Annotations from item #46264216:

Contents

Synopsis

Ser Jaime is being escorted to King's Landing by Brienne and his cousin, Ser Cleos Frey, by boat. He was released in secrecy from Riverrun by Catelyn after swearing never again to take up arms against the Starks or Tullys, and to honor his brother Tyrion's pledge to release Sansa and Arya. The oath was sworn at sword point and while drunk, and Jaime considers killing Brienne and getting away. He is still chained hand and foot.

Jaime ponders Cersei's feelings with him after the Bran incident and wonders if she sent the assassin to Bran's room, but dismisses that notion thinking that she would have sent Jaime himself to do the dirty work. Their boat is moving down the Red Fork of the Trident, and Jaime has Cleos shave his head so he will be less recognizable should they get caught. He and Brienne treat each other with contempt. She stops their boat to cut down and bury several tavern wenches hanging in the trees. Jaime mocks Brienne because a note reveals the women were killed by northmen, most likely Bolton men, for servicing Lannister men.

Their trip is interrupted when Brienne spots a river galley bearing down on them. The galley is under the command of Ser Robin Ryger, sent by Ser Edmure Tully to return the Kingslayer to Riverrun. Brienne jumps out of the skiff and climbs a cliff face. Jaime distracts the men on the galley by challenging Robin to single combat while Brienne dislodges a large boulder which crashes down on the galley, sinking it. When Brienne swims back to the skiff, Jaime considers smashing her in the face with his oar, but instead pulls her into the boat. Jaime derides Brienne and asks her if she wants his thanks, but she rebuffs the "Kingslayer" and says she is only motivated by the oath she swore to Catelyn to return him to King's Landing. Jaime marvels at Brienne's sense of duty.

Character List

Places




Annotations from item #46264217:

Contents

Synopsis

Davos learns that his son Devan is alive, and that mainly only the Florents remain to King Stannis. Many of his other bannermen who were captured during the Battle bent the knee to King Joffrey. He also learns that Lord Guncer Sunglass was sacrificed to the fire by Melisandre as an offering to R'hllor. Salladhor tells Davos that Lord Alester is now Hand of the King, but Stannis remains in the Stone Drum and sees no one but Melisandre.

Davos plans to kill Melisandre because he blames her for the defeat and the death of his sons. He reveals as much to Salladhor who tries to talk him out of it. When put ashore, he meets Shireen and Edric Storm. The boy greatly resembles Robert and Renly, and he reveres his father. Edric says that his uncle Stannis should never have chopped off Davos’s fingers, but the Onion Knight knows that Robert was a different man than Stannis. Before Edric can talk further, Ser Axell Florent arrives and takes Davos into custody for plotting to kill Melisandre.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264218:

Contents

Synopsis

Jaime, Brienne, and Cleos stop at the Inn of the Kneeling Man to eat. The innkeep mentions the Lightning Lord, and we learn that Lord Beric and Thoros are still together raiding in the Riverlands. The innkeep recommends they abandon their skiff and ride for King's Landing. Brienne buys the inn's horses for three gold and their skiff, getting robbed blind according to Jaime. The husband of the innkeeper recommends they follow a specific path to avoid outlaws, and they ride off. Jaime is impressed that Brienne takes the opposite path, realizing they might have been set up.

That night, Jaime reminisces of how he became a Kingsguard. His sister was brought to court by Tywin, who was Hand at the time. He hoped to wed her to prince Viserys. Jaime was squiring for Sumner Crakehall, and was knighted by Arthur Dayne during the battle against the Kingswood Brotherhood. Cersei later informed him that their father meant to wed him to Lysa Arryn, and she told him that if he took the white cloak, they could be together in King's Landing. They did it behind their father's back, and Tywin could not object to King Aerys' wishes. Tywin then resigned as Hand and took Cersei back to Casterly Rock, unknowingly ruining their plan, for Jaime was now stuck in King's Landing as a sworn brother of the Kingsguard.

Years later, when Aerys made the mistake of admitting Tywin's army, the Mad King called for the former Hand's head. Alone in the throne room, Aerys had one final plan, but Jaime arrived in his golden armor, the blood of Lord Rossart on his blade, and killed the King. Jaime had hoped to slip out unnoticed, but his father's men entered the throne room, and they thought Jaime meant to give the throne to his father, but Jaime told them he didn't care who was proclaimed king. He was waiting on the Iron Throne to see who would come to claim the kingdom, but it was Eddard Stark who found him there. Eddard said nothing but he saw the blood of the king Jaime had sworn to protect on Jaime's hands. If only his father's men hadn't found him standing over Aerys' body…

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264219:

Contents

Synopsis

Tyrion is waiting in Varys' room when the eunuch walks in. The Spider reveals that Tywin Lannister means to restore Pycelle as Grand Maester, since the archmaesters of the Citadel claim that “only the conclave can unmake a Grand Maester”. When the conclave meant to send Maester Gormon, Lord Tywin acted at once, not wishing another Tyrell on the Small Council.

