ACT THREE

EXT. WINTERFELL – TARGARYEN CAMP – DAY

Campfire smoke blankets the countryside. The footprint for the Northern and Targaryen armies spans leagues.

As Jon moves through the camp, he greets fighters. He finally reaches the edge of the camp. Winterfell stands proud, a mirage in the snow.

Jon continues toward the castle.

The distant beating of wings catches Jon’s attention. He sees Rhaegal circling above him.

Jon watches as Rhaegal lands. The wind from Rhaegal’s great wings blows Jon’s cloak back. The two regard each other.

Jon reaches out a hand. Rhaegal extends his snout. Jon feels the great heat that emanates from dragon.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN (O.S.)

Bonding, are we?

Daenerys joins them.

JON SNOW

I thought you were in the castle.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

He’s lovely, isn’t he?

JON SNOW

He is.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

I named him for a brother I never knew. It’s fitting the two of you share a bond.
     (a beat)
I came to this continent with three children –- the only family I had left. Three beautiful, strong dragons.

JON SNOW

They are lovely and powerful like their mother.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

I miss Viserion.

JON SNOW

I’m sorry, Daenerys.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

I couldn’t bear to lose another.

Rhaegal takes off. Jon pulls Daenerys into his arm as they watch the dragon fly.

INT. CITADEL – STUDY – DAY

The study is sparsely furnished, save for an array of torture implements spread across a table –- spikes and cuffs and knives and ropes.

EIGHT MAESTERS are kneeling. Qyburn stands before them, a glint in his eye.

QYBURN

I am here at the request of Queen Cersei of the House Lannister, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, and Protector of the Seven Kingdoms.

The maesters look like they’ve been beaten. Two imposing SOLDIERS loom behind them.

QYBURN (CONT’D)

Now. I will not ask again. The queen requires all of the information you have on the Long Night and the Others.

Qyburn goes to the torture table and runs his fingers over the instruments.

QYBURN (CONT’D)

I would prefer not to have to torture it out of you. But if you continue to withhold the information I need, you will leave me no choice.

The maesters remain silent. After a moment, Qyburn nods to the soldiers.

The door opens, and the maesters blanch. Four SOLDIERS carry in a large table, with straps affixed to various positions. There’s a handle under the table.

It’s THE RACK.

The soldiers place the torture device in front of the maesters.

Two soldiers lift ARCHMAESTER MARWYN like he weighs nothing.

The archmaester exclaims as he is placed on the rack. His limbs are strapped in place.

Qyburn looms over Marwyn.

QYBURN (CONT’D)

Archmaester, Queen Cersei knows you have information that can be put to good use in the fight to come.

Marwyn yelps when a strap is pulled tight. Qyburn is pleased.

QYBURN (CONT’D)

What information do you have on the Long Night and the Others, old friend?

Marwyn remains silent. Qyburn gestures to a solider. The crank is turned, and Marwyn’s limbs begin to pull.

Marwyn holds out until there is an audible CRACK.

He lets out a blood-curdling scream.

ARCHMAESTER MARWYN

A language!

Qyburn motions for the torture to stop. Marwyn is relieved.

QYBURN

What kind of language?

ARCHMAESTER MARWYN

No human can speak it.

Qyburn raise his hand again. Marwyn interrupts.

ARCHMAESTER MARWYN (CONT’D)

There are symbols! I don’t know what they are, exactly, but there’s a book… in the library.

QYBURN

And where exactly can I find this book?

The soldier turns the crank again, slowly, and Marwyn screams.

EXT. WINTERFELL – DAY

JAIME LANNISTER rides along the snowy Kingroad, his cloak pulled tightly around him. Winterfell dominates the landscape.

INT. WINTERFELL – GREAT HALL – DAY

The heavy snowfall outside casts the Great Hall in a dark, dreary light. A large fire is lit, but everyone is clad in heavy cloaks, nonetheless.

Jon, Daenerys, Sansa, Arya, and Tyrion are gathered before the fire. A large MAP of Westeros is laid out on a table.

