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A Clash of Kings Chapter 43 Summary

How It All Goes Down

Davos II

  • Davos joins Stannis's party to parley with Ser Cortnay Penrose, who currently commands Storm's End.
  • Stannis demands Penrose to surrender the castle to him, and he'll pardon him and his men.
  • When it becomes clear that Edric Storm, Robert Baratheon's illegitimate son, must also be surrendered, Penrose refuses the offer. Instead, he counters with an offer of single combat between champions.
  • Stannis promises no mercy should he be forced to storm the castle.
  • Davos and Stannis ride back to Stannis's camp. They discuss the predicament with Penrose as well as Renly's fate; Stannis admits to having nightmares where he is present at Renly's death.
  • Davos recommends Stannis strike for King's Landing immediately, but Stannis emphasizes that he will not have people say he was defeated at Storm's End, which is a little like saying you'll forego certain victory in the finals in order to focus on your preseason record.
  • He orders Davos to land a boat beneath the castle as he once did to aid Stannis during Robert's Rebellion. Davos suggests cleaner ways of accomplishing the goal, but Stannis maintains he must have Edric Storm.
  • That night, Davos does as he is ordered and brings Melisandre beneath the castle and behind its supposedly magically protected walls.
  • There, Melisandre undresses, and Davos realizes she is pregnant. She gives birth to a shadow assassin, and it slithers its way into the castle.