This is the first time I have participated in Ginger at GReads Tune in Tuesday. I have seen the different posts this last month and have loved listening to others music. Music can take you back to a moment in time instantly! Sometimes good moments and sometimes bad moments but I absolutely love music no matter what time it takes me back too.

I just recently finished the book ‘Becoming Marie Antoinette’ by Juliet Grey and really enjoyed it. I love historical fiction and was pleasantly surprised by how closely accurate her novel was. I am used to reading more of her reign and her death so it was a nice change to read about her childhood. I feel like Marie Antoinette was a victim of Renassaince paparazzi and she was unjustly portrayed. It seems to me that the author felt the same way. What does this have to do with Tune in Tuesday? It so happens that one of my all time favorite songs Viva La Vida by Coldplay is supposed to be about Louis XVI. I have heard other theories that it is about Napoleon and even Jesus, but I  am going to maintain that it is about Louis XVI until Coldplay tells me otherwise! Besides the history in this song, I just think it is a beautiful song and makes me feel bittersweet everytime I hear it.

Enjoy….

Lyrics

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemies eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing:
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
once you're gone there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world
(Ohhh)

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in.
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People could not believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries Wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king? 

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter won't call my name
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world
(Ohhhhh Ohhh Ohhh)

Hear Jerusalem bells are ringings
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world
Oooooh Oooooh Oooooh

]]> http://www.novelideasbymel.com/2011/09/13/tune-in-tuesday/feed/ 0 http://www.novelideasbymel.com/2011/09/13/tune-in-tuesday/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/novelideasbymel/UJRM/~3/5l3v_w5MrsA/ http://www.novelideasbymel.com/2011/08/24/507/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:25:26 +0000 Melanie http://www.novelideasbymel.com/?p=507 [Read On] ]]> Tyrion is in a cell being taunted and tormented by his gaoler, Mord. One end of his cell is open to the sky, and Mord says that he will jump to his death eventually. Tyrion thinks back to how he got into this predicament. It began during his audience with Lord Robert and Lady Lysa. Lysa accused him of murdering Jon, causing him to become very annoyed and very sarcastic. Robert almost had him killed before Catelyn reminded Lysa that Tyrion is her prisoner and not to be harmed. Ser Vardis took him to a cell instead, where he is routinely mistreated by Mord. He wonders whether Jaime and Cersei really did conspire to kill Jon,  and wonders why the attack on Bran was so clumsy, finding that odd.  He thinks that someone may be trying to start a feud between Stark and Lannister.  He decides that he will die if confined in the cell much longer and decides he must get out. He calls for Mord and promises him gold in exchange for aid. Mord is reluctant at first and starts beating him, but finally consents to take Tyrion’s message to Lysa that Tyrion is ready to confess his crimes.

That night, Ser Vardis comes for Tyrion and brings him before the Lady Lysa. All the powerful houses of the Vale are represented in the High Hall. The attendees include Ser Brynden, Lord Nestor, Ser Albar Royce, Ser Lyn Corbray, LordEon Hunter, Lady Anya Waynwood and her sons.  Others present bear sigils he does not recognize such as a broken lance,  a green viper,  a burning tower,  and a winged chalice.  Ser Rodrik, Ser Willis, Marillion, and Bronn are also there. As Tyrion enters, Bronn looks pointedly at him with hand on pommel. Tyrion steps forward and begins confessing his crimes, that he lays with whores, gambles, mocks, etc. Catelyn accuses him again of plotting to kill Bran, and he denies it. Lysa is about to send him back to his cell, but he demands a trial. Lysa says Lord Robert will hear his case, but Tyrion demands trial by combat. Lysa appoints Ser Vardis as her champion and Tyrion names Jaime, but Lysa will only allow him to choose someone who is present. Bronn stands up and volunteers.