Tyrion is surprised to learn that Varys has whisperers even in the Citadel, where the conclave always meets in secrecy. He finds out that Boros Blount has been restored to the Kingsguard, and that Mandon Moore had been brought to King's Landing by Jon Arryn. Tyrion asks Varys to bring Shae to the eunuch's chambers so that no one will notice their meeting. He realizes that he cannot trust Varys any further, but hopes to use him this one last time. When he meets Shae, he means to send her away to protect her from his father, but Tyrion once again cannot bear to part with her. He also knows he must deal with the singer Symon Silver Tongue if he means to keep Shae in King's Landing.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264220:

Contents

Synopsis

Arya is gathering vegetables when she hears voices. She warns Gendry and Hot Pie. They try to hide but one of their horses gives them away. They are discovered by three men: Tom of Sevenstreams, Lem and Anguy. The men say they are Kingsmen and ask them to come with them to a nearby inn. Arya hesitates but after Anguy shows how skilled he is with the bow she realizes that they stand no chance and she agrees.

At the inn Gendry remains in the stable to watch their horses although Tom assures them that they are safe. Arya and Hot Pie enter the inn with the three men. The innkeeper sold them horses and gave them directions. Tom and his friends were waiting for them to get the horses back but they did not see them.

Tom gives Arya a paper acknowledging a future payment of three dragons after the war for their horses. Arya protests and wonders how they will be able to reach Riverrun. Suddenly Gendry runs in to warn them that there are strangers outside.

The people in the inn are not worried but Arya is afraid that it will be Ser Gregor Clegane's men. She slams a tankard in Lem's face and tries to escape but to no avail. The men outside come in and among them, Arya recognizes Harwin. He recognizes her and proclaims her real name to the surprise of all.

Character List

Places




Annotations from item #46264221:

Contents

Synopsis

Catelyn hears Robb’s return from the west, and recalls that when Edmure returned, dozens of men left after trampling Robb’s banner, all of them Freys. She is brought before her son to explain why she released Jaime Lannister. Rickard Karstark, whose sons Eddard and Torrhen were killed by Jaime, is angry at her but Robb is more gentle and acknowledges that "love is not always wise". Thinking about her daughters whom she had hoped to trade for Ser Jaime, Catelyn agrees. Lord Karstark, however, is unappeased and leaves the room in a fury.

In privacy, Robb introduces his mother to his new bride. Catelyn immediately realizes that, as Robb was pledged to marry a Frey, he has insulted the Freys and broken the alliance. But with his "love is not always wise" speech Robb has made it impossible to blame him, as Catelyn disobeyed him because of her love for her daughters.

Robb tells her how he met his wife. He had taken a wound storming the Crag, and Jeyne nursed him back to health. The night he was told his brothers were murdered, Jeyne consoled him and they slept together. Robb married her the next morning. As the Westerings were vassals of House Lannister, Jeyne has taken her family with her to escape the revenge of the Lannisters. Catelyn notices that Grey Wind is not with her son, because Jeyne is afraid of the wolf, and the beast growls whenever her uncle, Rolph Spicer, is near. Catelyn does not like that and convinces him to send Ser Rolph off on some errand, for Grey Wind should always be near him. She considers what it may take to appease Lord Walder Frey after this slight. The loss of the Freys is strongly felt by Robb, and there was nothing that could be done when Ryman and Black Walder led their men back to the Twins.

Edmure tells his uncle about his victory against the Lannisters but the latter interrupts him and both the Blackfish and Robb berate Edmure for his actions. Edmure was told to not to engage the Lannisters because Robb wanted them to come West. His plan was to hold them there so that the Lannisters would be unable to defend King's Landing against Stannis Baratheon's invasion. Edmure's attack delayed Tywin Lannister long enough for messengers to reach him, allowing the Lannister host to turn around, link up with Mace Tyrell's army and arrive at King's Landing to turn the tide at the Battle of the Blackwater. Edmure ruined their whole plan, and admits that he must make amends. Robb plans to retake the North, but first he must win back the Freys.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264222:

Contents

Synopsis

Jon is observing Mance's host, taking note of all the giants and mammoths that make up the army. Tormund is telling Jon some tall tales about himself, when the eagle that was once Orell rakes Jon's face. Rattleshirt has arrived to bring Jon before Mance, this time at the Fist of the First Men. The king confronts Jon about how many men were at the Fist, and who led. Jon, seeing how many of the Watch died here and realizing Mance may kill him for lying, tells the truth. The situation is still tense. Jon feels that Mance may still have him killed because Jon lied to him previously. Briefly he thinks about attacking Mance but Ygritte saves him by telling them that they are lovers. The wildlings respect any man who steals his woman, and Rayder informs Jon that he will be leaving with Styr and Jarl on the morrow to climb the Wall. That night, Jon and Ygritte share a bed together.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264223:

Contents

Synopsis

Sansa is being fitted for a new gown provided by Queen Cersei. Margaery tells Sansa that she does not fear Joffrey, because her father only conceded her hand in marriage with the provision that Loras was named to the Kingsguard. Her brother will protect her from Joffrey.

