Contents
REEK — Chapter 13
Overview
Reek is hauled from the Dreadfort dungeons by Little and Big Walder Frey and presented to Ramsay Bolton before assembled allies. Ramsay flaunts Reek’s broken state, then declares he will marry Arya Stark and ride to war to fetch her. Reek is promised food, cleaning, and forced service.
Summary
Starving in a Dreadfort cell, Reek devours a rat before footsteps approach. Two eight-year-old squires—Little Walder and Big Walder Frey—unlock his door. Terrified of punishment and clinging to his imposed identity, Reek repeats his name and submits, recalling a failed escape with Kyra that ended in Ramsay’s brutal recapture.
Led into the cold yard and smoky hall, Reek is paraded past Ramsay’s men—the Bastard’s Boys—toward the dais, where Ramsay sits in his father’s place with two grim old lords. The nobles recognize that this is no mere serving man but Stark’s former ward, now emaciated and broken.
Ramsay taunts Reek over his stench and bloodied mouth, learning he ate a rat. When one lord urges killing him, Ramsay refuses, preferring to use Reek. He boasts of having flayed Reek “here and there,” displaying total control and the lingering threat of further mutilation for disobedience.
Ramsay announces “glad tidings”: he is to wed Arya Stark and make her Lady of Winterfell. He orders Reek cleaned, fed, and clothed, promising porridge and pie to restore his strength. Finally, Ramsay declares he rides to war to fetch his “virgin bride,” and commands Reek to accompany and serve him.
Who Appears
- Reek (formerly Theon Greyjoy)Emaciated, mutilated captive at the Dreadfort; terrified, compliant, and summoned to serve Ramsay.
- Ramsay BoltonCruel master flaunting power; announces marriage to Arya Stark and orders Reek to join his campaign.
- Little Walder FreyEight-year-old squire with the keys; helps extract Reek from the cell.
- Big Walder FreyEight-year-old squire with the torch; herds Reek to the great hall.
- Gaunt mailed northern lordFlinty-eyed guest who urges Ramsay to kill Reek as a treacherous dog.
- Stoop-shouldered crookback lordGreedy-eyed guest who first mistakes Reek for a servant and complains of his stench.
- Ben BonesKeeper of Ramsay’s hounds, seated among the Bastard’s Boys.
- Damon Dance-for-MeFair-haired member of Ramsay’s favorites at table.
- GruntTongueless retainer, punished for careless speech; among Ramsay’s men.
- Sour AlynOne of Ramsay’s rough companions in the hall.
- SkinnerNotorious flayer seated among Ramsay’s favorites.
- Yellow DickCrude retainer present during Reek’s presentation.
- KyraFormer accomplice in Reek’s failed escape; recalled in a harrowing flashback.