In the opening scene of Episode 2 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Dunk narrates the tale of Ser Arlan of Pennytree, a man who seemingly possessed everything one could desire and was a relentless fighter. As Dunk recounts this legendary story, we're transported back to the present, where our protagonist is telling this tale to Leo "Longthon" Tyrell, a man who, unfortunately, doesn't remember Ser Arlan. Dunk is confident that someone will eventually recall the man, but for now, it seems unlikely.
As the Targaryen banners march into Ashford Meadow, Egg returns to camp. Meanwhile, Dunk approaches the scene to take a closer look at Baelor Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne, who is warmly greeted by the crowd. However, one of the men, Aerion Targaryen, mistakes Dunk for a stable boy and a server until he corrects him.
Interestingly, Dunk does tend to Aerion's horse after it lashes out and kicks a man. As he speaks to the horse and calms it down, we're introduced to two members of the Kingsguard: Ser Roland Crakehall and Ser Donnel of Duskendale. They're two of the few people here who treat Dunk kindly and speak about their backgrounds. Donnel, in particular, is the son of a crabber.
When they leave, Dunk gets caught up in political intrigue. He overhears the Targaryens discussing how two of their sons, Daron and Aegon, have gone missing. Soon, Dunk is discovered and explains that he wants someone to vouch for him being a knight. Interestingly, Baelor Targaryen actually remembers Ser Arlan.
Baelor questions Dunk about Ser Arlan, and when Dunk mentions how Ser Arlan defeated Damon Lannister, it's enough to convince him. The scene ends with Baelor considering Dunk's request to be vouched for as a knight, setting the stage for further political intrigue and adventures in the world of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
However, since he's not of Ser Arlan's bloodline, Dunk realizes he'll need to repaint his shield if he's to participate in the tournament. For now, though, he's given the green light to fight, but there's still work to be done before he's ready to enter properly. After watching her puppet show last episode, Dunk and Egg head over to Tanselle's next show. Dunk calls on her to help paint a sigil, one featuring an elm tree with a shooting star flying overhead.
Outside, Dunk second-guesses the way he fumbled his words with her, and there's a hilarious scene with Egg as they discuss their pitfalls. Dunk flippantly retorts that Egg could become a Knight one day, and when Egg says he's puny, Dunk replies that he's stupid. Then Dunk proves Egg's point by forgetting the preceding sentence. It's a small segment, but a lovely way to add some levity to the show.
Next, Dunk is brought in with Egg to play a game of tug-of-war with Lyonel Baratheon, who asks him to "answer the call of war." Dunk's team emerges victorious. It doesn't take long for Dunk to meet the blacksmith in these parts, Steely Pate. Since Dunk doesn't have the coin right now to get himself kitted out, he's forced to sell one of Ser Arlan's horses. It's a touching scene, especially when Dunk pleads with the buyer to feed it an apple and some oats.
That night, Dunk rejoins Egg, where he learns that Ser Donnel, that son of a crabber, actually owns half the crabbing properties around Westeros. As the night's festivities get underway, Dunk watches the talented jousters and begins to doubt himself. After all, given that no one remembers Ser Arlan, the stories of him being a poor knight seem to ring true. However, Dunk is determined to prove everyone wrong.
