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  ===Writing===
  The episode was written by showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. Like the rest of the first season, it adapts the plot of ''A Game of Thrones,'' the first novel in the ''A Song of Ice and Fire'' series by George R. R. Martin. The episode covers the novel's chapters 66 to 73, that is, Arya V, Bran VII, Sansa VI, Daenerys IX, Tyrion IX, Jon IX, Catelyn XI, and Daenerys X. It also covers part of the second novel, ''A Clash of Kings'': Arya I (chapter 2) and part of Catelyn VII (chapter 55). Scenes added for the adaptation include Catelyn and Robb receiving news of Eddard's death, the revelation of Cersei and Lancel Lannister's relationship, as well as interactions between Grand Maester Pycelle, the prostitute Ros, Varys, and Littlefinger.