When Sansa tells Dontos about the Queen of Thorns's plan to marry her to Willas, the drunk man warns her that the Tyrells wish to wed her for her claim to Winterfell, stating, "These Tyrells are only Lannisters with flowers." Dontos tells her that they will escape, as promised, on Joffrey's wedding day.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264224:

Contents

Synopsis

Hot Pie has decided to stay with Sharna as a baker at the inn. The others depart for Riverrun, or so Tom tells Arya. Harwin tells Arya the tale of how they first rode out in search of Gregor Clegane, and about all the men they lost when Gregor's men fell on them. Most of the 120 men from the original group are dead, including Lothar Mallery and Gladden Wylde. It was all a trap; Lord Tywin had planned for Eddard himself to ride out and deal with Gregor, but Jaime didn't know of the plan when he attacked Ned in the streets of King's Landing. As Eddard's leg was broken, he had to send others out. Dondarrion and his men learned a sharp lesson when the trap sprung. Dondarrion should have died, having been run through with a lance, but Thoros of Myr saved him. After Tywin became Hand of the King they became outlaws themselves but they kept fighting in the name of King Robert. They harried the foraging parties and attacked the baggage trains of Tywin's army, and their brotherhood began to grow as many flocked to their cause, mostly commoners uprooted by the war.

Later, they meet up with Greenbeard and learn that Jaime Lannister has escaped from Riverrun. When Arya discovers that they mean to bring her before Lord Beric rather than take her to Riverrun, she tries to ride off, but Harwin catches her. Her father's man is now a member of the Brotherhood Without Banners, and answers only to Beric and Thoros' Lord of Light, the god R'hllor.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264225:

Contents

Synopsis

Sam and the few survivors from the Fist are running south in the middle of night with a heavy snow falling. They are ringed by men with torches to keep the wights away, but Sam is beginning to lag and is near exhaustion. He eventually falls in the snow, and cannot get back on his feet. He recalls the horror that occurred at the Fist, when the wights fell on the Night's Watch. Mormont had commanded him to send ravens with warning, and Sam kept sending them with updates, but when it came time to send a raven with word that their end was near, Sam had already let the birds escape. The Watch held the Fist at first, using fire arrows to hold back the wights. But the dead were relentless and eventually overpowered the Watch, men dying by the score. Mormont had the survivors mount up and form a wedge, slashing past the wights and down off the Fist into the forest. Now they are running for the Wall, pursued by the wights and perhaps the Others.

Grenn tries to get Sam to his feet, but the fat steward is too tired. Finally Small Paul arrives and carries Sam, but the three of them have fallen far behind the survivors with their torches, and the cold sets in. Upon an undead horse, an Other appears from the swirling snow. The being kills Small Paul with its ice sword, but Sam stabs the Other with the dragonglass dagger that Jon gave him. The dagger causes the Other to melt away, body and armor, before Sam and Grenn's eyes. Grenn retrieves the icy cold obsidian dagger, and they once again run off to try and catch up with the other survivors.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264226:

Contents

Synopsis

The small council meets to discuss the progress of the war, and Tyrion learns that Lancel is still near death. Randyll Tarly defeated the northmen attacking Duskendale, with Helman Tallhart reported dead, and Robett Glover fleeing west and being chased by Gregor Clegane. Tywin informs them that Daven Lannister is rounding up a new army and will join with men from the Golden Tooth, and then march on Riverrun when Robb Stark returns north. They all agree that Robb will march for Moat Cailin, for he is a king without a kingdom.

Kevan reveals that Balon Greyjoy has sent letters with terms of alliance. Greyjoy wants the North, but Tywin says they will not treat with Balon while other options may present themselves. Littlefinger agrees to go to the Eyrie to marry Lysa Arryn, and once he is consort, deliver the Vale of Arryn into Tywin's hands. Since Littlefinger will be leaving within a day, Tyrion is named master of coins. Pycelle informs them that 300 Dornishmen ride for King's Landing in response to Tyrion's negotiations, despite the hatred between Dorne and Highgarden that has gone on for hundreds of years.

Mace Tyrell does not like the idea of Dornishmen riding across the Reach. Tyrion considers how the Lord of Highgarden talked like a general although he had never won a decisive battle. His victory over Robert Baratheon at Ashford was won by Randyll Tarly and the siege of Storm's End lasted for a year without result until Eddard Stark relieved the castle.

