Sandor escorts Sansa to see Joffrey, who is angry because of Robb. Joffrey is in the lower bailey shooting animals with his crossbow. He is guarded by Ser Boros and Ser Meryn. Others in attendence include Lord Gyles, Ser Horas, Ser Hobber, Ser Lancel, and Dontos. Joffrey informs Sansa that Robb fell upon Ser Stafford's army in the night and destroyed it. She is there to pay for his crimes. Joffrey orders her beaten. Dontos tries to save her by hitting her with a melon for the amusement of the court, but Joffrey is not placated. He has Ser Boros hit her. After several blows, Sandor says they have done enough, but Joffrey orders her stripped naked to continue the beating. At that moment, Tyrion arrives with Bronn and Timett and puts a stop to it. Sandor gives Sansa his white cloak to cover herself. After lecturing Joffrey, Tyrion has Sansa taken to the Tower of the Hand where she is bathed. Maester Frenken then gives her a salve for her bruises and a draught to help her sleep.
Sansa wakes up that night and tries to leave, but Chella, who is guarding the door, does not let her. A serving girl brings food and drink. Soon after, Tyrion arrives. He explains what happened. Robb and his army fell upon Ser Stafford's host at the town of Oxcross, three days ride from Casterly Rock. His men cut the horse lines and Grey Wind went among them to drive them mad. Many knights were trampled in their tents and the sellswords broke and ran. Ser Stafford was killed by Lord Rickard. Also among those reported slain were Ser Rupert Brax, Ser Lymond Vikary, Lord Roland Crakehall, and Lord Antario Jast.1 Martyn Lannister was among the captured. How Robb bypassed the Golden Tooth remains a mystery.2 Tyrion speaks to her kindly and informs her that he means to see she never weds Joffrey, but Sansa does not trust him. He offers to let her stay in the Tower of the Hand, but she declines because she is afraid she will not be able to meet Dontos anymore and escape.