by Mel

What an awesome concept! Sky Cells, you are free to go if you so wish, or if you go insane waiting and starving because Mord keeps throwing your food out of your sky cell! I actually have to say, if I had my choice between being be-headed, burnt alive or thrown out of the moon door, I would choose the moon door everytime. From what I hear you’ll probably already be dead by the time you hit the ground from a heart attack! Tyrion is not ready to die just yet and being the smart guy that he is, talks Mord into telling Lysa he’s ready to confess his crimes. He’s had plenty of time to think and has reasonably contemplated his brother and sister’s involvement in his imprisonment. Hmmm, could they have had Jon killed? Why would they botch up the attack on Bran, and plant HIS dagger on the killer? He realizes someone has set him up to take the fall, but who? Having read all the books, I know exactly who poisoned Jon and who sent the hit on Bran, setting up Tyrion. So in reading this again, I can read more into his doubts and thought process. By the time it has all been explained, they are much more pressing matters going on, and I was like, ‘Oh, that was why?’ and ‘They did that!’ It all makes sense now, but again, too late in the game for me to really care anymore. How was THAT for a teaser?

Tyrion has also had enough time to realize he has quite the big mouth for such a little body.

 “He slew the Hand of the King!”

“Oh, did I kill him too?” Tyrion had said, like a fool.

“It would seem I’ve been a busy little fellow,” he said with bitter sarcasm. “I wonder when I found the time to do all this slaying and murdering.”

So Tyrion is ready to confess his crimes and is front of Lysa, Cat and the child that is just not quite right!

“Where to begin? I am a vile little man, I confess it. My crimes and sins are beyond counting, my lords and ladies. I have lain with whores, not once but hundreds of times. I have wished my own lord father dead, and my sister, our gracious queen, as well.” Behind him, someone chuckled. “I have not always treated my servants with kindness. I have gambled. I have even cheated, I blush to admit. I have said many cruel and malicious things about the noble lords and ladies of the court.” That drew outright laughter. “Once I—”

Catelyn Stark took a step forward. “You are accused of sending a hired knife to slay my son Bran in his bed, and of conspiring to murder Lord Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King.”

Tyrion gave a helpless shrug. “Those crimes I cannot confess, I fear. I know nothing of any murders.”

Lysa is pissed, Robert is screaming for her to make him fly! Tyrion losses his temper!

 “Is this how justice is done in the Vale?” Tyrion roared, so loudly that Ser Vardis froze for an instant. “Does honor stop at the Bloody Gate? You accuse me of crimes, I deny them, so you throw me into an open cell to freeze and starve.” He lifted his head, to give them all a good look at the bruises Mord had left on his face. “Where is the king’s justice? Is the Eyrie not part of the Seven Kingdoms? I stand accused, you say. Very well. I demand a trial! Let me speak, and let my truth or falsehood be judged openly, in the sight of gods and men.”

“You want a trial, my lord of Lannister. Very well, a trial you shall have. My son will listen to whatever you care to say, and you shall hear his judgment. Then you may leave … by one door or the other.”

“I thank you, my good lady, but I see no need to trouble Lord Robert,” Tyrion said politely. “The gods know the truth of my innocence. I will have their verdict, not the judgment of men. I demand trial by combat.”

Luckily for Tyrion, Ser Vardis doesn’t feel good about fighting the Imp, not being honorable and all but unfortunately they can not wait for Jaime to arrive. Do we have any volunteers to fight for the Imp?

“I’ll stand for the dwarf,” Bronn called out.

I KNEW Bronn was awesome! I just can’t wait to see what happens! Oh, I already know! One thing that kind of stuck out to me at the end of this chapter is what he says to Marillion, the singer.

“Singer,” Tyrion said, turning to Marillion, “when you make a ballad of this, be certain you tell them how Lady Arryn denied the dwarf the right to a champion, and sent him forth lame and bruised and hobbling to face her finest knight.”

I realize, in Westeros, that news is carried by either a raven or is made into a ballad by a singer. How else would anyone know of the stories of love and war in the days gone by. So that made me wonder. What if there were reporters and newspapers in Westeros? Would it look something like this…