Garlan Tyrell has been named Lord of Brightwater Keep since Alester Florent is a traitor. Varys brings word of a three-headed dragon being born in Qarth, and that the Night's Watch is begging for help against a wildling army. Lord Tywin does not want to hear about rumors of dragons, and is disinterested in news of wildlings, claiming that if the Wall is overrun, the Starks and Greyjoys will have a new enemy to deal with, even speculating they may be able to make a deal with Mance Rayder, overriding the attempts of Varys and Tyrion to have gold cloaks who deserted during the Battle of the Blackwater forced to take the black. He adjourns the meeting, asking Tyrion, Cersei and Kevan to stay. Tyrion warns them not to trust Littlefinger with this quest to the Vale, but Tywin is resolute, believing it better to have Baelish ruling the Vale as opposed to the likes of Yohn Royce or Lyn Corbray and adds that Littlefinger has proven his loyalty, telling Tyrion that just the other day Baelish informed them of a plot by the Tyrells to bring Sansa to Highgarden and marry her to Willas. The Hand is aware that should Mace Tyrell ask leave to bring Sansa to Highgarden, they must consent or else offend the Tyrells. Tywin wishes to circumvent this problem by offering Cersei's hand in marriage to Willas. Cersei adamantly refuses but her father has the final say, and Cersei storms out of the room in a fury. Tywin then tells Tyrion that he will wed Sansa Stark, further solidifying the Lannisters's position, because should Robb die and Sansa and Tyrion have a son, the child will become Lord of Winterfell.

Tyrion protests, arguing that a marriage to Sansa is worthless while the Greyjoys hold the north and questions why he isn't being forced into a marriage with Balon's daughter, but Tywin counters that the ironborn won't rule the north, they will just plunder it, uniting the northmen against them, which the Lannisters can use to retake the north when Tyrion brings Ned Stark's grandson home to claim his birthright. Tyrion argues again, protesting that Sansa is still a child, but Tywin retorts with Cersei's testimony the girl has flowered. Tyrion suggests sending the girl back to her mother as a gesture of goodwill that might make Robb Stark bend the knee, but Tywin coldly retorts that if they do that, Sansa will be married off to one of the northern or Riverlords to shore up her brother's alliances. Tywin adds that this marriage is a reward for Tyrion's previous service and threatens that if Tyrion won't go through with it, they will marry Sansa off to Lancel or another of his cousins and find Tyrion another bride; the threat of being married to Lollys Stokeworth, as well as the prospect of being made Lord of Winterfell if he is to be denied Casterly Rock is enough to cow Tyrion.

As a last attempt at protest, Tyrion argues that any claim Sansa might have to Winterfell will be made irrelevant when her brother gets a child from whichever Frey girl he marries, and learns to his surprise that Robb Stark has broken his pledge with the Freys and married Jeyne Westerling. Ser Kevan reveals that Lord Westerling's wife is a Spicer, a house of extremely low birth having descended from traders. Tyrion is confused by the lack of fury in his father's eyes at this betrayal by the Westerlings, a house sworn to Casterly Rock. Lord Tywin states, "Jeyne Westerling is her mother's daughter, and Robb Stark is his father's son."

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264227:

Contents

Synopsis

Ser Desmond Grell is castellan of Riverrun while Edmure is off at battle and he has confined Catelyn to her father’s rooms for releasing the Kingslayer without the consent of King Robb or Edmure. She is aware Grell has dispatched Ser Robin Ryger to bring back Jaime, and hopes that he fails. Her father's room smells of death and it makes Cat think of Ned and her two youngest boys. Lord Hoster is having fever dreams and mumbling, "Forgive me...the blood...oh, please...Tansy..." "Dead." "…you’ll have others…sweet babes, and trueborn…" Catelyn recalls that Lysa has had five miscarriages since her marriage and deduces that Lysa must have miscarried before marrying as well. She realizes that Jon Arryn had no heir at the time of her and Lysa's twin betrothals. He was older than their father and as a soiled bride, "Lysa was the price Jon Arryn had to pay for the swords of House Tully." She does not know who the father of the original miscarriage might have been. Catelyn writes a letter to Lysa pleading for her to come to Riverrun before their father passes away saying, "He needs your forgiveness," but she realizes Lord Hoster will be gone before the raven even makes it to The Eyrie. Catelyn goes to the sept and lights three candles. One for the Father Above for her own father. One for the Crone "who let the first raven into the world when she peered through the door of death" and one for the Mother for Lysa and all the children they had both lost.

Later, Edmure returns to Riverrun, informing Catelyn that he turned away the Lannisters, but that Stannis lost the battle for King's Landing and that Highgarden and Dorne have both declared for Joffrey. Edmure scolds Catelyn for freeing Jaime and tells her Cersei will never free Catelyn's daughters, but Catelyn claims Tyrion will be held to the word he spoke in open court and the Kingslayer gave his word as well. Edmure dismisses the Kingslayer's words as worthless and informs Catelyn that Tyrion took an axe to the head and is most likely dead. Edmure has sent three ravens informing Lord Bolton that Jaime has escaped in the hopes of capturing him at Harrenhal. Catelyn despairs because if Jaime is believed to have escaped instead of being released as part of a prisoner swap, the Lannisters have no reason to free Catelyn's daughters.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264228:

Contents

Synopsis

Robb stands with all his bannermen attending as the bodies of Willem Lannister and Tion Frey are laid before him. The Greatjon brings Lord Rickard Karstark and four of his men to Robb as prisoners.

