A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 72: JAIME
Overview
Tommen legitimizes Lannister victories with attainders and titles while Tywin maneuvers to avoid war with Dorne as Gregor dies poisoned. Cersei urges Jaime to quit the Kingsguard; he refuses and suspects Joffrey’s hand in Bran’s dagger. Jaime arms Brienne with Oathkeeper and sends her to find and protect Sansa, seeking a path back to honor.
Summary
In the Red Keep, King Tommen signs a flurry of decrees presented by Ser Kevan Lannister, including attainders stripping Edmure and Brynden Tully, elevating Roose Bolton to Warden of the North, and pardons for several riverlords. Jaime, aching from a secret, humiliating training bout with Ser Addam Marbrand to test his left hand, withdraws in frustration with the tedium and his new limitations.
Outside, Steelshanks Walton departs with a girl presented as Arya Stark to wed Ramsay Bolton. Jaime notes her fear and the ruse’s convenience. Within the castle, Ser Gregor Clegane screams as Pycelle fails to halt his poisoned decline; Tywin orders the Dornish freed, Gregor healed if possible, and warns Stannis may strike again.
In White Sword Tower, Cersei begs Jaime to oppose Tywin, keep Tommen near her, and leave the Kingsguard, then tries to seduce him. Jaime refuses the place and the demand, and they trade bitter accusations—about Joffrey’s death, Tyrion’s guilt, and the old attempt on Bran—with Jaime suspecting Joffrey sent the dagger. Cersei departs in fury.
Later, Jaime receives Brienne of Tarth. He reveals the girl sent north is not Arya and warns Brienne against a futile rescue. He recounts Tyrion’s condemnation and Oberyn’s death. Presenting her with a new Valyrian steel sword—Oathkeeper—reforged from Ice, Jaime tasks Brienne to find Sansa Stark first and keep her safe from Cersei’s agents, to honor their vows to Catelyn.
Brienne accepts and leaves to seek Sansa. Alone, Jaime updates his page in the White Book with his defeats, captivity, maiming, and Brienne’s return of him to King’s Landing, recognizing that the rest of his deeds remain unwritten and his to choose.
Who Appears
- Jaime LannisterLord Commander, struggles training left-handed, rebuffs Cersei, suspects Joffrey’s dagger role, tasks Brienne to protect Sansa, and writes in the White Book.
- Cersei LannisterSeeks Jaime’s help to keep Tommen and avoid remarriage, attempts seduction, insists Tyrion killed Joffrey, leaves enraged.
- Brienne of TarthMeets Jaime, learns the ‘Arya’ is false, receives Valyrian steel Oathkeeper, vows to find and protect Sansa Stark.
- King Tommen BaratheonChild king signing decrees, including attainders and titles; enjoys sealing documents.
- Ser Kevan LannisterPresents decrees to Tommen; urges Jaime to reconcile with Tywin.
- Lord Tywin LannisterDirects policy: elevates Bolton, frees Dornish, orders Pycelle to heal Gregor; seeks control over Tommen and Cersei.
- Grand Maester PycelleFails to halt Gregor’s poisoned decline; reports gruesome symptoms; obeys Tywin.
- Ser Gregor CleganeMortally poisoned after trial by combat; screams as his condition worsens.
- Ser Loras TyrellBrings Brienne to Jaime; grudgingly accepts Stannis’s shadow-killing explanation for Renly.
- Steelshanks WaltonLeads escort taking the girl posed as Arya Stark north to Roose Bolton.
- Girl posing as Arya StarkFrightened young impostor sent to wed Ramsay Bolton; key to Lannister-Bolton pact.
- Ser Boros BlountKingsguard knight; lounges and relays Jaime’s summons to Loras.