2.5 The Ghost of Harrenhal

The end of the Baratheon rivalry drives Catelyn to flee; Tyrion is alerted to Joffrey's flawed defense plan; Arya receives a promise; the Night's Watch arrive at an ancient fortress.

Plot Summary
The shadow creature that Melisandre had given birth assassinates Renly in his tent. Two guards enter the tent and mistake Brienne as the murderer. Brienne kills them and flees with Catelyn. During the journey she swears loyalty to her and Catelyn in turn swears not to impede Brienne's goal of killing Stannis, who she believes had killed Renly. Meanwhile, Renly's bannermen flock to Stannis' side. With the advantage, Stannis begins planning to attack King's Landing. Davos advises him to leave Melisandre behind because the men believe she is pulling the king's strings. Stannis agrees to his advice and gives him lead of the assault. At King's Landing, Lancel tells Tyrion that Joffrey's plans to defend the city by catapulting jars of a substance called Wildfire. After seeing a storage of the jars, Tyrion and Bronn doubt the effectiveness of the plan, but Tyrion claims them for himself.

On the Iron Islands, Theon has trouble controlling his crew. His first mate, Dagmer Cleftjaw, suggests that Theon will have to earn their respect. He proposes to attack the Northern fort of Torrhen's Square. Theon ponders this for a moment and realizes what Dagmer is trying to do. Beyond the Wall, the night's watch join up with Qhorin Halfhand at the Fist of the First Men, an ancient fortification. Qhorin informs them that wildlings are becoming more organized under the leadership of a former ranger called Mance Rayder. He proposes that they attack a small watchtower with a small group. Jon volunteers for this group despite the Lord Commander's initial disapproval.

Daenerys invited to a party hosted by Xaro Xhoan Daxos, a member of the Thirteen who had vouched for her. During the party, Daenerys is invited to the House of the Undying by the warlock, Pyat Pree. At the same time, a masked woman warns Ser Jorah Mormont of the dangers Daenerys will face. Later, Xaro proposes to Daenerys in exchange for him giving her enough wealth to take King's Landing. Jorah is against the idea of marrying Xaro because he believes the people would not want a foreign puppet to rule them. Daenerys questions his motives and agrees with him when she hears them. At Harrenhal, Arya encounters Jaqen H'ghar, the man she rescued from the cage. He offers to pay her back by killing three persons of her choosing. She picks interrogator known as "The Tickler." Later, she finds the interrogator dead with a broken neck and Jagen nearby hinting that he was murderer.