Rickard, who was overcome with grief and anger, sought vengeance for the loss of his two sons. After Catelyn released Ser Jaime Lannister from captivity, he and his men murdered Willem Lannister and Tion Frey in their cells at Riverrun, killing two guards in the process. Robb orders Rickard's accomplices to be hanged and sentences Rickard to death, knowing that he must perform the execution himself, as both the Starks and Karstarks are descended from the First Men.

The rest of the Karstark men had already departed Riverrun to seek out and kill Jaime Lannister, also offering gold and the hand of Rickard's daughter in marriage to anyone who could turn the Kingslayer over to them. Edmure urges Robb to hold Lord Karstark hostage and not to let word get out to the Freys or Lannisters about the deaths of the two squires. But Robb feels he has been betrayed by the murder and has no choice but to kill the man whose two sons died defending his life. Robb carries out the sentence in the godswood. That night, Jeyne comes to Catelyn for advice in comforting Robb, and the young woman promises that she will soon bear Robb's son if the gods answer her prayers.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264229:

Contents

Synopsis

Brienne, Cleos, and Jaime are still travelling to King's Landing. They visit Maidenpool, but finding the town deserted, continue on toward Duskendale. Jaime has no success in provoking Brienne into a fight. He misses his twin and thinks back about their childhood. Even as children they were close and they slept together. Once their mother caught them. She was shocked and moved Jaime's bedchamber far away from Cersei's. Jaime muses that he should marry his sister as the Targaryens did.

Suddenly they are attacked by archers. Jaime and Brienne charge at them and the archers run away in the forest. They go back to find that ser Cleos is dead. His horse threw him off but as his feet was stuck in the stirrups he was dragged with his head bouncing against the ground. Jaime takes Cleos's sword and attacks Brienne. Although he is still chained he is confident that he can beat her. They fight for a long time. Jaime is amazed at her skill with the sword and realizes that she is stronger than him. Finally Brienne beats him.

When they look up a number of men surround them. Jaime recognizes them as the Brave Companions. They quickly inform him that they have gone over to the Starks. Jaime and Brienne are severely beaten and taken prisoner. Jaime warns Brienne that she will be raped and advises her not to resist, as this will make it worse. He tries to save her by telling the Brave Companions that Tarth is called the Sapphire Isle and that Brienne will be worth a high ransom. He tries to persuade the leader of the Brave Companions, Vargo Hoat in releasing them for a high ransom. Vargo Hoat replies that he will give Jaime's father a message. His men grab Jaime and hold him down. Zollo raises his sword and brings it down as Jaime screams.

Character List

Places




Annotations from item #46264230:

The brotherhood without banners searches for Beric Dondarrion, and Arya Stark sees the ghost of High Heart.

Contents

Synopsis

The outlaws first visit Lord Lymond Lychester and then the Lady of the Leaves in search of word on Lord Beric Dondarrion's whereabouts. But none have seen him, only hearing rumors that he was dead—hanged once, killed by Vargo Hoat, Amory Lorch, and twice by Gregor Clegane. Arya heard similar rumors at Harrenhal, but Lem and Tom know that Beric is still alive.

The outlaws plan to ransom Arya at Riverrun after they meet up with Beric and Thoros of Myr. They arrive at High Heart, an ancient hill sacred to the children of the forest. Thirty-one mighty weirwoods had stood at the top of the hill, but only their stumps remained from after the Andals chopped them down. Arya can still feel the power of the place. An old dwarf woman speaks in private to Lem, Tom, and Greenbeard, but Arya overhears the conversation. The woman has dreams while sleeping among the weirwood stumps, and tells them she had dreamed of "a shadow with a burning heart killing a golden stag";

At Acorn Hall, Lady Smallwood informs them that Thoros had been through recently, and that Karstark men were searching for the Kingslayer. Arya and Gendry go off to the smithy, and the former apprentice explains that Thoros was a charlatan, using regular swords with wildfire to make his flaming sword.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264231:

Contents

Synopsis

Daenerys and one of the master slavers in Astapor are discussing the purchase of Unsullied through a translator. Dany is pretending not to know High Valyrian speech, but she understands everything the slaver is saying to the translator. Kraznys demonstrates the loyalty of the Unsullied, how the eunuchs follow every command given them and feel hardly any pain. Both Daenerys and Arstan are horrified by the conditions the Unsullied live under, and the brutality of their training. The slaver indicates he has 8,000 Unsullied currently for sale. Daenerys informs him she will spend the night considering the offer.