The creaking of the double doors alerts them. Jaime enters. He is met with silence.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

Ser Jaime, is your army close behind?

JAIME LANNISTER

I’m sorry to say that Cersei will be of no help in the fight against the Night King. I tried to convince her otherwise, to not go against her given word, but she will not see reason.

JON SNOW

     (angry)
What does she intend to do, then, if not fight with us?

Daenerys turns to Tyrion.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

Did you not see this betrayal?

TYRION LANNISTER

Your Grace, I advised you that Cersei may be a less trustworthy ally.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

A less trustworthy ally.

SANSA STARK

Cersei can never be trusted. Frankly, I am surprised you believed at all, especially you, Lord Tyrion.

TYRION LANNISTER

Even I want to believe in redemption from time to time.

JAIME LANNISTER

Cersei has hired a company of sellswords from Essos to join her army. Her forces are… not what they once were.

Jaime looks at Daenerys, who betrays no reaction.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

What does Cersei plan to do with her army?

JAIME LANNISTER

I do not know specifically. Shore up her defenses in King’s Landing.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

Forgive me, Ser, but what good are you to us, if you do not know the aims of your queen? Of your sister?

TYRION LANNISTER

Cersei always has an angle.

All eyes fall on Tyrion.

TYRION LANNISTER (CONT’D)

Trust me. My sister always –- always has an agenda. I’ve never known her to embark down a chosen path without a plan.

JON SNOW

Whether or not Cersei has something planned, we need to make sure the army that we have here and now is as prepared as possible for the coming battle.

ARYA STARK

Jon’s right. The Night King is closer than ever. That needs to be our biggest priority.

JAIME LANNISTER

For whatever it’s worth, I’m here to fight. On the side of the living.

Jaime unstraps his scabbard and presents it before Daenerys.

Daenerys takes a moment to weigh her options, eyeing the golden man before her.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

Very well. Let us proceed.

INT. KING’S LANDING – QUEEN’S CHAMBERS – DAY

Cersei sits across from TYCHO NESTORIS of the Iron Bank. The Mountain stands behind Tycho.

CERSEI LANNISTER

To what do I owe the honor of your presence?

TYCHO NESTORIS

We at the Iron Bank have heard of recent… difficulties that have arisen in Westeros. Difficulties that may pose problems in the future repayment of your outstanding debts.

CERSEI LANNISTER

I am not concerned. You can rest assured, you will have the payment once the battle is won.

TYCHO NESTORIS

Your Grace, the Iron Bank is less than confident. As of right now, the Golden Company is securing King’s Landing and putting down small uprisings–

CERSEI LANNISTER

Small annoyances I assure you.

TYCHO NESTORIS

–-And we have seen no moves on your part toward tackling the growing threats in the North. Or toward paying us back.

CERSEI LANNISTER

The North will no longer be a problem in the near future. Then I will be free to pay back the loan. With interest.

The door SLAMS open. The Mountain is immediately on alert, ready to take down the intruder.

Euron saunters in, a broad grin on his face.

EURON GREYJOY

     (to the Mountain)
Oh stand down, you brute.
     (to Tycho)
My betrothed and I will make sure these minor issues are taken care of. Don’t you worry.

CERSEI LANNISTER

What are you doing here?

TYCHO NESTORIS

Ah, I hadn’t heard you were engaged. Many congratulations. I’m sure the fish stew at the reception will be incomparable.

EURON GREYJOY

Having a strong king and queen will put the public in their place. And once we’re married, and the Iron Born take over the City Watch, we’ll never have to worry about citizen unrest again.
     (to Cersei)
We’ll give them something to celebrate, and something to fear.

TYCHO NESTORIS

Are the Iron Born the best choice for the job? Raping and reiving through small villages is one thing, but in the capital–-

EURON GREYJOY

I’ve raped and reived my way through Essos –- through more small villages and huge cities than you could ever imagine. The people there scream just like the people here, and they will be broken just the same.

CERSEI LANNISTER

Tell the Iron Bank that I have things well in hand. A Lannister always pays her debts.

