Maester Luwin comes to Theon in his chambers and tells him he must yield. Birds have been sent to Lord Balon and Victarion, but there has been no answer. Theon ignores the maester's advice and tells him to assemble the garrison in the yard. He tells them that Ser Rodrik will be there soon and that he means to hold the castle or die trying. He draws a line in the dirt and tells the men that any who will stay should step over the line. At first, no one moves, with Urzen shuffling his feet, Dykk Harlaw spitting on the ground, and Endehar and the others making no move. Wex crosses first, followed by Lorren. Seventeen men cross in all, including Red Rolfe, Kromm, Werlag, Tymor and his brothers, Ulf the Ill, Harrag Sheepstealer, Kenned the Whale, Four Harlaws, and two Botleys. Among those refusing to cross are Urzen, Stygg, and the ten men that Asha left at the castle. Theon arms for battle and then goes to the battlements to observe the northern host. It numbers at least a thousand with catapults and scorpions. Forces of houses Cerwyn, Tallhart, and Manderly make up the majority of the force, which also includes forces of Flint, Karstark, and Hornwood. Cley comes forward to announce that Ser Rodrik wants a parlay with Theon Turncloak. Theon rides out of the castle on Smiler, past Gage and several others who stare at him with hate, to the market square, where Cley and Ser Rodrik await. Ser Rodrik tells him that if he yields himself and the castle, his men may go free. Theon counters that the army must swear fealty and leave. He gives a signal, and Lorren brings Beth to the walls with a noose around her neck. Theon tells Ser Rodrik that the army must disperse by sundown, or Beth will hang. Every dawn and dusk thereafter will bring another hanging.

Back at the castle, Theon ponders his fate gloomily all day. Maester Luwin comes to him as he shoots targets in the archery yard and tells him that his last hope is to join the Night's Watch. Theon warms to the idea until Kromm reports that several hundred northmen under the banner of House Bolton have attacked Ser Rodrik's army. Theon watches with Maester Luwin and Lorren as the new force hacks Ser Rodrik's army to pieces. Sometime after nightfall, a knight in dark armor with a red helm comes to the gates and presents the bodies of Ser Rodrik, Cley, and Leobald. Theon lets him into the castle, where he reveals that he came as a friend and took half of Ser Rodrik's arm when he extended a hand in friendship. He takes his helm off, and Theon realizes it is Reek. Ramsay explains that he traded places with Reek when Ser Rodrik was after him in an attempt to save his life. He asks for the girl he was promised for bringing the men, his father's garrison. Theon sends Harrag for Palla, but Ramsay says he wants Kyra instead. Theon balks, and Ramsay strikes him with a gauntleted fist, shattering his cheekbone. Bolton men begin streaming in. Theon sees Red Rolfe and Kenned cut down, followed by Lorren and Ulf. Maester Luwin comes towards him, but is stabbed and run down. Ramsay shouts to spare the Freys and burn the rest. The last thing Theon sees is Smiler, his mane ablaze, kicking free of the stables.