Last week, “Rhaenyra Triumphant” ended with Queen Rhaenyra learning that Lord Ormund Hightower, after handing over an imposter Daeron Targaryen, had not scampered home to Oldtown as Daemon told him to. Instead, he turned his army toward Tumbleton and invaded the seemingly inconsequential market town. Rhaenyra understandably had many questions about this unpredictable new player on the board. This week we learn a lot more about the man himself. We also get the return of Sheepstealer, an update on Aegon and Larys‘ road trip, multiple crucial plot twists, and, yes, even more rats. Turns out the arrival of the Hightower host in Tumbleton is as disruptive as you’d expect, with soldiers stomping through the narrow streets and forcing locals to share their homes.
We spot a familiar face: Kat, Ser Hugh the Hammer’s wife. She recently fled the turmoil of King’s Landing and is staying with her brother’s family while Hugh serves as one of Rhaenyra’s dragonriders. It could have been a peaceful escape, but the Hightower soldiers are here to ruin the vibes—especially the one who leers at Kat with lecherous interest.
Lord Ormund, meanwhile, has made himself quite at home in Tumbleton’s finest dwelling, to the annoyance of the resident noble couple. Their annoyance intensifies when Ormund stands up out of his luxuriant bath (for once, the viewer only sees the butt side) and dismisses Queen Rhaenyra as “a bitch with a dragon.” Ohhhh, he is campy! Ok. If that wasn’t apparent before, it’s coming in loud and clear now. “My purpose is to restore the rightful line to the Iron Throne,” he says. Therefore, he requires the use of this fancy mansion and won’t be budging one inch.
