House of the Dragon – S03E06 – Faceless Men – Transcript

House of the Dragon
Season 3 – Episode 6
Episode title: Faceless Men
Original release date: July 26, 2026

Plot: Criston’s army is ambushed by Tully soldiers playing dead. After Roderick and Oscar arrive, Criston requests a duel, but Alysanne Blackwood shoots him dead. Aegon, Larys, and Tyland plan to flee to Essos. Jeyne tells Rhaena to leave the Vale after she is caught attempting to see Baela. Alyn comforts a troubled Baela, and they kiss. Alys shows Aemond a hidden clutch of five dragon eggs and says they can rule Harrenhal together before they kiss. Daemon disguises himself as a City Watchman and kills an assailant after interrogating him. With men deserting the City Watch, the smallfolk report rampant crime. Rhaenyra promises that Velaryon soldiers will help. Rhaenyra sends assassins to Tumbleton posing as envoys from House Baratheon. Gwayne deduces the ruse and kills the assassins, saving Ormund and Daeron. Hugh sneaks into Tumbleton to see Kat, but she refuses to leave her family. Rhaenyra confines Alicent and Helaena more strictly, causing Helaena’s mental health to deteriorate. Alicent tells Rhaenyra that Helaena dreamed of Aemond at Harrenhal. Rhaenyra agrees to free them if Alicent goes to Harrenhal and kills Aemond. At Alyn’s request, Corlys sends men to King’s Landing, but is captured by Jon Roxton, Ormund’s lieutenant.

* * *

Transcript

Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.

[♪ epic theme music playing]

[birdsong]

[♪ dramatic music playing]

Tully’s been here. We found one of their camps just ahead. But something… strange has happened there.

[insects buzzing]

They’re all Rivermen.

Who killed them?

We found no sign of their foe.

[Criston] They did not fall here.

[shouting] On your guard!

It’s a trap!

[all shouting, grunting]

[choking]

[Criston] To me!

[shouting]

[Criston] Aaah!

[grunts]

Ah!

[Criston] [shouting]

[swords clanging]

[swords clanging]

Yah!

[groaning]

[Criston] [panting] We light the way!

[all shouting] We light the way!

[banging]

[slow, repetitive banging continues]

[Criston] This was not the battle.

[slow, repetitive banging continues]

Who are they?

[Criston] Our death.

[banging continues]

[Oscar Tully] Criston Cole! Traitor, usurper, and defiler of justice. Come forth to hear your fate.

[Criston] If I strike my banners, will you spare my men their lives?

[Roderick chuckles]

[Oscar Tully] I made a promise to the dead, Cole. I told them I’d build a sept out of traitors’ bones. I don’t have near enough bones yet.

[Criston] Hm. If there is to be battle here, many of you will die as well.

[Roderick] That’s why we’ve come. What better way to die than blade in hand?

[Criston] As you will it.

[♪ somber music playing]

[Criston] Let us begin here then. One of me against the two of you.

[groaning softly]

[Criston] Will that be enough to make a fight of it?

[arrow thwacking]

[arrow thwacking]

♪

[soldiers shouting]

[♪ somber music continues playing]

♪

[guard] They’re here.

[sighs]

---

[Daemon] I mourn my friend Ser Luthor, and some four and 10 of his best men. A total count of five and 20 of the City Watch now slain in the name of “King Daeron.” Lord Ormund mocks us in our own city.

[Rhaenyra] He means to show the realm that I cannot govern even my own seat. The great houses watch while he humiliates me. Where is my army?

[Orwyle] Ser Criston has hindered them. The vanguard is still a fortnight’s march from Tumbleton.

[Daemon]  The insult must be answered now. We must do what we should have done in the first. Burn the villains out.

[Mysaria] Then Ormund gets what he wants. A queen who murders loyal subjects cannot be trusted.

