Events in King's Landing take a turn for the worse, and Arya's lessons are put to the test: she escapes the Red Keep after her Braavosian sword master, Syrio Forel, fends off the guards sent to arrest her, while Sansa is captured. Sansa begs Joffrey to show Ned mercy, and he agrees on the condition that Ned publicly recognizes his claim to the throne and admits to treason. Robb raises the Northern armies against the Lannisters, leaving Bran behind to rule Winterfell, and Catelyn leaves the Vale to join his camp after Lysa refuses to fight.
Tyrion, ambushed by hill tribesmen, convinces them to escort him to his father, joining Tywin's army with these unexpected allies. At the Wall, Jon and Sam bring back bodies touched by the White Walkers; one awakens as a wight and attacks Commander Mormont before Jon kills it. In Essos, Drogo's soldiers raid nearby settlements, enslaving locals to sell for money to buy ships to cross the Narrow Sea, and Drogo is wounded in a fight. Joffrey appoints his grandfather, Tywin, as Hand of the King.