement.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I am still your Khaleesi. I suggest you stand down before you say something else you will regret.
JON SNOW
When you all bent the knee to me, I swore to act in the best interests of the North. That means Queen Daenerys and I leading together.
LORD MAZIN
You mean ruling together?
JON SNOW
I’ve never wanted the throne. You all know that.
SANSA STARK
Jon has always fought for you regardless of the odds. Do the same for him. Or you may as well surrender your bodies to the Night King now.
ATHCHO
(to Jon)
Where exactly are you asking us to go?
BRANDON STARK
The Army of the Dead marches for King’s Landing. I’ve seen it.
That shuts everyone up. Fear settles in the air.
JON SNOW
It would be easy to flee for Essos. Or hide in the North. But it’s foolish to think the Night King would stop at King’s Landing. He’ll come for us, no matter where we go. He’ll come for us all.
Jon and Daenerys scan the crowd to gauge their reaction. Athcho whispers to another DOTHRAKI. Lord Mazin stands with the Northerners. There seems to be quiet acceptance.
Jon takes a breath. Then…
LORD MAZIN
I’d rather die at home in the North where the winter howls than in the South with these Dothraki scum and their dragon whore.
It takes all of Jon’s strength not to hit the man. Lord Mazin storms out with the Northerners. Lyanna watches, an unreadable look on her face. She stands up and leaves.
Jon is rattled. Sansa and Arya share a worried look. Daenerys looks at Athcho and the Dothraki. They smirk at the retreating Northerners.
INT. WHITE HARBOR – ROYAL CHAMBER – NIGHT
Daenerys and Jon sleep. Jon’s scarred chest is covered by a thick fur blanket. Daenerys lies in his arms. A high-pitched, distant scream pierces the night air. Daenerys wakes with a start, but Jon remains asleep.
Drogon cries out again for his mother. Daenerys slides out of Jon’s hold. Jon stirs but quickly settles back in.
Daenerys slips on her fur coat before leaving their tent.
EXT. WHITE HARBOR – HILL – NIGHT
Daenerys walks up the hill that defeated her before. With each step she gains more strength.
Daenerys makes it to a clearing at the top of the hill. Drogon rests there, gasping in pain. Daenerys places her hand on Drogon’s head. The beast closes his eyes.
Daenerys slowly traces her hand down his long body. She reaches his wing, the skin singed off completely where Viserion burned him. Daenerys stares at the wound, heartbroken by her mistake.
Dany grazes his wing with her own charred fingers and Drogon shouts in pain. His wing flaps in response. Daenerys darts out of the way before he can hit her. Daenerys goes back to caress Drogon’s head.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I need you to be strong. I need you to fly.
Drogon blinks. Daenerys rests her head against his.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN (CONT’D)
Can you do that for me?
Drogon flaps his wings. Daenerys stands back as he gains momentum. Drogon lifts off with a shaky start.
Daenerys encourages him. With each beat of his wings he rises higher in the air until he is floating above Daenerys. He lets out another cry, this time in triumph.
He drifts to the horizon, looking for his next meal. Daenerys falls to her knees in relief.
VARYS (O.S.)
Congratulations, Your Grace. It is good to see him back in the skies.
Daenerys turns to find Varys. She stands.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
Do you always appear out of nowhere when you wish to speak to someone?
VARYS
It has been known to happen.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
And to what do I owe the pleasure of your latest entrance?
VARYS
I’m afraid Missandei did not make it out of Winterfell.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I knew it was so. I cannot deny it any longer.
VARYS
I am truly sorry, Your Grace. I know she was a trusted advisor.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
She was much more than that. She was my friend. At a time when I needed it most. Now I wonder if I freed her from slavery, only to lead her to an even worse fate.
VARYS
Sacrifices are necessary in times such as these. You more than anyone should know that.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I would give up anything for the sake of my people. I have, more than once. But it’s quite different when my own people are the ones being sacrificed.
VARYS
Your people follow you because they have faith you will lead them to a better world. You can’t do that if there’s no world left.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I’m losing their trust.
VARYS
Then win it back.
Daenerys gives him a small smile.
Daenerys and Varys hear and feel a low RUMBLE from the snowy ground.
The Dothraki thunder in on their horses. The herd circles around Daenerys and Varys, staking their dominance.
The herd slows to a stop, trapping their prey in the center. Athcho dismounts and walks to Daenerys. The kind and curious soldier is gone, now a tormented warrior.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
What is the meaning of this?
ATHCHO
You were to be our savior. Walking through the flames and guiding us across the poison water. But you have disgraced us. Offered up our bodies to the cold ones.
Athcho pulls out his arakh.
ATHCHO (CONT’D)
Where are your children, Khaleesi?
(in Dothraki)
The Mother of Dragons without any dragons is just a woman.
Dothraki roar in agreement. Varys looks helplessly at his queen.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
I am much more than the Mother of Dragons.