Tycho can tell that the conversation is over for now. He takes his leave.

TYCHO NESTORIS

I pray you two are happy in your union. I look forward to working with you in the future.

With that, Tycho exits. The Mountain closes the door behind him.

EURON GREYJOY

About fuckin’ time that was over.

Cersei stands.

CERSEI LANNISTER

I have an appointment.

EURON GREYJOY

Ah, my betrothed.

Euron attempts to pull Cersei to him.

EURON GREYJOY (CONT’D)

When will we be married? I can wait no longer.

Cersei plants a placating kiss on his lips and makes eye contact with the Mountain over Euron’s shoulder.

The Mountain steps forward and partially unsheathes his sword. The sound of sliding metal gets Euron to step back.

CERSEI LANNISTER

I’m afraid I must go. We can discuss this later.

Cersei strides past Euron. The Mountain falls into step behind her as she leaves.

INT. KING’S LANDING – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS

Cersei turns to the Mountain, a step behind her.

CERSEI LANNISTER

Has there been word from Qyburn?

EXT. BLACKWATER BAY – NIGHT

The harbor is deserted and silent, save for the lapping of the waves against the boats and shoreline.

Theon and Harrag emerge from a cave at the base of Aegon’s High Hill. They make their way up along the shoreline.

They hide behind a large boulder.

HARRAG

Sails are tied. Both of the anchors look to be down.

THEON GREYJOY

I don’t see any light.

HARRAG

You’re sure Yara’s on board?

THEON GREYJOY

He wouldn’t trust Cersei to keep her. He’d want to keep her close.

HARRAG

It’ll be heavily guarded.

THEON GREYJOY

I know. You’ll be right behind me?

HARRAG

Where else would I be?

THEON GREYJOY

     (seriously)
Thank you.

HARRAG

No time for all that now. Get on with it.

Theon hurries out, followed closely by Harrag.

They are shadows on the beach. Their footsteps barely make a sound.

The waves continue to lap against the boats in the harbor.

INT. WINTERFELL – SANSA’S CHAMBERS – NIGHT

Jon, Sansa, and Arya are gathered in Sansa’s chambers. Arya sits by the fire, whittling a small piece of firewood. Sansa stands beside the fireplace, and Jon paces.

JON SNOW

I like what you’ve changed. I like what you’ve kept. It reminds me of growing up.

SANSA STARK

What are your plans?

JON SNOW

What?

SANSA STARK

I asked what your plans are –- with Daenerys, without Daenerys. Because I need to know what to plan for.

JON SNOW

You don’t trust her?

SANSA STARK

I trust her.

Jon does not believe her.

SANSA STARK (CONT’D)

I do. She has my respect for being willing to go beyond the Wall to bring you back and for risking and losing a dragon for you.

JON SNOW

Then what do you need to plan for, if you trust her? If you trust me?

SANSA STARK

The future. I’m trying to think beyond all this –- to a normal life, where I don’t have to worry about ice people or warrior dragon queens or –- or brothers who turn out to be cousins and also the rightful heir to the most deadly chair in the world.

JON SNOW

     (gently)
My plan is to be with my family, Sansa. We’ve all just gotten each other back. I’m not going anywhere, anytime soon, if I can help it.

Sansa relaxes.

JON SNOW (CONT’D)

But Daenerys is my family now, too. 
And I want her in my life. Both –- all of you.

Jon looks at Arya.

JON SNOW (CONT’D)

We’re going to need each other for what we’re about to face.

They lapse into silence again, the sound of Arya’s knife against wood audible over the crackle of the fire.

SANSA STARK

What are you making?

Arya holds up the piece of wood. It looks like the crude, misshapen figure of a woman in a simple dress.

ARYA STARK

I tried to make one of those dolls Mother always used to try giving to me.
    (a beat) 
Still not really my thing.

SANSA STARK

I think it’s nice.

Sansa takes the figure from Arya and places it on the mantle above the fireplace.

END OF ACT THREE