[Daemon] We know where the traitor has entrenched himself. If I fly directly to the Footly stronghold–

[Lady Sabitha] On a dragon, I presume. A beast well known for its delicacy and precision in battle.

[Manderly] Ah, yes, what a marvel. The flame it spews forth can discern with pure magic who is blameless and who is deserving–

[metal clanging]

[Daemon] I’ll hear no more from those whose greatest battle has been with their own indigestion.

[Alyn] I am of the same mind as the lord and ladies, Your Grace. Your army marches ever nearer. You will answer this outrage with force but discriminately… if we wait but a while longer.

[Daemon] At what cost? Remember the prophecy, your sacred calling. Whatever you do in its service is justified. Aegon the Conqueror burned thousands on the Field of Fire, thousands, and settled the realm for generations–

[Rhaenyra] The Conqueror burned enemy soldiers, not subjects who bent the knee.

[Daemon] Their lord bent the knee to you! The people would just as happily follow a mule if that same–

[Rhaenyra] My father would abhor it.

[Daemon] Ah, and there we have it.

[Rhaenyra] But… my patience has its bounds. I will send knives.

[Daemon] So be it. At least I will get to meet the fiend face-to-face before he dies.

[Rhaenyra] Oh, no, not you.

[Daemon] I will have my satisfaction.

[Rhaenyra] Yes. But the most effective assassin has a plain face. Fanatics still prowl the streets outside our castle gates at Lord Ormund’s bidding. That is your charge.

[Alyn] Your Grace, there is a detachment left here of Velaryon men, soldiers, ready to aid Prince Daemon in his–

[Daemon] I think not.

[Rhaenyra] How many Velaryon men remain in King’s Landing?

Some threescore, Your Grace.

[Rhaenyra] Petition your father for more. They may be needed to secure the city.

[Orwyle] Who then will you send to Tumbleton? It is a dangerous errand, and one that will require force.

[Ser Lyonel] My queen, the delegation from House Baratheon has arrived.

Your Grace, I am sent to represent House Baratheon in response to your summons.

[Rhaenyra] Where is Lord Borros?

Lord Borros begs patience, my queen. He has taken his army to the Red Mountains to fight the Vulture King, who has been raiding the Stormlands these many moons.

[Rhaenyra] His queen summons him north, and all of a sudden it occurs to him that he must ride south.

It is my lord’s duty to guard the realm against the Dornish threat.

[Rhaenyra] As it was his duty to guard my son when he came to treat with him beneath his roof?

Once the Vulture King has been subdued–

[Rhaenyra] Your lord makes the mistake of considering a common bandit a greater threat to his interests than I am. I could brand him a traitor and hang you in his stead.

No disrespect was intended, Your Grace, to you or your endeavors. It is but– but a matter of time.

[Rhaenyra] Time?

If there were aught else I could offer you at this moment, I would lay it before you most willingly.

[Rhaenyra] Give me your belt.

---

[Vermithor bellowing]

[people chattering]

[♪ dramatic music playing]

[chittering]

[dragons chittering]

[Hugh] Anything to report? [chuckles softly]

[Ulf] Market day tomorrow. Do you remember Market Day in King’s Landing? Before all of this?

[dragons continue chittering]

[Ulf] Fruit stalls. Geese honking. Traders shouting. [sighs] Hot pies. Took it all for granted, didn’t we?

[Hugh] It will soon be the same again, I imagine.

[Ulf] But we’re not the same, are we? We weren’t in service back then. At the beck and call of the queen sleeping on a hill… alone. She stopped me going to the tavern, Hugh. Not one ale with the lads. What’s the point in having a dragon if no one’s around to see it?

[Hugh] Well, would you go back to where you were? Scrabbling around in the dust?

[Ulf] No.

[Hugh] Mm.

[Ulf] Though I can’t say my life has been improved. Can you? [scoffs lightly] Right, then. [grunting] [sighs] See you in two days. Ser Hugh.

[Ulf] [whistling] Come on, girl!