ATHCHO
You are right. You fought bravely in the battle of winter. A fearsome warrior. But you lost. And a warrior defeated in combat must be marked so the whole world can see their shame.
Daenerys knows what she must do. She steps forward. Varys tries to stop her.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
No. He’s right.
Daenerys kneels before Athcho with grim acceptance.
Athcho fists Daenerys’s long, elegant braid with a forceful tug. Daenerys shows no pain. Athcho raises his weapon.
VARYS
Stop! You must not do this!
Athcho aligns the blade with Daenerys’s hair. Daenerys stares straight into his soul, waiting. Daring him to do it.
The Dothraki grow rowdy. Daenerys’s demeanor angers Athcho. With a single flick he cuts off her silver hair. Daenerys’s breath catches with the loss.
Athcho holds up her braid. Thunderous cheers ring out. Athcho turns to Daenerys, still kneeling.
ATHCHO
(in Dothraki)
Weak.
Athcho throws her braid in front of her. The Dothraki cheer as they ride off, leaving Daenerys and Varys in the night.
EXT. WHITE HARBOR – TAVERN – NIGHT
A small tavern perches on the shoreline. The night is deserted and quiet.
INT. WHITE HARBOR – TAVERN – NIGHT
LOCALS sit at tables in the dusty tavern. Jaime sits in the corner, a drink in his hand and a smile on his face.
A young WHORE with pasty skin and mousy hair sits in his lap, nibbling on his ear. Jaime finishes his drink.
JAIME LANNISTER
Barkeep, another round for the house.
The locals cheer. The whore giggles.
JORAH MORMONT (O.S.)
Jaime Lannister, the lord of ale and self-pity.
Jaime turns to find Jorah, judgemental.
JAIME LANNISTER
I’m a bit busy here at the moment. Would you mind coming back later? Thanks ever so much.
Jaime turns back to the whore. Jorah sets down a pouch on the table. The heavy jingle of coins catches the whore’s attention.
JORAH MORMONT
Your services are no longer needed.
The whore slithers out of Jaime’s lap and picks up the money. With a teasing wink at Jaime, she leaves. Jorah sits down with Jaime.
JORAH MORMONT (CONT’D)
We’re coming to the end of the world and you’re spending it in the arms of a whore?
JAIME LANNISTER
The end of the world brings out the lust of humanity. Our men have been passing through all night trying to get one last fuck in before they freeze.
JORAH MORMONT
I thought you came to the North to follow Tyrion.
JAIME LANNISTER
Don’t say his name. You didn’t know him.
JORAH MORMONT
I did. A little.
JAIME LANNISTER
He would have been the first man here. He wasn’t the honorable saint you lot make him out to be.
JORAH MORMONT
When I met your brother he was pissing in a brothel in Volantis.
Jaime pretends not to be intrigued by this revelation.
JORAH MORMONT (CONT’D)
He was a right pestering shit with a head so full of pride and wine it’s a wonder he could stand on two legs.
(beat)
But he atoned for his sins. He fought for the good of the realm, till the end.
Jorah stands to leave.
JORAH MORMONT (CONT’D)
Your brother died a good man. So can you.
Jorah walks away.
JAIME LANNISTER
I’m to meet the same fate as my brother then?
JORAH MORMONT
That is up to you.
Jorah leaves a sobering Jaime.
INT. WHITE HARBOR – WOLF’S DEN – NIGHT
Bran sits at the base of the weirwood in his wheelchair. Bran closes his eyes and reaches for the tree.
EXT. WHITE HARBOR – TAVERN – SAME
Rhozo treks through the abandoned city. The warm-blooded Dothraki shivers but keeps moving.
As Rhozo passes the tavern, Jaime Lannister walks out. Jaime notices Rhozo heading for the WOLF’S DEN.
Jaime follows.
INT. WHITE HARBOR – WOLF’S DEN – NIGHT
Bran touches the weirwood. His eyes show white.
EXT. WESTEROS – SKIES – NIGHT – VISION
Bran looks down at Westeros from the night sky. He is flying. A dragon’s screech echoes through the air. Bran looks to his side and sees a bright blue scaly wing flapping.
Bran has warged into VISERION.
Bran looks down at the white ground. This is not the North, but snow covers the land. Winter is here.
The snowy landscape grows bigger as Viserion descends. He lands on a large hill, bowing down before his master.
The Night King walks toward his slave and looks straight into the dragon’s eyes. The Night King knows. He sees. He reaches for…
END VISION.
INT. WHITE HARBOR – WOLF’S DEN – NIGHT
…Bran wakes with a start just as a hand grabs him from behind.
Rhozo grips Bran’s throat, pressing a blade into the delicate skin. Bran holds perfectly still.
BRANDON STARK
You do not want to do this. There is no honor in killing a cripple.
RHOZO
(in Dothraki)
Blood magic is forbidden. It brings nothing but evil.
