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Let’s rewind to the opening of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, where the series teased us with the grandiose chivalry and the expansive allure of George R.R. Martin’s universe. All this was set against the backdrop of Ramin Djawadi’s iconic Game of Thrones theme, only to have Dunk humorously disrupt the moment. This blend of humor and drama set the tone for AKOTSK, showcasing its knack for storytelling with a light-hearted twist. As we reach Episode 4, aptly titled “Seven,” the series cleverly reserves the epic GOT theme for a moment of even greater significance.
However, before we get to that crescendo, we must deal with the consequences. In the dim confines of Dunk’s dungeon cell, the flickering candlelight mimics the stars a humble hedge knight might dream of as his ceiling. Egg, now transformed in his regal Aegon Targaryen attire, enters, bringing with him an air of apology and sincerity. Despite the deception, his remorse is clear. As Egg explains his lineage, tracing his name back to the Conqueror and through four other Aegons, Dunk’s anger softens into astonished realization. He has unknowingly been in the company of the Hand of the King’s nephew, and Baelor Targaryen himself wishes to speak with him.
The accusation of treason, sparked by a petty act of puppetry, remains a serious charge. The dragon sigil holds deep reverence, and Dunk’s altercation with Prince Aerion, a member of the Dragon’s bloodline, demands a trial. Baelor, flipping through ancient texts, ponders Dunk’s martial prowess and proposes an alternative path—trial by combat.
At the nobles’ table, Aerion embodies a mix of brooding arrogance and menace as he makes a counterproposal: a “trial by seven.” This rare and ancient tradition harkens back 6,000 years to the arrival of the Andals and their seven deities. Despite Maekar, Aerion’s father, dismissing it as “6,000 years of Andal foolery,” the demand stands by Brightflame’s right. Prince Baelor commands, “Seek your champions, Ser Duncan.” By dawn, Dunk must rally six knights to stand beside him against the formidable House Targaryen, his accusers and judges.
At the head table in the fancy people’s chamber, Aerion is a mixture of sullen, pretentious, and dangerous, and it’s he who makes the counteroffer. A “trial by seven” will commence, a seldom-used carryover from 6,000 years of Westerosi history, named for when the Andals brought their seven gods to these shores. Maekar, Aerion’s father, dismisses the notion as “6,000 years of Andal foolery.” But by right it is Brightflame’s to demand. “Seek your champions, Ser Duncan,” declares Prince Baelor. By dawn, he must find six other knights to stand with him against his rulers and prosecutors, House Targaryen.
Back at Elm Camp, soaked to the bone, Dunk expresses dismay to his horses, because they’re basically his only friends. Until Raymun appears, and brings Duncan to meet with his cousin, Ser Steffon Fossoway (Edward Ashley). They’re no fans of the Targaryens, and Steffon agrees to help. (“You won’t die on my watch, ser.”) Alright, that’s one. And when Egg steps into the pavilion, it’s with his recently returned oldest brother, Daeron Targaryen (Henry Ashton). This is “The Drunken,” the man we met face down in a pile of swill, back at the inn in AKOTSK Episode 1. And he’s closer to Egg’s temperament than their vicious cruel asshole of a middle brother.
Daeron repeats that he saw Duncan in his foresight dreams. It was the hedge knight, standing over a dragon, so large its wings would envelop Ashford Meadow in shadow. What it could mean, Daeron doesn’t know. But he pledges to not make too much trouble at the trial of seven. This is also a great scene because Ashton is funny and kind of pitiful as Daeron, even inside his soused mysticism.
The dawn has come; it is time. And Egg the squire did his ser a solid. He gathered Ser Humfrey Hardyng – leg’s still crushed, but he can fight from a horse – and also Ser Humfrey Beesbury (Danny Collins). One-eyed Ser Robyn Rhysling is here, in full chain mail. And so is the homie Ser Lyonel Baratheon, who grins and says he always knew Dunk was trouble. The Laughing Storm claps him on the shoulder. “I wasn’t about to miss a chance to bloody up the Kingsguard in their pretty white gowns.” And Lyonel’s antlers-emblazoned, rich saffron-colored armor? Glorious.
The smallfolk have gathered around a fog-drenched and sloppy lists. Aerion and Maekar enter in their suits of black dragon armor. And fucking Steffon, that Benedict Arnold – he traded his supposed honor for Aerion’s offer of a lordship. He trots to the side of the prosecutors. Ser Duncan only has five champions, it’s not enough, until Ser Lyonel agrees to knight Raymun Fossoway on the spot. OK! Six champions. But that’s still not enough.
This is Peter Claffey’s chance for a big speech on horseback, and he nails it. Ser Arlan, Dunk says, taught him well, even if none of the nobles gathered remember the man. “A knight defends the innocent! That’s all I did!” His defense of Tanselle only fulfilled the job description. “Who will fight with me?”
The gates open, and a downcast but still triumphant version of the The Game of Thrones main title swells on the soundtrack. NOW it’s time for true chivalry and GRRM tradition. Prince Baelor Targaryen, Hand of the King, enters the lists and removes his helmet. Could an actor look more noble? “I will take Ser Duncan’s side.”
“Have you taken leave of your senses?” Maekar asks his brother. “This man attacked my son.” But Baelor is steadfast. One must stand for something in this world. Ser Duncan the Tall, he says, “protected the innocent. As every true knight must.” Onward to death or glory.
Helms and Hauberks for Episode 4 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (“Seven”):
- The shield Tanselle painted for Dunk is beautiful, full of red sky, shooting stars, and the strong green elm. Steely Pete has it, after the puppeteers fled to Dorne, and he has reinforced its oaken planks with iron bands and enarmes on the backside.
- One noble initially stands when Duncan polls the audience for a seventh. It’s Otho Bracken, or the “Brute of Bracken” if you like – but he’s just fucking with Dunk. The knight lets out a roaring fart to the delight of the crowd.
- We said at the beginning of AKOTSK that Daniel Ings, as Lord Lyonel Baratheon, would likely be our sleeper star champion for this series, and the verdict is in. Seriously, how fucking cool does this guy look?
Johnny Loftus (@johnnyloftus.bsky.social) is a Chicago-based writer. A veteran of the alternative weekly trenches, his work has also appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, The All Music Guide, and The Village Voice.