---

[door opens]

[Rhaenyra] Leave us.

[Alicent] You would have done the same.

[Rhaenyra] Have I not shown you mercy even before those who named my kindness to you a weakness? Are you so ungrateful that you insist upon–

[Alicent] Helaena is with child.

[Rhaenyra] So, you flee.

[Alicent] To preserve the babe’s life, and Helaena’s with it.

[Rhaenyra] [scoffs] Still you insist on misjudging me.

[Alicent] If the child is male, would you not in the end find it necessary? To hold him hostage, at the least? To draw out Aemond or… or Ormund in his pride? Or simply to secure your own reign from endless challenges.

[Rhaenyra] You were discovered by guards. I cannot let this go unanswered.

Helaena did as I persuaded her to do. If you must be cruel, let it be me who suffers. Only spare her.

[Rhaenyra] You must both now be more strictly confined. Your guard is doubled. There’ll be no more walks in the Godswood.

[Alicent] I accept this judgment for myself–

[Rhaenyra] My judgment does not require your acceptance.

[Alicent] Rhaenyra, you know what she is. She is fragile, you– you cannot confine her.

[Rhaenyra] I didn’t! And now, I must! She cannot be seen. If she is known to carry Aegon’s heir, I will be forced to do what you fear.

[Alicent] Well, so, so, so send us away then to some remote–

[Rhaenyra] Away? Now? Your son is still at liberty. Your cousin wreaks chaos within my city walls. Even today, I must answer another of his murderous treasons. You are a Hightower. To my court, you are the enemy.

[Alicent] And to you?

[Rhaenyra] Do not try me.

[Alicent] [sighs]

[door opens]

---

[Mysaria] What did she tell you?

[Rhaenyra] Helaena is with child.

[Mysaria] Are there others who know?

[Rhaenyra] I believe not. You yourself had no suspicion?

[Mysaria] No.

[Rhaenyra] No.

♪

[Mysaria] That one. A thief and a liar. Let me know when it’s done.

---

[Daemon] We will be avenged. If it takes a hundred years. What’s this?

Forgive me, my prince.

[Daemon] This is how you answer? With desertion?

The queen asked for loyalty, and I was willing enough to wait. But my children are now penniless. I will not leave them fatherless as well.

[Daemon] Small wonder Hightower vermin swarm our streets when they smell your craven stink.

My first duty must be to my family. I-I will earn our coin another way.

[Daemon] And when cutthroats and scoundrels swarm your house, rip the bread from your children’s mouths, and take their pleasure with your wife. All of you. You forget what this city was! Before I turned this rabble into an army, before I led you out of your squalor and formed you into men! [whispering] Shame.

[♪ dramatic music playing]

---

[people chattering]

[Alyn] Word in the city is that you’ve done valiant work. The Triarchy raids have dwindled.

[Corlys] There’s more to do.

[Alyn] As ever will be the case.

[Corlys] State your purpose, Alyn.

[Alyn] Ormund Hightower strikes insidiously at King’s Landing, seeking to throw it into chaos. The City Watch is buckling. I would send to Driftmark to shore up their number with good Velaryon men.

[Corlys] So, she asks more of me.

[Alyn] It is I who ask.

[Corlys] Do as you have said. Her needs are endless.

[Alyn] Have you not exhausted your anger yet?

[Corlys] You take her side… when she yet refuses to grant you legitimacy.

[Alyn] And how many years did it take you to do the same?

[Corlys] I have heard things… in questioning these pirates. Tell her Tyland Lannister survived the Gullet… and is making for Rook’s Rest.

---

[shovel digging]

[grunting] That’s enough.

[Larys] The dogs will find him.

They’re welcome to him. By the time they come, we’ll be gone.

[Larys] But not far. And if the others realize–

If you wish to dig deeper, Lord Larys, the shovel is free.

[Larys] I have found passage to Braavos on a merchant cog out of Maidenpool. We must draw as little notice as we can for a few days as we provision ourselves, but… I believe we can sail before the full moon.