BRANDON STARK
Weirwoods do like blood, but I did not bring this fate on the Dothraki, nor did Daenerys.
RHOZO
(in Dothraki)
Blood warlock must die.
Bran closes his eyes, accepting.
Rhozo GRUNTS, then falls backward. Bran hears a sickening slice and a thud. Jaime Lannister appears in front of him, slightly out of breath.
JAIME LANNISTER
Did he hurt you?
BRANDON STARK
No.
Rhozo’s body lies on the ground, his gut sliced open and intestines already freezing from the cold.
JAIME LANNISTER
A person in your state shouldn’t be alone here.
BRANDON STARK
I am most powerful here. With the trees.
JAIME LANNISTER
Lot of help the trees were giving you when that Dothraki bastard had his hands around your neck.
BRANDON STARK
Do you want me to thank you?
JAIME LANNISTER
I didn’t do it for your gratitude.
BRANDON STARK
Then why did you?
JAIME LANNISTER
I’m not quite sure yet.
BRANDON STARK
You saved my sister, too. Quite a bit of heroism for a man who doesn’t know what he wants.
JAIME LANNISTER
I suppose I want to honor my family.
Bran looks at Jaime, as if he can see right through him.
BRANDON STARK
Tyrion Lannister.
JAIME LANNISTER
His death will not be for nothing. I’ll make sure of it. Even if I end up a slave to the Night King himself.
BRANDON STARK
The things you do for love.
Jaime freezes.
BRANDON STARK (CONT’D)
Take me to Jon. I must tell him.
JAIME LANNISTER
Tell him what?
BRANDON STARK
We must leave for King’s Landing. Now.
INT. WHITE HARBOR – WAR TENT – NIGHT
Daenerys sits by the fire, her short hair wet from the snow. Jon kneels in front of her, pushing her hair out of her eyes. Daenerys does not respond.
Jon stands and confronts Jorah, Davos, and Varys.
JON SNOW
Bring them here. They must answer for what they have done.
VARYS
They are long gone, I’m afraid. Chasing after them would do no good.
JON SNOW
I can’t just let them get away with this. They defiled her!
DAVOS SEAWORTH
Should we call for Maester Theomore?
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
No. I’m fine. I don’t need to see a maester every time I encounter danger. If I need assistance, I will tell you.
JON SNOW
How do you want to punish them?
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
It will not work. I have lost their trust.
DAVOS SEAWORTH
We lose a large amount of our forces if the Dothraki do not fight. Are you certain we cannot win them back?
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
No amount of force can compel the Dothraki to fight for a Khaleesi they do not respect.
JORAH MORMONT
My Queen, allow me to follow on my own. Give me one horse and a week’s supply of food. I will kill Athcho myself.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
You will do no such thing, Ser Jorah. I need you here. Not hunting for Dothraki blood.
JON SNOW
We’re losing more men by the day. If we don’t find a way to unite the people, there is no hope of winning this war.
EXT. WHITE HARBOR – WAR TENT – DAY
Jon and Daenerys stand before their people. The Unsullied and Knights of the Vale on one side, Northerners and Wildlings on the other.
JON SNOW
I know you’re all tired of me giving speeches. I am, too. You’re all scared. You’ve met death face to face and you barely made it out alive. Other men would have run the other way and not looked back. But if you want to be honorable men, men who will fight for the fate of the world, then the time for inner quarrels is over. Put aside your fears and sail with us to King’s Landing.
Silence fills the air as Jon waits for his men to respond. As the moments go by, Jon loses hope that his words reached anyone. Jaime steps forward as Brienne watches.
Jaime unsheathes his sword and kneels.
JAIME LANNISTER
I swear by the Old Gods and the New. I pledge my sword to serve you and your queen. I will follow you to King’s Landing.
Brienne comes forward. She unsheathes Oathkeeper and kneels next to Jaime. She looks to Jon and Sansa.
BRIENNE OF TARTH
I have sworn to protect the daughters of Catelyn Stark. I will follow where they lead.
The Hound steps forward.
SANDOR CLEGANE
I’m not swearing by any cunt gods, but I’ll come too.
The new Unsullied commander and LORD YOHN ROYCE step forward and kneel before Jon and Daenerys, who nod.
Lord Mazin steps forward. Jon awaits his response with dread.
LORD MAZIN
We belong here in the North. We will not sail with you.
Jon looks to the Northern lords. They all stand with Lord Mazin. Jon locks eyes with Lyanna Mormont, silently pleading for her to say something. She looks away.
JON SNOW
Very well. I wish you well for I fight on the side of the living. I fight for you, even if you won’t fight beside me.
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
To those who have bent the knee, I thank you. Your bravery is admirable. We will need every man and woman to prepare for the journey ahead.
Jon and Daenerys stand strong in the face of desertion. They will fight until the end.
END OF ACT TWO