Arstan is against the use of slaves, when sellswords can be bought in the Free Cities; he insists that if Daenerys lands in Westeros at the head of a slave army, many of the realm's people will oppose her for no more reason than the abbhorence of slavery. Daenerys is, however, too proud to go back to Pentos as a beggar, not after seeing what it did to her brother, how bitter and angry constantly begging for help left him.

Lonely since her husband's death and confused over Ser Jorah Mormont's advances on her, Daenerys takes Irri as a lover one night, the Dothraki handmaiden more than willing to sexually pleasure her Khaleesi, but Daenerys finds no release, only guilt over treating her handmaid as a bedslave.

The next morning, when Ser Jorah comes to speak with her, Daenerys snaps at him; she despises Astapor and has only contempt for the Unsullied, but she still recognizes that they are too useful to pass up. Ser Jorah also gives Daenerys more food for thought on hiring the Unsullied, pointing out that they don't rape nor put to the sword the population of cities they've conquered unless specifically ordered to, minimizing the bloodshed that will inevitably occur when Daenerys starts the war to reclaim her throne. He also points out their usefulness in answering Daenerys' query as to why Astapor has never been sacked, since any enemy attacking Astapor would face the city's entire garrison of Unsullied, there are few neighboring cities and nations that pose a threat, and the combination of the Unsullied's reputation and heavy bribes offered by Astapor's rulers are enough to dissuade passing Dothraki Khalasars from attacking the city.

Daenerys is tempted, knowing that Viserys would purchase as many Unsullied as he could, but she questions if she can be anything like Rhaegar, to whom Arstan and Jorah keep comparing her, if the loyalty of her men is only based on being bought and paid for. Ser Jorah points out that Rhaegar's honor and the loyalty he inspired in his men didn't save him from dying at the Trident.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264232:

Contents

Synopsis

Traveling north to the Wall, Bran and his companions meet a Liddle in the hills. The man indicates that the Bastard of Bolton is offering gold for wolfskins and for word on the walking dead. Later, Meera tells a story of a hero who might have been a crannogman (judging from other characters in the story, presumably Howland Reed), during the year of the false spring. This crannogman had left Greywater Watch and visited the Green Men on the Isle of Faces. Returning home, he stopped at Harrenhal for the great tourney. Three squires accosted him and mocked him for his short stature, knocking him to the ground until he was rescued by a she-wolf. The story names no names, but from their references, we know who they are.

The story tells of Jaime Lannister being named to the Kingsguard, despite his father's absence (Tywin had recently resigned as Hand). The Wild Wolf had asked Ashara Dayne, one of princess Elia's ladies-in-waiting, to dance with his shy brother. The pup offered the crannogman some armor so that he could take his vengeance on the squires during the tourney, but the little man turned him down. The crannogmen prayed to the old gods, and the next day at the tourney, a mystery knight called the Knight of the Laughing Tree defeated the knights whose squires had wronged the crannogman. Instead of collecting a ransom from the three defeated knights, the mystery knight asked them to teach their squires honor. The Knight of the Laughing Tree disappeared before he could be unmasked, despite the fury of King Aerys II. The tourney was won by prince Rhaegar, but Meera ends the story by saying that what happened next is a sadder tale that deserves its own telling. Bran has never heard this story before, and both Reeds are surprised that Lord Eddard never related it to him.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264233:

Contents

Synopsis

Davos, imprisoned beneath Dragonstone, is visited by Melisandre. The Red Woman tells Davos that her purpose is to keep darkness at bay. When Davos asks about the shadow she birthed, she tells him that Stannis is too weak, and should she draw more life-energy from him he would die. Melisandre tells Davos that there are only two gods, R'hllor and the Great Other, whose name cannot be spoken. They are opposites, white and black, good and evil, fire and ice. The Other is the god of Darkness, the Soul of Ice and his war with R’hllor is everywhere and everlasting. Melisandre claims that the Other’s servants often hide in plain view, but the priests of R’hllor can see through falsehoods. She explains that she saw in the flames that Davos wanted to murder her. Davos admits to this, blaming her for the death of his sons who died in the Battle of the Blackwater. Melisandre speaks of a prophesy, which portends that Azor Ahai will be born again in the light of R’hllor, and she is convinced that Stannis is the embodiment of this prophecy: "When the red star bleeds and the darkness gathers, Azor Ahai shall be born again amidst smoke and salt to wake dragons out of stone." Melisandre departs, telling him that he (Davos) has served R’hllor once and will do so again.