Books to HBO

A terrific, well-written scene, using the opening and closing of this chapter as a basis. The middle section, flashing back to Tyrion’s introduction to Lysa and Robert Arryn (named Robin for the show), was used in the previous episode. Mord is more brutal and frightening in the book, kicking Tyrion with a steel-toed boot on occasion rather than with his leather truncheon. Most notably, Tyrion does not use the “magic” of writing to convince Mord—in the novel, some illiterate smallfolk see writing almost as magical, and Tyrion’s written promise to pay what gold he had to Mord secured his help because of it. As to the “confession”, it goes on rather longer than in the novel, and into quite a bit more detail—much of it very funny, though we admit the multiple slang terms for masturbation got a bit tired!—but it’s quite funny all in all. The only other really notable change is that knights representing the Lynderly knight who speaks up first, and an older gentleman who more-or-less has Lord Hunter’s role, are present, but the character representing Lyn Corbray is not indicated. It’s also noteworthy that there’s not much hint of the fact that some of the people at court are would-be suitors of Lysa’s. The other detail we may note is the very different conception of the Moon Door, which is now a gate set directly in the floor that can be opened (hydraulically? the sound effect for it, at least in the screener, is stangely steampunk)

Robb and Bran slowly outdistance their guard. They hear the direwolves in the distance, and Robb goes off to bring them in. Soon after, Bran is set upon by four men, including Stiv and Wallen who deserted from the Night’s Watch, and two women,Hali and Osha. Bran identifies himself and threatens them. Hali wants to kill him, but Osha says he would be worth more toMance alive. Stiv says he is not going back to face the white walkers.¹ As Stiv prepares to cut Bran off Dancer, Robb returns with Summer and Grey Wind. They charge, and soon everyone is dead except Osha and Stiv, who takes Bran hostage. Suddenly, Stiv is felled by an arrow from Theon as the guard arrives. Robb is furious at Theon for such a reckless act, and is even more enraged to learn that the guard did not get there sooner because Theon went off hunting turkey. They take Osha back to Winterfell for questioning.

by Mel

First of all, this post has spoilers here and there concerning the rest of the series. You may not want to keep reading if you don’t want to know certain things that are coming.

We are back at Winterfell and Bran finally gets to try out his new saddle. First thing I noticed on this re-read is Bran’s thoughts on Theon… Was it supposed to be foreshadowing of things to come that he  doesn’t neccessarily share Robb’s opinion of him?

Robb seemed to admire Theon and enjoy his company, but Bran had never warmed to his father’s ward.

Reading it the first time, I don’t even remember thinking too much of Theon either way. He was just another name that came along with the many Winterfell clan. I wouldn’t forget it now. Reek rhymes with Geek. Too much? Sorry, I will carry on then. Robb is  trusting to a fault, which leads to his ultimate demise. Later in the book when Catelyn argues with Robb about sending Theon back to Pyke, I remember having a sense of doom at the time. I didn’t, however, even imagine the repercussions of him going to visit his family. Having read ‘A Dance with Dragons’ I now find myself cheering for him again and reasoning with myself that it was the lack of love from his father and wanting to please him that led him to his unspeakable acts.

I had also forgotten that when Robb tells Bran about what happened to Jory in King’s Landing, that the name Lannister brings him a little bit of anxiety. I couldn’t wait for him to remember what had happened to him but by the time he actually does, his mom and dad have already figured it all out. Theon wants Robb to call the banners and Robb is hesitant in what to do. Again, Bran has the presence of mind to remind Robb that their mother and father listened to Maester Luwin’s council, even though Theon regards him as being “timid as an old woman”.

A sense of doom comes again when Robb leaves Bran to go find the direwolves. It is then that I realize just how completely helpless Bran is strapped to his horse. He is confronted by some very unwholesome characters that are running from beyond the wall. If anyone should know why they are running it should be Bran because he actually saw what was going on there in his dream with the three eyed crow. Which, by the way, we finally had confirmation of who the three eyed crow actually is. Brynden ‘Blackraven’ Rivers who was always known as having a thousand eyes and one. I actually read the Dunk and Egg books and found it very interesting when everyone said that Bloodraven knew everything that went on in all the Seven Kingdoms. Which makes me wonder, could he warg into the crow at that time and see what everyone was doing? It may have already been answered in the forums but I haven’t seen it clarified yet. Ok, back on track… so we have four wildings that are threatening Bran and the wilding Osha is quite excited to hear that Bran is Benjen Stark’s nephew…

 “You’re as stupid as you are ugly, Hali,” said the tall woman. “The boy’s worth nothing dead, but alive … gods be damned, think what Mance would give to have Benjen Stark’s own blood to hostage!”

“Mance be damned,” the big man cursed. “You want to go back there, Osha? More fool you.

