A Game of Thrones, Chapter 57, Sansa
Summary
Sansa joins the court session of the new King. Joffrey names the long list of traitors, Starks among them. Ser Barristan is relieved of his duty, replaced by Jame Lannister as Lord Commander of Kingsguard. Sandor Clegane takes the white. Sansa begs for mercy for her father and Joffrey promises mercy if Ned confesses his crimes.
Quotes
The tall, white-haired knight seemed to shrink as he stood there, scarcely breathing. “Your Grace,” he said at last. “The Kingsguard is a Sworn Brotherhood. Our vows are taken for life. Only death may relieve the Lord Commander of his sacred trust.”
“Whose death, Ser Barristan?” The queen’s voice was soft as silk, but her words carried the whole length of the hall. “Yours, or your king’s?”
“Only… that as you love me, you do me this kindness, my prince,” Sansa said.
King Joffrey looked her up and down. “Your sweet words have moved me,” he said gallantly, nodding, as if to say all would be well. “I shall do as you ask… but first your father has to confess. He has to confess and say that I’m the king, or there will be mercy for him.”
Commentary
It’s clear what kind of king the young Joffrey is going to be. His mother doesn’t show any regard for rules or honor. Stripping Barristan The Bold of the white cloak was one of the biggest mistakes she made. Loyalty doesn’t go far with Lannisters. They prefer to buy it with gold instead of earning it with honor.
It’s interesting to notice also that Cersei doesn’t have the control over her son. He’s taken the worst out of the only character model he had: Robert. The boy doesn’t listen to counsel and expects only blind obedience. He orders guards after Barristan and Cersei didn’t stop him. It’s the first sign of the things to come. Joffrey is going to cause huge amounts of trouble to his enemies as well as his own family.
I was torn when I’ve read this chapter. On one hand I was hoping that Sansa would get what she deserved, that Lannisters would put her in her place, but on the other hand, she was still Ned’s daughter. Ned wouldn’t want his daughter to be hurt even if he knew the role she played in the trap Cersei planned for him.
Tags: Sansa