I must interject, my king. I still feel it would be an error for you to leave Westeros. You would be best served at Casterly Rock, where we can establish a court and enjoin those still loyal to you.

[Aegon] Do you think I’m a terrible man, Ser Tyland?

I would never say… That is… while I may not have always agreed with every course of… Um, well…[stammering] There is… in any one of us, I venture… much to admire and much to be deplored. [clicking tongue, sighs]

[Aegon] Mm. We sail for Essos, then.

---

[♪ dramatic music playing]

[wind whistling]

[Sheepstealer calls]

[dragon shrieks]

[dragon chirping]

---

[Alys] For your face. It’s been long since anyone sought to defend me. I am in your debt.

[Aemond] As I am apparently in yours. But I’m glad I can leave here now with that score settled.

[Alys] Where do you think to go?

[Aemond] I need to find my dragon. She would not have left me willingly, and I’ll not be without her.

[Alys] A frog in winter sleeps under the ice. Still and silent. Mend your wounds. Gather your strength. Let the world think you dead until the spring thaw.

[Aemond] I need to find a horse.

[Alys] To ride where? Over the numberless leagues of the Seven Kingdoms?

[Aemond] Vhagar will come to me. It is perhaps this forsaken castle she shuns. Or if not, I’ll go to King’s Landing. It’s said she haunted the hills outside the city in the years before I was born.

[Alys] There is a bounty on your life. Every sellsword is combing the woods hoping to slit your throat in the night. Oh, and half the commonfolk, too. Even you must sleep. There’s no place for you to rest your head.

[Aemond] And nor am I safe here then. Or you, for harboring me.

[Alys] Is it possible that Vhagar flew away as a way of protecting you? Without her, you’re hidden. The queen assumes that where your dragon is… there you will be, too.

[Aemond] She is no queen.

[Alys] And when you find your mount, will you fly to your death? Rhaenyra has six dragons to your one. You’ll fall alone. And to what end?

---

[person screaming]

[Jeyne] Never ceases to be fascinating.

[door opens]

As you ordered, my lady.

[Jeyne] What did I say, when last we met?

[Rhaena] I saw Moondancer… my sister’s dragon, flying towards Iron Oaks.

[Jeyne] And what does that to do with you?

[Rhaena] She’s my sister, I… I thought if I could just see her face.

[Jeyne] So you leave your hiding place, in violation of our agreement, and you fly toward a town equipped with several thousand pairs of eyes, all watching and wondering what your appearance portends.

[Rhaena] I didn’t even see her. She was already gone.

[Jeyne] And what do you think would have happened if she hadn’t? The queen thinks Sheepstealer’s rider is dead. It has been your only reprieve. If word reaches her… Have you forgotten already the doom that hangs over you? And over me. For harboring you. For allowing myself to be swayed.

[Rhaena] I’m sorry.

[Jeyne] Mm.

[Rhaena] All my life, I have yearned after a dragon. And now I have one, but I have lost everything else.

[Jeyne] That was your choice. They are dead to you now. But you got what you wanted. Go. And the next time you try me will be the last.

---

[dragon screeching, bellowing]

[Alyn] A bed would be more comfortable. My lady.

[Baela] I’m going. I just needed a little more time.

I know what it is to be so weary. [clearing throat] I, uh… saw my father today. I was wondering if you would speak to him. There is a distance there, as if he’s removed himself entirely. I just thought… maybe now he might, um… see me.

[Baela] I thought the same with my father. They cannot face their ghosts, so they seek to outstrip them. Even if they leave us behind. They roam, they punish, they fight, they do. [sighs] I cannot help him, Alyn. I have my own burdens to bear.

I, uh… [clearing throat] You should go to bed.

[Baela] You’re very dutiful.

I am the eldest.

[Baela] It must get wearisome… attending to everyone else all the time.

Maybe a little.