Stiv is bound and determined to get as far south as possible, which, they should have just been on there way because direwolves to the rescue, and we have two torn up Wildings. Stiv is holding a knife to Bran and here comes Theon to the rescue…YAY…but then wait? That was incredibly stupid of him to shoot an arrow with him holding Bran. Robb is pissed and Theon is sullen.

“Jon always said you were an ass, Greyjoy,” Robb said loudly. “I ought to chain you up in the yard and let Bran take a few practice shots at you.”

“You should be thanking me for saving your brother’s life.”

Best thing I’ve heard come out of Robb’s mouth so far this whole book. They take Osha as a prisoner and head back to Winterfell to question her and Robb is quite relieved that he doesn’t have to chop off her head.

Book to HBO

There’s a few notable differences here. First and foremost, the complete lack of direwolves, in a scene where they play a fairly important (if gruesome) role in helping to save Bran. Robb is actually on horseback during the fight, as well. Furthermore, Maester Luwin and members of the Winterfell guard come across the carnage after it’s done, but it does not seem they are at all evident. The chapter actually starts in Winterfell, and introduces us to a common girl named Kyra that Theon is rather familiar with. The other notable change is that this scene has expanded Theon and Robb arguing over what to do, making it the reason Theon departs. In the novel, Theon and Robb leave Bran alone to go find the direwolves. Last but not least, the character of Osha is rather different—thanks to the much-younger, rather a lot prettier Natalia Tena—than in the novel.

I have decided to participate in a week long read-a-thon hosted by On a Book Bender. This sounds like heaven to me although I have not yet broken it to my husband yet. I see other book bloggers have actually listed the books that they will read throughout the week, but I have to say, I am really bad at seeing a book that looks good and downloading it to my iPad and then NOT reading it. I probably have 150 books that I need to read, ranging from historical, paranormal, fantasy, suspense, urban fantasy, you name it, I’ve got it. I will have to let you know what I am reading as I go! How many books can you read in one week? Let me know!
Here is what I have!
Kindle…
The Blade Itself:The First Law:Joe Abercrombie
The Demon King:Cinda Williams
Acacia:David Anthony
The Eye of the World:Wheel of Time:Robert Jordan
The Darkness That Comes Before:The Peince of Nothing:Scott Bakker
The Red Wolf Conspiracy:Robert V.S. Redick
Assassin’s Appentice:Robin Hobb
Bloody Mary:J.A. Konrath
Glass Houses:Morganville Vampires:Rachel Caine
My Sister’s Keeper:Bill Benners
The Postcard:Tony Abbott
Kiss of Midnight:Lara Adrian
The Accidental Human:Dakota Cassidy
Accidentally Dead:Dakota Cassidy
Marked:P.C. Cast
Betrayed:P.C. Cast
Chosen:P.C. Cast
Untamed:P.C. Cast
Hunted:P.C. Cast
Cursed:Carol Higgins Clark
Hitched:Carol Higgins Clark
Laced:Carol Higgins Clark
Swimming Upstream, Slowly:Melissa Clark
The Poet:Michael Connelly
Postmortem:Patricia Cornwell
Body of Evidence:Patricia Cornwell
Stephanie Plum 1-9:Janet Avanovich
The Other Daughter:Lisa Gardner
The Perfect Husband:Lisa Gardner
Say Goodbye:Lisa Gardner
The Luxe:Emma Godberson
Envy:Emma Godberson
Rumors:Emma Godberson
Splendor:Emma Godberson
The Last Queen:C.W. Gortner
Ghost Memories:Heather Graham
The Beach House:Jane Green
Dust to Dust:Tami Hoag
Night Sins:Tami Hoag
Guilt of Sins:Tami Hoag
Prior Bad Acts:Tami Hoag
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming:Joshilyn Jackson
Lion’s Bride:Iris Johansen
Missing Mark:Julie Kramer
Mr. And Miss Anonymous:Fern Michaels
Women’s Murder Club 3-8:James Patterson
The Angel Experiment:James Patterson
Sunday at Tiffany’s:James Patterson
Swimsuit:James Patterson
The Sun in Splendor:Sharon Kaye Penman
My Sister’s Keeper:Jody Picoult
Katherine of Aragon:Jean Plaidy
Vision in White:Nora Roberts
Look Again:Lisa Scottoline
Royal Blood:Rona Sharon
One Deadly Sin:Annie Solomon
Legacy:Danielle Steele
Black Dagger Brotherhood 1-3:J.R. Ward
Best Friends Forever:Jennifer Weiner
The Calling:Inger Ash Wolfe
Flowers on Main:Sherryl Woods
The Inn at Eagle Point:Sherryl Woods
Kobo Books
Heat Wave:Richard Castle
Decked:Carol Higgins Clark
Undead and Unwed:Mary Janice Davidson
Scent of Rain and Lightening:Nancy Pickard
Think Twice:Lisa Scottoline
After the Darkness:Sydney Shelton
Dear John:Nicholas Sparks
E-Reader
The Scarecrow-Micheal Connelly
The Cove:Catherine Coulter
The Edge:Catherine Coulter
The Maze:Catherine Coulter
The Target:Catherine Coulter
Bitten:Kelley Armstrong
The Summoning:Kelley Armstrong
Angels and Demons:Dan Brown
The Accidental Werewolf:Dakota Cassidy
The Pleasure Palace:Secrets of Tudor Court:Kate Emerson
Sookie Stalkhouse 1-9:Charlaine Harris
The Tudors Series:2-6:Phillipa Gregory
Darkfever:Karen Moning
Bloodfever:Karen Moning
Faefever:Karen Moning
At First Sight:Nicholas Sparks
True Believer:Nicholas Sparks
A Walk to Remember:Nicholas Sparks
Highlander Series 4-7:Karen Moning
Naked in Death:J.D. Robb

