A Game of Thrones

The death of Jon Arryn’s former squire eliminates an important source of information. Ned is annoyed and wonders whether Hugh was killed to prevent Ned from speaking to him. He struggles to convince Robert not to fight in the tournament, calling on Ser Barristan to help him. Ned is the only person brave enough to tell Robert that he is “too fat for [his] armor” (310). Barristan points out that no one competing in the tournament would “dare strike” Robert (311), rendering the entire event pointless. Ned is also concerned that Robert seems to be surrounded by Lannisters, including a young squire named Lancel. Accepting Ned’s advice, Robert complains about being king. He suggests that the only thing keeping him from abdicating is the “thought of Joffrey on the throne, with Cersei standing behind him whispering in his ear” (313). Ned begins to see the old Robert in him, which gives Ned confidence that Robert will be receptive to proof of the Lannister’s treachery. At the tournament, the Hound defeats Jaime, and Gregor “the Mountain” Clegane faces Loras Tyrell. Terrible rumors surround Gregor: He is assumed to have murdered Prince Rhaegar’s children and sexually assaulted their mother during the rebellion.