[Baela] Don’t you ever want to forget it all? Do what you want?

[♪ gentle music playing]

---

[Ormund] And so, Ser Criston fights on, and yet you have returned.

[Gwayne] Because… Because fighting on is madness.

[Ormund] Do you think me mad, Your Grace?

[Daeron] No, sire.

[Ormund] Hm.

[Gwayne] You mean to fight on? With what? There’s a dragon sitting on the hill above us, and five more not 30 leagues away.

[Ormund] Rhaenyra will not burn her own subjects. She is a woman. Squeamish.

[Gwayne] If your host leaves these walls, it burns. Aemond has fled and Rhaenyra holds my sister hostage. The River army draws closer by the day. [knocking on table] What possible course is there?

[Ormund] Your uncle lacks imagination as well as courage. I would take one Hightower sword over three of Tully’s mudmen. When the usurper’s host comes here, we will fight on our terms, on our ground. We have the clear advantage. Meanwhile, we are turning King’s Landing against that overweening cunt, little by little, bite by bite. Exposing her as weak and unsuited to rule. The great houses cannot but come to our side.

[Gwayne] Have any yet come?

[Ormund] The patient hunter gets the kill. Something the craven among us would do well to learn.

[Gwayne] I have marched a long road, fought and killed, and suffered my comrades to be killed about me.

[Ormund] Yes, you have endured much. I’m sure you found solace with some of your brothers in arms.

[Gwayne] I am fatigued. It’s been weeks since I’ve seen a feather bed. By your leave.

[Ormund] You might see Ser Gwayne to his quarters, Your Grace. Make sure he bathes. Oh, and, uh… [whispering] Mind yourself. Backs against the wall.

---

[Gwayne] “Your Grace”?

[Daeron] I’m sorry. I had to get through it.

[Gwayne] And this is your way? Fawning? Daeron. He’s styled you the bloody king.

[Daeron] You left me alone with him. You know what he is. I do what I can to keep him from… you know.

[Gwayne] I had no choice.

[Daeron] No. But neither did it grieve you to ride away. I hate what I am when I’m with him. A puppet, a fool, a child.

[Gwayne] And yet he means to put you on the throne, apparently.

[Daeron] Only as he cannot sit on it himself. No, he would thrust me forward and devour me from within until there’s nothing left.

[Gwayne] So tell him you won’t do it.

[Daeron] Then who will protect me then? Will you raise an army against his savages?

[Gwayne] If you were king, you could cast him down.

[Daeron] I will never be king, uncle, we both know it.

[Gwayne] [sighs] I need to lie down.

[Daeron] You’ll stay, won’t you?

[Gwayne] And do what? Bear witness whilst Ormund marches our house to its doom? I’m second in line. I shall return to Oldtown and prepare to pick up the pieces.

[Daeron] Don’t leave me again. Please.

[Gwayne] You’re his little treasure now. You’ll be fine.

[Daeron] When you were in King’s Landing… Did you see my mother?

---

[Alicent] Will you not eat? You have taken nothing since yesterday and said little more. [softly] Helaena.

[Helaena] Mysaria knew of our plan, but she said nothing of Jaehaera. Was she truly stolen away to meet us at some secret place up ahead? I see.

[Alicent] Forgive me, Helaena. The– the road ahead was fraught with peril. To bring a small child–

[Helaena] You lied.

[Alicent] I wished only to save you from this place.

[Helaena] Me? Or yourself?

[Alicent] What difference does it make? I have come too far. I have sacrificed too much. If I cannot at long last salvage my daughter… Helaena, please. Please, you must eat.

[♪ somber music playing]

---

[horse neighing]

[softly] One-Eye.

[blade stabbing]

[gasps]

[Alys] I have kept your secret. I will keep it still.

[Aemond] You could have killed me, too. And claimed Rhaenyra’s bounty.

[Alys] There are many things I could have done to you.

[Aemond] Then what is this game you play?