Later, Axell Florent brings his brother Alester, Stannis’ Hand, and tosses him into the cell with Davos. Lord Florent is a defeated man, and he tells Davos that his nephew Imry died with the fleet, and that most of Stannis’ bannermen were captured at the battle and bent the knee to Joffrey. He is now condemned as a traitor for writing a letter he planned to send to Lord Tywin, offering peace and suggesting that Stannis would swear fealty to Joffrey but would remain Lord of Dragonstone and Storm's End, and that the Florents would get Brightwater Keep back. In addition, he offered Shireen’s hand in marriage to Tommen. Alester rants about Melisandre’s talk of a stone dragon, "madness, sheer madness. Did we learn nothing from Aerion Brightfire, from the nine mages, from the alchemists? Did we learn nothing from Summerhall? No good has ever come from these dreams of dragons." Davos knows Stannis well and tells Florent that Stannis would rather die a king than bend his knee, and that he would never consent to wed his daughter to Tommen, a child born of incest.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264234:

Contents

Synopsis

The night before the planned attempt to scale the Wall, Jon tells Ghost that he cannot come with him, and that they will meet again at Castle Black. The Magnar forces Jon to tell him more about the patrols the Night's Watch use along the Wall. Jarl and Styr plan to climb the Wall between Stonedoor and Greyguard, where a hill rests against the Wall, making for a shorter climb. Later, Jon and Ygritte spend time in a cavern which supposedly leads from the Haunted Forest all the way beneath the Wall and beyond, but no one since Gendel and Gorne, the legendary wildling brother kings, knows the way. As they make love, Ygritte asks Jon to stay with her and hide in this cavern forever.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264235:

Contents

Synopsis

Daenerys tells the slavers that she wants all eight thousand Unsullied, plus all the slave boys in training, whether they've been cut yet or not. In order to pay the slave masters, Daenerys offers all three of her ships as well as Drogon, for the price of a dragon is incalculable. Daenerys frees Missandei and takes her into her service, revealing that she can speak High Valyrian. We learn that Valar Morghulis means 'all men must die'.

That night, Quaithe appears to Daenerys, seemingly in a dream, telling her again, "To go north, you must journey south. To reach the west, you must go east. To go forward you must go back, and to touch the light you must pass beneath the shadow." When the time for the deal to be brokered arrives, Daenerys swings the slaver's whip in Kraznys' face, and releases Drogon on him, shouting, "Drogon! Dracarys!" This is the sign for her followers to attack the slavers. With the help of the Unsullied who obey her as she is now their owner she has the slavers killed. The other slaves join her and soon Astapor is conquered.

Character List

Places and Terms Mentioned




Annotations from item #46264236:

Contents

Synopsis

Sansa is dressing in the gown Cersei had made for her, thinking to herself what it would be like to marry Willas Tyrell. However, her daydreams are shattered when the Queen reveals that she is to marry Tyrion that very afternoon. Sansa does her duty, realizing there is no way out. Tyrion apologizes to her, saying that it was his father’s wish to see them wed. During the ceremony, Sansa does not bend to allow Tyrion to place his cloak over her shoulders, causing embarrasment for the dwarf. At the feast, Garlan comforts Sansa, saying that Tyrion will make a good husband, "He is a bigger man than he seems." When the time comes to have them bedded, Tyrion demands that there will be no bedding. He has to threaten Joffrey to keep him from making the tense moment worse. In bed that night, Tyrion realizes that Sansa is petrified at the thought of losing her maidenhood to him, and he tells her that he will not touch her until she wants him to.

Character List

Places and Terms Mentioned




Annotations from item #46264237:

Contents

Synopsis

Arya and Gendry look out the window to see what all the noise is about - by mustamirri ©

Harwin tells Arya about the Battle of the Bells, where her father defeated Lord Connington, Aerys II Targaryen's Hand, in a fierce battle fought in the streets of Stoney Sept. Robert Baratheon was injured and hiding in the city when the Hand’s army invaded the town. Many credit Robert with the victory, but the King always said that Eddard had won that battle. Arya is disturbed to find Northmen being starved in cages, and gives one of them water. They were Karstark men captured by the Mad Huntsman. The Northmen are guilty of rape and pillaging, and Anguy puts them out of their misery.

The Brotherhood Without Banners spends the night at The Peach, a brothel. During the night, they hear a commotion, and watch as the Mad Huntsman brings someone as a prisoner into the city in chains. Arya recognizes the captive.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264238:

Contents

Synopsis

Arya, Gendry, and Hot Pie are using the map she stole from Roose Bolton to find the Trident. She plans to follow the Red Fork to Riverrun, but they seem to be lost. Fearing pursuit, they ride for long hours and exhaust themselves. Arya falls asleep and dreams through the eyes of a wolf. In the dream, she and her pack ravage four members of the Bloody Mummers, killing three and tearing off Iggo’s arm.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264239:

Contents

Synopsis

A wildling climbs the Wall.
© Fantasy Flight Games

Jon is watching as Jarl’s men are competing with the Magnar’s to see who will reach the top of the Wall first. Many of the climbers fall to their death, including Jarl, but several eventually reach the top. As long rope ladders are dropped down to the base to allow the others to climb, Jon notices Ygritte with tears in her eyes. She tells him that they never found the Horn of Joramun, which would have helped them bring the Wall down without a fight.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264240:

Contents

Synopsis

On the way to Harrenhal, Jaime's wound is infected, and he is feverish from the loss of his hand (which has been cut off by Zollo). At the camp some of the Bloody Mummers come to rape Brienne. Jaime knows that if she resists they will probably kill her so he advises her to take her mind far away. He recalls that when Aerys cooked Lord Rickard Stark alive while Brandon died trying to rescue him, Jaime did the same. Brienne is stubborn and wants to resist. Jaime saves her again by yelling “sapphires” loud enough for the Goat to hear. Brienne thanks him as Jaime considers the debt (revenge) that he owes to Vargo Hoat and his Bloody Mummers: a Lannister always pays his debts.

