Book of the Stranger
Game of Thrones | Season 6 | Episode 4

Book of the Stranger

TV-MA | 59 MIN

Written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss
Directed by Dan Sackheim

Jon Snow packs his possessions. Referencing Hardhome, Edd tries to convince his friend not to leave, but Jon is adamant he has fulfilled his oath. A horn sounds as Brienne, Podrick, and Sansa Stark arrive at Castle Black. Filthy and road-worn, Sansa looks around the courtyard, locking eyes with her stunned half-brother. Jon approaches her slowly, and the two embrace.

Once clean and warm, Sansa asks Jon to forgive her childhood behavior towards him. The two agree to stick together but Sansa tells Jon they must take Winterfell back from the Boltons. Jon states he is tired of fighting, but Sansa, no longer a girl, replies, "I'll do it myself, if I have to."

Asked if she plans to stay at Castle Black, Melisandre tells Davos she will "do as Jon Snow commands," but lowers her eyes when he mentions Stannis and presses her about Shireen's death. Brienne interrupts and surprises the pair when she declares, without remorse, that she was Stannis' executioner.

Silently eating with Jon, Sansa, and Edd, Tormund eyes Brienne in fascination. A Bolton letter arrives, taunting Jon with Rickon's imprisonment and threats against Sansa. "Come and see," Ramsay taunts, signing it "Lord of Winterfell." Realizing Roose has been murdered, Sansa entreats her brother once more to take up arms for their home.

Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish arrives in the Vale with a gift for Robin Arryn. Suspicious of Littlefinger's role in Sansa's marriage to Ramsay, Robin's guardian Lord Royce is incensed by Littlefinger's insinuation that he betrayed Sansa's travel plans. Looking to Robin for defense, Royce finds his ward is on Littlefinger's side; immediately cowed by mention of the Moon Door, Royce proclaims his faithfulness to House Arryn. Littlefinger subtly manipulates the boy to "forgive" Royce and help Sansa, whom Littlefinger assumes is headed to Castle Black.

The High Sparrow tells Margaery of his own humble origins: He was a cobbler who strove for luxury before realizing his indulgence was all for nothing. Impressed with her knowledge of The Seven-Pointed Star, he allows Margaery to visit Loras. Margaery is startled by her brother's condition, and encourages him to stay strong, but Loras begs his sister to "let them win."

Finding Pycelle attempting to mentor Tommen, Cersei cuts the Grand Maester short, only to discover her son has been meeting with the High Sparrow. The young king is reluctant to share information he has received, but Cersei promises, "I am your mother. You can always trust me."

Jaime and Cersei join the Small Council, gaining Olenna Tyrell and Kevan Lannister's attention by revealing that a Walk of Atonement has been planned for Margaery. Jaime suggests the Tyrell army take Margaery back into Crown custody while the royal army stands down, in keeping with Tommen's wishes. When Cersei reminds Kevan this may be his only chance to save his son Lancel as well, he points out it could mean civil war. Olenna acknowledges it's a price worth paying.

Theon Greyjoy enters Pyke's Great Hall, unable to meet Yara's gaze. Demanding he look at her, Yara berates him for the men who died trying to save him, and accuses her brother of angling for the throne on the heels of Balon's death. Theon assures her he only just received the news and tries to assuage her suspicions: "You should rule the Iron Islands."

Inside his Winterfell chambers, Ramsay Bolton peels an apple as Osha is brought in. Her lack of fear intrigues the lord. Claiming no affection for Rickon, Osha eyes a paring knife and attempts to seduce Ramsay. Realizing too late that Theon has divulged her role in the Stark boys' escape, she grabs for the knife, but isn't fast enough. Ramsay shoves a dagger into the wilding's neck, and resumes his snack as Osha falls to the floor.

Tyrion invites three envoys to Meereen, offering a deal: The Masters will have seven years to abolish slavery, and will be compensated for their losses in return. He leaves the men with comely company to deliberate, to Missandei's disapproval. A group of Freedmen express outrage their enemies have entered the city, putting Missandei and Grey Worm in an awkward position. They defend Tyrion's tactic for making peace, but afterwards, warn their interim leader the Masters can never be trusted.

Climbing for a view of Vaes Dothrak, Daario Naharis teases the winded Jorah he would not have the stamina for the Mother of Dragons. Jorah, in deference to the rules of the city, removes his weapons. Daario begins to hand over his blades, but stops when he notices Jorah's greyscale, opting to hide his dagger himself. They sneak into the city, and though they try to avoid Dothraki revelers, they're caught in an alley. Daario snaps the neck of one Dothraki, while Jorah is knocked down by the other. Daario stabs the Screamer with his contraband dagger, but realizing the wound will look suspicious, picks up a rock and crushes his head to hide it.

Inside the temple, Daenerys is introduced to a young priestess who escorts her outside for some air. Emerging from the shadows, Daario grabs the girl, but Dany commands him not to kill her.

The following evening, Danaerys faces the khals. "You are small men," she tells them, "Under you, the Dothraki will be a small people." Moro's rage surfaces as Daenerys claims she will be the better leader. Calmly, she pushes over lit braziers, setting fire to the temple, and serenely watches the men burn. Emerging from the flames naked and "unburnt" Daenerys looks on defiantly as the khalasars, Dosh Khaleen, Jorah and Daario all prostrate themselves before her.

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