[Alys] It’s yours to learn. If your spirit is willing.

[chest dragging]

[Alys] Have you forgotten your history?

[Aemond] Dreamfyre.

[Alys] Your ancestor Rhaena Targaryen came to Harrenhal after the death of her daughter. And she grieved and grew old here. Her dragon laid a clutch of eggs before Rhaena herself died, and they have sat here, cold and abandoned these hundred years. I do not know the ways of dragons, but I have long envisaged the return of the Targaryens to this ancient seat.

[rain falling]

[Aemond] I have been cursed for my sins. Alys. All I put my hand to withers beneath its touch.

[Alys] Do you imagine that you alone know what it is to be cursed? I’m tired of this desolate existence. And so, I think, are you.

[thunder rumbling]

[Alys] You’ve been alone your whole life, Aemond. Can you not imagine… what it would be… to have it otherwise?

[Aemond] It’s warm.

[Alys] There’s an ancient strength here. Let the gods turn their backs on us. We will make our own fortune. I will be the Lady of the Water. [sighs] And you… the dragonlord by my side. But in the meantime, you’re a Targaryen prince. And your sons will be Targaryen princes in their turn.

♪

---

[baby crying]

Tallow is scarce and cost thrice what it did. We cannot light our sconces!

[Rhaenyra] You know my response. Ser Torrhen Manderly is Master of Coin. It is his task now to distribute what resources we have. I suggest you address Ser Torrhen himself. Bring the next!

Your Grace. The motherhouse lately enjoyed the protection of the City Watch. Now, we are in peril. One of our girls only last night was taken.

[Rhaenyra] You have my condolences. I shall… light a candle for her when next I attend the sept.

[crowd murmuring]

[Godric] Godric, Your Grace. A mason. We have watched in fear as we found gold cloaks murdered among us, and I have heard a great number of ’em have resigned their posts, leaving the streets undefended.

[Rhaenyra] Yes, these are Hightower crimes! The craven Ormund strikes at me from Tumbleton, where he has concealed himself among innocents.

[Godric] This we know. But how will we now be protected? If the City Watch fails, then who will preserve order among us?

[Rhaenyra] I have sent for Velaryon men to root out the enemy within our walls.

[crowd clamoring]

[Rhaenyra] Once they arrive, the city shall be returned–

[townsperson] How will they be protected?

[clamoring continues]

[septa] She was but six and 10!

[Godric] Your Grace, we are afraid. And wherever the fault lies, we have none to look to now but you.

[♪ suspenseful music playing]

[crowd continues clamoring]

[clamoring continues]

---

[people chattering]

[chattering continues]

[Richard] Daemon Targaryen.

[Daemon] How many? How many of you are there? How many?!

[Richard] We have no number. We are everywhere.

[Daemon] What did Ormund Hightower promise you, gold? Huh? A place at his table when he takes the throne?

[Richard] There is a king waiting just outside these walls. And until Daeron the Daring takes his rightful place, we will not rest.

[Daemon] Then your kind will die in dragonfire, or trampled down by my army.

[Richard] Will she lay waste to her own city? Will she set upon her own people with swords? You’ll never find us. We’re the people of the Seven Kingdoms. We have no sign or sigil. And when you strike us, you only drive more to our cause.

[Daemon] You rebel against one who has neither wished nor done you harm.

[Richard] You can burn us. You can kill us. You will never make us embrace her. [groans]

[Ulf] Watch where you’re fucking… Your prince. Uh, Your Grace.

[Daemon] What is your errand here?

[Ulf] I– I was– I thought… I… I was just… I’m taking the air.

[Daemon] Are you not commanded to stay in the Keep under guard?

[Ulf] Well, yes. In a manner of speaking.

[Daemon] Insolent maggot.

[Ulf] I’m up that bloody hill for days at a time. Men deserve their simple pleasures. Keep us going. You yourself should understand–

[Daemon grunting]

[crowd gasps]

[Ulf groaning]

[Daemon] Set foot in the city again, and I’ll put out your eyes.

