A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 31: JAIME
Overview
Jaime, shattered after losing his sword hand, is tormented by the Brave Companions during the march to Harrenhal. He prevents Brienne’s rape by convincing Vargo Hoat she is worth “sapphires,” preserving her safety.
At Harrenhal, Roose Bolton asserts control, shares news of the Blackwater alliance, places Brienne under protection, and has Qyburn treat Jaime’s infected stump, forcing Jaime to live on without his defining skill.
Summary
Reeling from the amputation of his sword hand, Jaime endures relentless pain, humiliation, and fever as the Brave Companions march him and Brienne toward Harrenhal. Mocked and weakened, Jaime briefly attempts to fight with his left hand but fails, deepening his despair. Brienne urges Jaime to live for vengeance, jolting him from fatalism.
One night, Shagwell, Rorge, and Zollo move to rape Brienne. Jaime shouts “sapphires,” tricking Vargo Hoat into believing Brienne’s maidenhead is worth a great ransom. Hoat forbids his men from touching her, and Brienne later thanks Jaime, who frames it as paying a debt for her earlier aid.
Dragged to Harrenhal, Jaime and Brienne are paraded before Freys and Roose Bolton. Jaime trades barbs while Bolton coldly reasserts authority. Bolton reveals the Lannister–Tyrell victory at the Blackwater, Joffrey’s betrothal to a Tyrell, Karstark’s execution, and places Brienne under his protection, rebuking Vargo for Jaime’s maiming and the attempted rape.
Separated, Jaime is delivered to Qyburn, a former maester with the Brave Companions. Qyburn refuses amputation only after Jaime threatens him, instead cutting away corruption and cauterizing with boiling wine as Jaime screams through the pain. Qyburn tends Jaime’s eye wound and promises further treatment, while Jaime, forced to live without his sword hand, confronts a new identity stripped of his defining prowess.
Who Appears
- Jaime LannisterMaimed and fevered; resists despair, saves Brienne by lying about sapphires; delivered to Qyburn for treatment.
- Brienne of TarthBound to Jaime, urges him to live; nearly raped, spared by Jaime’s ruse; placed under Roose Bolton’s protection.
- Vargo HoatLeader of the Brave Companions; maimed Jaime; covets Brienne’s supposed “sapphires”; rebuked by Roose.
- Roose BoltonLord at Harrenhal; asserts control, confirms Blackwater outcomes; protects Brienne; orders Jaime’s treatment.
- QyburnEx-maester with the Brave Companions; cleans Jaime’s infected stump, refuses full amputation after threats.
- RorgeBrave Companion; attempts to rape Brienne; bullies Jaime; kicked his stump; cowed by Bolton’s authority.
- ShagwellFool of the Brave Companions; mocks and taunts; part of the attempted assault on Brienne.
- ZolloDothraki in the Brave Companions; cut off Jaime’s hand; joins attempted assault on Brienne.
- Urswyck the FaithfulBrave Companion; displays Jaime’s hand; lies about Brienne; escorts them to Harrenhal.
- Ser Danwell FreyFrey knight at Harrenhal; debates Jaime’s fate and ransom among his brothers.
- Ser Aenys FreyFrey knight; spits on Brienne’s Stark oath; hostile over Robb’s perceived betrayal.
- Ser Hosteen FreyFrey knight present at Harrenhal; among those angered and calling for Jaime’s death.