Quotes…

 You do not demand a gift, not of a khal. You do not demand anything of a khal.”

“No one commands the dragon,” Viserys snarled. “I am your king! I should have sent you back her head!”

His fingers dug into her arm painfully and for an instant Dany felt like a child again, quailing in the face of his rage. She reached out with her other hand and grabbed the first thing she touched, the belt she’d hoped to give him, a heavy chain of ornate bronze medallions. She swung it with all her strength.

“Didn’t you learn anything that day in the grass? Leave me now, before I summon my khas to drag you out. And pray that Khal Drogo does not hear of this, or he will cut open your belly and feed you your own entrails.”

by Mel

In the beginning of the series, I feel sorry for Dany, but with each chapter that she is in, I can see her getting stronger and stronger. I love that she stood up to Viserys again, standing up for her people. Jorah warns him again that the Dothraki do things in their own time but Viserys just won’t listen. He is also so hateful towards his little nephew inside Dany’s belly, I sense some jealousy issues there.

I found it very interesting that as Dany is thinking of her son on a throne that she would rather have blood riders protecting him than knights. Really, they didn’t do much for her father or her brother. I like Jorah’s comment that Dothraki could not take a castle but could kick some serious ass in open battle.

I also find myself comparing Dany to Sansa. Sansa’s mind is full of dreams and fairytales, although she has seen a few times that her Prince Charming may just not all that charming. I like a quote I saw once…

Someone should sue Disney for making little girls think that Prince Charming actually exists.

How many of us have had the dissolution of fairy tales and happily ever after?

Dany has grown up in a different world and is smarter for it. I think that is why she is pleasantly surprised when she actually falls in love with Khal Drogo. She has been beat down by Viserys her whole entire life and knows that life is no bed of roses.

Love, love, love that Dany takes the belt to her brother. She’s evolving into the kick ass Dany that I love! As she sleeps with her dragon eggs, she thinks of her child on the throne.

Book to HBO

The single incident borrowed from this chapter is Dany placing the dragon’s egg in a lit brazier. This plays out very differently, however. In the novel, she has Jorah light the brazier and then leaves the egg there for hours, until the ashes are cold, whereas on the show Irri comes to take the heated egg from Daenerys, burning her own hands in the process to reveal that Daenerys is somehow safe against such heat. Daenerys scene with Viserys was a lot more dramatic in the HBO episode, she didn’t just slap him with a belt and threatens him herself instead of threatening Drogo against him.

by Mel

Even for a short chapter, we learn a lot of  information. Shall we discuss?

We get a lot of information just through Ned’s thoughts, for some reason the trip to the brothel has brought back some not so pleasant memories for Ned.

