In Season 3, things are (shockingly) not going phenomenally for most of the Starks. Youngest daughter Arya spends much of the season being toted around the Riverlands by various characters hoping to ransom her back to her mother. The first captors are Beric Dondarrion and the Brotherhood Without Banners, a Robin Hood-esque band of outlaws struggling to provide for the smallfolk. This arrangement actually isn't too bad for Arya, and by a bizarre turn of luck, the Brotherhood captures the Hound--who had long been near the top of Arya's "must kill" list--as well. The Brotherhood may have insisted on a trial, but was there really any chance that the Hound was going to be found innocent? Of course, the situation grows a bit complicated when he demands a trial by combat, but Beric remains utterly confident. He says a prayer to the Lord of Light, asking that the Hound--whether innocent or guilty--be judged fairly. Drawing his sword, his slices a long cut in the palm of his own hand...and when his blood touches the steel, the blade ignites. Whoa. A battle ensues, and the Hound manages to strike down his opponent. The Brotherhood prepares to release him, and the Hound seizes his opportunity to taunt Arya about his survival. "Burn in hell!" she shrieks, struggling to escape Gendry's restraint. "He will," says a voice, "but not today." Both Arya and the Hound look around for the source of the voice, and both are shocked at what they see: Beric Dondarrion rising from the ground, very much alive. Double whoa.
Fiction buff and writer. If it's on Netflix, it's probably in my queue. I've bought DVDs for the special features and usually claim that the book is better than the movie or show (and can provide examples). I've never met a TV show that I won't marathon. Follow on Twitter @lah9891 .