[♪ dramatic music playing]

[chatter resumes]

---

[hoofbeats approaching]

[horse neighing]

[Hugh] Ho, there.

[Hugh] Ho. Friend.

[soldier] Come on! Put your backs into it!

[indistinct shouting]

Come on!

[soldiers chattering]

All clear!

Here.

---

[Ormund] The common man is, as a rule, of no interest or concern. But you must never trust one who’s clawed his way to power. His ambition is oft fueled by some lack. Some shame, or lust, or rage.

[Gwayne] Mm.

[Ormund] You should think on it when you choose your Hand. Rhaenyra made a rare good choice with Corlys Velaryon. There is a soundness to his breeding. Not the sordid appetite of the striver.

[Daeron] What of my grandsire?

[Ormund] Otto? [chuckles] Where do I begin?

[Jon Roxton] My lord, House Baratheon sends an envoy to treat with the new king.

[Ormund] Let the Stormlands lead the way. Highgarden will have no choice but to follow. [sighs] Stand up. Stand up, both of you!

[Jon Roxton] Lord Ormund Hightower, Beacon of the South, Defender of the Citadel, and Voice of Oldtown.

Well met, Ser Ormund. I come as an envoy of Lord Borros Baratheon. Lord Paramount of the Stormlands.

[Ormund] Mm. [clearing throat] You are quite welcome, Ser…

Ser Arrion Baratheon. Cousin to Lord Borros. I most regret presenting ourselves to you in this state. The road was long and filthy, but I thought it best to speak to you immediately.

[Ormund] We are honored to receive you. And what word from Lord Borros?

Well, House Baratheon bends the knee to His Grace, King Daeron Targaryen, and offers its many banners in alliance with House Hightower. I have been ordered to swear fealty to the new king on behalf of Lord Borros.

[Ormund] Your lord has made a wise choice.

If we might see the king in person, that we may bend the knee before him.

[Ormund] His Grace, Daeron Targaryen. The First of his Name. King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the–

[blade slashing]

[Ormund] No! Stop him!

[men shouting]

[Ormund] Stop him! Stop him!

[Daeron] No!

[Gwayne] These are assassins, sent for Daeron and you.

[flesh squelching]

[Jon Roxton grunting]

[splatting]

[swords clanging]

[men shouting]

[grunting]

[Gwayne] Ser Arrion Baratheon has hair of light chestnut. He’s about a foot taller, and as it happens…

[blood streaming]

[Gwayne] …far more comely.

[thud]

[Ormund] I will cleave the bitch from crown to cunt. She will die wishing she never dared… Dared… [retching]

---

[Hugh] Kat.

[sighs]

[Kat] I thought you were d-dead. [whimpering] [sobbing]

[Hugh] I looked for you. I went home, but you’d gone.

[Kat] What choice did I have? I was alone. I escaped in the chaos. I came here to my brother. And now, he’s dead, too.

[Hugh] But Kat, I’ve done it. I claimed a dragon. Vermithor, the Bronze Fury. I’ve been made a knight. And the queen has promised–

[Kat] Is that what this is? Dragon? You smell different.

[Hugh] We’ll have coin now. A fine house, anything you wish. I can take you out of this to safety.

[Hugh] Do you not see? Your husband is a dragonrider.

[Kat] Do you know how many days it takes… to walk the road here from King’s Landing? Do you know what may befall a woman alone on that road?

[Hugh] Did something happen?

[Kat] Many things happened. While you were on Dragonstone… seeking out your own glory.

[Hugh] I did it for you!

[Kat] I didn’t want it! I needed you here. On the ground!

[Hugh] [whispering] I’m sorry. I am. But I– I can stay no longer. If I am discovered here… Just come with me.

[Kat] I won’t forsake my family.

[Hugh] There is no time. Come, we’re going.