“Robert will never keep to one bed,” Lyanna had told him at Winterfell, on the night long ago when their father had promised her hand to the young Lord of Storm’s End. “I hear he has gotten a child on some girl in the Vale.” Ned had held the babe in his arms; he could scarcely deny her, nor would he lie to his sister, but he had assured her that what Robert did before their betrothal was of no matter, that he was a good man and true who would love her with all his heart. Lyanna had only smiled. “Love is sweet, dearest Ned, but it cannot change a man’s nature.”

We know of Robert’s undying love for Lyanna but for the first time we get a glimpse of how Lyanna felt about her betrothed. She knew of his frequenting of brothels and of his bastard child at the Vale. Hmmm, didn’t we just meet a Mya Stone last chapter? Lyanna must have known that her marriage to Robert wasn’t going to be the happiest of ones if she was to endure a marriage of visits to brothels and embarrassment of bastard children.

 “I named her Barra,” she said as the child nursed. “She looks so like him, does she not, milord? She has his nose, and his hair …”

“She does.” Eddard Stark had touched the baby’s fine, dark hair. It flowed through his fingers like black silk. Robert’s firstborn had had the same fine hair, he seemed to recall.

Eddard meets the youngest, we think, of Robert’s bastard children and her mother who is still holding out that he will come back to her. He remembers that Robert’s first child that died had the same black hair as this baby. It has to be hard for someone honorable as Ned to know that Robert will more than likely forget both of them.

He thought of the promises he’d made Lyanna as she lay dying, and the price he’d paid to keep them.

Again, we get a glimpse into the promise that Ned made Lyanna and what it had cost him. We don’t exactly know what the promise was besides bringing her back to Winterfell when she died. I can’t really see him paying a price for this.

He wondered if Rhaegar had frequented brothels; somehow he thought not.

So far, the only opinion we have of Rhaegar, is a very negative one from Robert. Ned seems to think of him as an honorable man and would an honorable man really kidnap and rape a woman? I think not. If you would like to hear my Rhaegar and Lyanna theory come and discuss with me at my forum. *Warning, there will be spoilers so if you haven’t read the whole series you may want to wait*

 Riding through the rainy night, Ned saw Jon Snow’s face in front of him, so like a younger version of his own. If the gods frowned so on bastards, he thought dully, why did they fill men with such lusts? “Lord Baelish, what do you know of Robert’s bastards?”

“Well, he has more than you, for a start.”

“How many?”

Ned is thinking about Jon Snow and wonders why men are filled with such lusts. To me, he wonders, because he does not know and doesn’t understand it. So if this is the case, then is he really Jon Snow’s father? Again, check my forum.

We know of 6 bastards so far, the girl in the Vale (Mya Stone?) Gendry and the Barra in Kings Landing. We also find out about an Edric Storm at Storm’s End with Renly that was conceived on his brother’s wedding day, in his wedding bed. Littlefinger also tells Ned about twins in Casterly Rock that Cersei was said to have killed because Casterly Rock was a little too close to her families home. Ned still can’t figure out why Jon Arryn cared about all of this and why it would have gotten him killed for it. Have you figured out the big secret yet? Ned hasn’t, but he’s getting closer!

Jaime Lannister smiled. “Quite true. I’m looking for my brother. You remember my brother, don’t you, Lord Stark? He was with us at Winterfell. Fair-haired, mismatched eyes, sharp of tongue. A short man.”

“I remember him well,” Ned replied.

“It would seem he has met some trouble on the road. My lord father is quite vexed. You would not perchance have any notion of who might have wished my brother ill, would you?”

“Your brother has been taken at my command, to answer for his crimes,” Ned Stark said.

When he opened his eyes again, Lord Eddard Stark was alone with his dead.

Littlefinger and the City Watch found him there in the street, cradling Jory Cassel’s body in his arms.

As Cartman would say from South Park… OMG they killed Rory! Damn Jaime Lannister! I guess I’m not sure why Ned could not have tried to smooth it over with Jaime. I know he was protecting his wife, which I guess is what bugs me because I am still irritated with Catelyn for not being home with Bran and Rickon. He could have been like, “Dude, I know! My wife is CRAZY sometimes! Let me send a raven I’ll fix this whole damn mess!” No, that’s why George RR Martin is the author and I am not! LOL!

