A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 37: JAIME
Overview
Jaime confesses the true reason he killed Aerys—preventing a wildfire holocaust—recasting his Kingslayer infamy. Roose Bolton reveals major political turns: Robb’s marriage, Arya’s supposed recovery, and Sansa’s wedding to Tyrion. Seeking Tywin’s favor, Bolton plans to send Jaime to King’s Landing but keeps Brienne for Vargo Hoat, deepening her peril.
Summary
In Harrenhal’s bathhouse, Jaime Lannister shares a tub with Brienne of Tarth. Bitter and feverish, Jaime first taunts Brienne, then apologizes and proposes a truce. Slipping into memory, he reveals the truth behind killing King Aerys: the Mad King planned to ignite wildfire caches to burn King’s Landing, and Jaime slew Rossart and then Aerys to stop the massacre.
Overheated and weakened, Jaime faints. Qyburn tends him while Brienne, forgetting her modesty, calls for help. Once revived, Jaime is washed and dressed; Brienne is given an ill-fitting pink gown. Qyburn gives Jaime a tonic to steady him.
They are brought to dine with Roose Bolton in Harrenhal’s vast, cold hall. Bolton coolly weighs Jaime’s value, mentioning Edmure Tully’s reward and Karstark vengeance, and reveals new politics: he has married Walda Frey; Robb Stark has secretly wed Jeyne Westerling; Arya Stark is said to be found; and Sansa has been married to Tyrion.
Jaime threatens Bolton to secure better treatment, prompting Bolton to outline Vargo Hoat’s motives for maiming Jaime and the dangers surrounding Harrenhal. Bolton seeks absolution in Tywin’s eyes and offers to send Jaime to King’s Landing under Walton Steelshanks once Qyburn deems him fit, trusting Jaime’s word to clear him of blame.
Brienne presses for the Stark girls’ exchange, but Bolton dismisses her mission. He declares Jaime will go free while Brienne will remain Vargo Hoat’s prisoner, warning her to worry less about Starks and more about sapphires, leaving her fate ominously uncertain.
Who Appears
- Jaime LannisterMaimed captive; confesses killing Aerys to stop wildfire; faints in bath; bargains with Bolton to be sent to King’s Landing.
- Brienne of TarthProtects and assists Jaime; hears his confession; pleads for Stark girls; is kept by Bolton for Vargo Hoat, facing renewed danger.
- Roose BoltonCalculating lord of Harrenhal; reveals political shifts; seeks absolution from Tywin; arranges Jaime’s escort and retains Brienne.
- QyburnChainless healer; treats Jaime after his collapse; provides clothing and tonic; advises when Jaime can travel.
- Elmar FreyBolton’s cupbearer; serves at the meal; mentioned as having lost a betrothal to Arya Stark.
- Vargo HoatOff-page captor; maimed Jaime to reduce value and send a token; to receive Harrenhal; intends to keep Brienne.