[Kat] No!

[Hugh] I will not leave you in peril.

[Kat] What are you doing?

[Hugh] [shushing]

[muffled shouting]

[Kat] Who are you?!

[whimpering]

[Hugh] [breathing heavily]

[people shouting]

[swords clanging]

---

[Ormund] You did well. I treated you harshly, and for that, I’m sorry. The strains of the campaign. You may return to Oldtown if you wish. A small band of men won’t attract the attention of the dragons. I’ll not stop you.

[Daeron] There are three of you.

Should be easy. Again.

[shouting, clanging resumes]

[Gwayne] He’d make a good king. Not that that matters to you.

[Ormund] You think me so callous.

[Gwayne] I think you’d sacrifice lives to feed your own pride. But I know you’d never sacrifice your own. So, tell me. What is your plan here?

---

[Rhaenyra] Speak your purpose.

[Alicent] Helaena. She cannot stay confined. Her state of mind is precarious, her condition being what it is.

[Rhaenyra] Do you have something useful for me, or have I been misled?

[Alicent] I know where Aemond is.

[Rhaenyra] All this time?

[Alicent] O-Only– only lately. I would need a guarantee that we’d go free. Both of us, as originally agreed.

[Rhaenyra] You’re in no place to demand guarantees of anything.

[Alicent] When Aemond is gone, your reign is assured. Ormund will surrender or die. Helaena and I are no threat to you. We will disappear. You will not hear of us again.

[Rhaenyra] Where is he?

[Alicent] Harrenhal.

[Rhaenyra] My riders have searched for Vhagar there half a dozen times.

[Alicent] I did not say I know where Vhagar is.

[Rhaenyra] How did you come by this?

[Alicent] There are times when Helaena… when Helaena sees things. It will sound mad. They are nightmares or– or puzzles. But the things she does see now and then, they come to pass.

[Rhaenyra] She dreams. She’s a dreamer. Like Daenys who foresaw the Doom. If what you say is true, if Aemond has separated somehow from his dragon… then… he is one man on foot… and being hunted. He will have hidden himself so he cannot be found.

[Alicent] I have told you all that I know. His capture must now fall to you and your council.

[Rhaenyra] No. If I send swords… he will flee again, go to ground, and be lost, but… If I send just one sword… with someone he trusts…

[Alicent] No, I will– I will be no part of this. No, please, Rhaenyra.

Unhand her Grace.

[Alicent] I… I… I cannot leave Helaena.

[Rhaenyra] I will keep watch over her. Until you return.

[Alicent] Did I not warn you… that you would come to this?

---

[Helaena] I don’t want to be alone.

[Alicent] [sighs] Nor do I. I have no choice. Here.

[Helaena] You could refuse.

[Alicent] And Aemond would still be like to die. Do you not wish to be free?

[Helaena] Why am I here? Was there no other lord that offered for my hand? Or was it your own desire to marry me to my brother?

[Alicent] It was my father’s wish. But I did not begrudge it. Better here with me, I thought, than a man you did not know in a place far away. Please. Please. We still have some small chance at freedom, Helaena. But I cannot go unless I know you are sustained. [sighs] Please. [softly] There. I will return to you as soon as I am able. I give you my word. I will come back and collect you, and we will… we will walk out in the sun.

---

[♪ soft, dramatic music playing]

[Orwyle] Forgive the hour, Your Grace. There has been a rider from Tumbleton.

[Rhaenyra] “Kick this dog… and it will bite your hand.”

[soldiers singing indistinctly]

[Corlys] You have fought like sharks. Swift and relentless. We have cut through our enemy and routed them!

[soldiers cheering]

[Corlys] But now, your blades are needed in the city. And I… I have been too long away.

[♪ dramatic music playing]

[Corlys] Who are you? What’s your errand?

[Corlys grunting]

[soldiers shouting]

[shouting continues]

[♪ dramatic music intensifying]

♪