Egg tells the imprisoned Dunk that his real name is Aegon Targaryen: he hid his identity to become a squire after his brother Daeron, the belligerent drunk noble from the inn, refused to take part in the tournament. Baelor informs Dunk that Daeron has accused him of kidnapping Egg. Having landed himself in the Targaryens' crosshairs, Dunk requests a trial by combat, but Aerion insists on a trial of seven, leaving Dunk the daunting task of finding six knights to fight beside him in a seven-versus-seven joust at dawn. Ser Steffon Fossoway agrees to fight for Dunk, while Daeron, Maekar and three Kingsguard will fight for Aerion.
Daeron apologizes to Dunk, promises to fall from his horse on purpose, and privately tells him of a prophetic dream in which he saw Dunk with a dead dragon. Steely Pate delivers Dunk's shield and armor and tells him Tanselle has fled Ashford for Dorne. As dawn breaks, Egg brings Lyonel, Robyn, Hardyng and Ser Humfrey Beesbury to fight for Dunk, but Steffon switches sides after Aerion promises him a lordship, and Lyonel knights Raymun to replace him. Still one knight short, Dunk appeals to the crowd's honor, and Baelor declares that he will fight for Dunk.