Books to HBO

The prostitute has been aged up, it seems (in the novel, Ned’s afraid to ask how old she is, because she’s so young), and she’s given a name (Mhaegen, though it’s never stated). As already noted, some substantial changes here, with Jory dying at the hands of Jaime, and Ned and Jaime going toe-to-toe. We also do not get the thoughts inside Ned’s head concerning Robert, Lyanna and Rhaegar, which dissapointed me. Without getting inside his head, I feel like we are missing a whole lot information.

Catelyn and her party are being escorted by Ser Donnel Waynwood and a party from the Vale. Two more of Catelyn’s men,Lharys and Chiggen, died in a second clansmen attack, and Morrec died soon after when his wounds festered. When Ser Donnel approached, they drew up for a last stand before realizing who it was. The clans have been bold since Lord Jon died, and Lysa has pulled all her men into the Vale of Arryn, refusing to let them leave, even for the Hand’s tournament. Catelyn asks for Maester Colemon to tend to Ser Rodrik’s wounds, but he is commanded to stay at the Eyrie at all times and care for Lord Robert. They approach the Bloody Gate, and Ser Brynden Tully rides out to greet them. They pass through the gate and leave Ser Willis and Ser Rodrik, both wounded, before continuing on. Marillion and Bronn ask to continue on with her andTyrion and she allows it.

On the way, Catelyn tells Brynden all that has occurred. She thinks how her uncle was always a good listener, except when it came to her father, whom he quarreled with often. When Catelyn was eight, Lord Hoster called Brynden the black goat ofHouse Tully, and Brynden retorted he should be a black fish since the Tully symbol is a trout. He took a black fish for his personal emblem and has been known as the Blackfish ever since. They continued to fight until the day Lysa wed and Brynden left to take service with Lord Jon. Brynden is worried by Catelyn’s story. The nobles of the Vale are angry thatJaime Lannister has been named Warden of the East and many suspect Jon was murdered. Lord Robert is sickly and weak and many feel that Lord Nestor Royce, who ruled the Vale for fourteen years as High Steward while Lord Jon was serving as Hand, should rule until he comes of age, while others believe Lysa must marry again. She has already rejected a dozen suitors. Brynden also says that Lysa may not be helpful. She is changed by hard years, including two stillbirths and four miscarriages. They ride to the Gates of the Moon, where Lord Nestor greets them. He says that Lady Lysa has asked that Catelyn be sent up right away despite the fact that it is after dark. A young woman, Mya Stone, will take her to the top. Tyrion is escorted to a cell at the Gates.

Catelyn starts her climb, which takes her past three waycastles as the journey continues, Stone, Snow, and Sky. Mya talks as they go, telling Catelyn how she is in love with Ser Lyn Corbray’s squire, Mychel Redfort, and that they are to marry when he becomes a knight in a year or two. Catelyn thinks to herself that House Redfort is one of the oldest houses in the Vale, tracing their lineage back to the First Men, and that a son of this house would never marry a bastard.¹ The path gets narrower and windier on up, and by the time Catelyn reaches the last waycastle, Sky, she is too nervous to continue and has herself hauled up from Sky to the Eyrie in a basket. She is greeted by Ser Vardis Egen and Maester Colemon, who take her to Lysa. Her sister is all smiles until everyone leaves, at which point she turns vicious. She is furious that Catelyn brought Tyrion to the Vale and dragged her into her quarrel with the Lannisters. She had never meant to fight them, only to hide in the Eyrie. Lord Robert comes in as she shouts, and he is very sickly. He gets scared, and Lysa breastfeeds him. She wonders what to do with Tyrion, and Robert asks if they can make him fly.

Quotes…

 “They were your quarrels first sister. It was you who sent me that curse letter.”

“To warn you, so you could stay away from them! I never meant to fight them!”

by Mel…

Begin Rant…I don’t even know where to begin here…the more I re-read this book, the more irritated I am with Catelyn. She should be home with her children, the little ones that she left  Robb in charge of. Instead she has lost men trying to get to the Vale and then as she’s watching her sister breastfeed her 7 year old she remembers Rickon. Not like, oh I miss Rickon but, hmmm I don’t breastfeed Rickon and he’s 3 and seems so much more mature!!! OK, first of all, ewwwwwww! Now that I got that out she’s up there on this high hill with 7 towers on it…nothing bad can happen there…her sister is a wee bit crazy, her nephew is just…not…right! She’s thinking, ‘hmmm, Tyrion really doesn’t act like he’s guilty….’

