A Clash of Kings, Vol. 16 [Arya 7, Catelyn 3]

Check out Cam's latest novel / audio drama here! Neither Renly nor Stannis Baratheon ever sit the Iron Throne, but could things have turned out differently if they had worked together? In this episode, we're chasing down a what-if question that involves Catelyn Stark's talent for diplomacy, the long shadow of Robert Baratheon, and the history of a castle that might be more magic than stone. Elsewhere, Cam examines the increased villiany of these chapters alongside the new complicity of our favorite characters, before searching for some supernatural precedent for the (infamous) forthcoming shadow baby. Maggie takes a closer look at the legend of Durran and the mystical origins of Storm's End. We work together consider the evolving identities, personas, and crises of Arya Stark in the context of her declaration that she's becoming a living ghost. Finally, our long-time couplet theory faces its most serious test yet, and explodes into a much larger, trickier narrative device. LINKS: Patreon, YouTube, Spotify, Instagram Feedback & Theories: [email protected] 00:00 Bloody Mummers 03:20 Recap of Chapters 21:02 Lost Cause Diplomacy 30:33 A Glut of Villains 37:51 Shadow Baby Precedent 41:08 Chosen One Gold Rush 45:45 Castle or Metaphor? 51:50 The Ghosts of Arya Stark 58:30 Compare / Contrast 01:02:28 The Universal Couplet 01:07:56 Closing Thoughts