How frustrating this is for me, knowing what I do now, that Catelyn is dealing with this madness, when she should be at home with her children…End Rant

Also, what is her deal with bastards. Mya Stone, who was sweet enough to get her up the mountain, talking about her boyfriend and then once Catelyn finds out she is a bastard then she feels sorry for her and knows she will not marry who she loves. Also, next chapter we get a hint of who this bastard belongs to if you haven’t already figured it out.

Books to HBO…

Ser Vardis is younger, and he essentially replaces the Blackfish for this scene, with that role not being cast this season. No mention of the Bloody Gate, and the Eyrie is rather different in design. We do not see Catelyn’s tortuous climb up the side of the mountain with Mya Stone (another uncast character). Also Robert Arryn has had his name changed to Robin for the sake of clarity. Kate Dickie is a much more slender Lysa, as well. Beyond these physical details, however, the scene captures the hysterical Lysa’s fear and anger very, very well, as well as Robin’s completely spoiled, immature nature. However, it should be noted that in the book, Tyrion is not actually in this scene—Lysa and Catelyn speak privately.

Back in his chambers, Eddard summons Vayon and has him prepare for the journey back to Winterfell. He decides he will leave first with his daughters and a few guardsmen and the rest of the household can follow behind. He contemplates going by ship to see Stannis, as he is convinced Stannis knows the secret that Jon died for. He has sent a letter to Dragonstone asking Stannis to return to his council seat but has received no reply. Eddard sends Vayon to look for a ship right before Tomard announces that Petyr is there to see him. Petyr tells Eddard that they have decided not to hire a Faceless Man and will just let it be known that a lordship awaits anyone who kills Daenerys. He then tells Eddard that if he will delay his departure briefly, he will take Eddard to the brothel he has been searching for.

Quotes…

Ned had heard enough. “You send hired knives to kill a fourteen-year-old girl and still quibble about honor?” He pushed back his chair and stood. “Do it yourself, Robert. The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword. Look her in the eyes before you kill her. See her tears, hear her last words. You owe her that much at least.”

“Out,” he croaked, choking on his rage. “Out, damn you, I’m done with you. What are you waiting for? Go, run back to Winterfell. And make certain I never look on your face again, or I swear, I’ll have your head on a spike!”

by Mel

So, Robert is just CRAZY! His whole council is ridiculous with the exception of Ser Barristan( (I really like him) So the arguement goes like this….

“You talk of murdering a child.”  Robert doesn’t care.
“You will dishonor yourself forever if you do this.”  Robert doesn’t care.
“Mercy is never a mistake.  [Robert] sent his own master to tend Ser Barrista’s wounds.”  Robert blushes but still insists this is different, and the girl must die.
“Have the years so unmanned you that you tremble at the shadow of an unborn child?”  And here, finally, we get it:  Robert purpled.
“Do it yourself, Robert.  The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.”  Robert can barely contain his fury that, yes, Ned means it.
“I had thought you a better man than this, Robert.  I thought we had made a nobler king.” Robert’s face was purple.

Then we have Littlefingers’ wise council…

“When you find yourself in bed with an ugly woman, the best thing to do is close your eyes and get on with it,” he declared. “Waiting won’t make the maid any prettier. Kiss her and be done with it.”

So the king tells him to get out and go back to Winterfell! Threatens his head, so Ned makes the proper arrangements to get his daughters out of King’s Landing immediately….phew, now I’m starting to feel a LOT better, get the hell out of King’s Landing!

But first… he decides to go visit a brothel with Littlefinger! Oh Ned!!!

Books to HBO

The council scene plays out very similarly, although the lack of Barristan Selmy at the small council means that Eddard is left without anyone who supports his position whatsoever. Robert’s line about the realm being ruled by “fear and blood” is a new one, and we suspect not quite one that the novel’s Robert would ever think or say. Otherwise, the scene plays out quite similarly.