After reaching Harrenhal, Hoat presents the Kingslayer to Roose Bolton, who is disgusted that the Mummers hacked off his hand. He has Qyburn cleanse the stump and bandage it. Jaime asks Qyburn to see to Brienne's wounds as well.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264241:

Contents

Synopsis

Tyrion visits Symon Silvertongue, and thinks to pay him to leave King's Landing. But the singer wishes to join the tournament of singers that will take place during Joffrey’s wedding. He blackmails Tyrion by indicating that he will tell about his relation with Shae. Tyrion promises him that one of the other singers will be removed, and Bronn will visit him in three days' time. Outside, Tyrion orders Bronn to kill Symon.

Later, Tyrion's father shows him the two new Valyrian swords he had made for Joffrey and Jaime. Master Tobho Mott reworked the metal, and the color of the blade on each sword is black and red. House Lannister has not had a Valyrian sword in hundreds of years, and try as he might, Tywin could never get any of the lesser houses to sell theirs. Where the steel for these new swords came from is not revealed. Tywin tells him that he must consummate his marriage to Sansa, and that Mace Tyrell rejected the marriage proposal between Cersei and Willas, probably because the Queen of Thorns told him to.

Pycelle brings dire tidings from the Wall, and that Maester Aemon fears Lord Mormont is dead. Tywin tells Pycelle to send a veiled message that no men shall be sent to the Wall unless Janos Slynt is considered for the post of Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Tyrion thinks to himself that he should have had Slynt and Pycelle put to death when he had the chance.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264242:

Contents

Synopsis

Forty-four survivors have reached Craster's Keep, of the 300 men the Watch had at the Fist. Some of the men are becoming ornery because there is so little food, and Craster seems to be hiding a larder. Mormont speaks with Sam about dragonglass, noting in disgust that the Watch once knew the purpose of obsidian weapons. Their true enemies are the Others, but they had forgotten.

Craster soon makes it clear he wants the crows gone, and several members start to accuse him of not sharing all his food. The argument worsens, until finally Craster attacks Clubfoot Karl, beginning the mutiny at Craster's Keep. Dirk slits Craster's throat, and when Mormont screams at them that there is no crime worse than murder at a host's dinner table, Ollo Lophand stabs the Lord Commander. Sam watches in horror as the deserters begin to rape Craster's wives, and sees the few men still loyal to the Watch flee because they are outnumbered. Grenn, Giant, Dolorous Edd, and a few others get away. Mormont, dying, commands Sam to return to the Wall with all haste and tell everyone what has happened. He also asks Sam to tell his son Jorah that Mormont's dying wish is for Jorah to take the black. His last words to Sam are, "Tell Jorah. Forgive him. My son. Please. Go." Sam is approached by Gilly, who has recently given birth to a son, and two of Craster's other, older, wives. Gilly asks Sam to take her with him, to flee on horseback someplace warm.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264243:

Contents

Synopsis

Arya and Gendry are blindfolded until they reach the hollow hill, the secret base of the forgotten fellowship. Sandor Clegane is brought bound before Thoros of Myr, and Arya cannot believe how different the red priest looks. The Hound is to be judged by Beric Dondarrion and hanged if found guilty. Thoros is a changed man, no longer a fat priest with a fake flaming sword, saying, "I am not the false priest you knew. The Lord of Light has woken in my soul. Many powers long asleep are waking, and there are forces moving in the land."

When Dondarrion appears, Arya is appalled by his appearance. Once handsome, the man is now stick thin, missing an eye, with part of his skull crushed in, a noose scar around his neck, and a terrible wound through his chest. Dondarrion asks for charges to be made against Sandor, but the Hound spits at the accusations, laying them at the feet of his brother and others. But Arya accuses him of killing Mycah, and the Hound does not refute that. The Lightning Lord sentences him to trial by battle, and it will be Dondarrion he faces. Before the fight, Thoros says a prayer to R'hllor, and then Dondarrion cuts open his palm with his sword, causing the blade to take fire.

The fight ends with Clegane’s shield destroyed and his left arm in flames, but the Hound cuts Dondarrion from shoulder to breastbone. Sandor is screaming in pain and fear from the hideous burn to his arm. When Arya confronts him about Mycah, Clegane admits killing the boy, and suddenly Dondarrion appears, alive and leaning against Thoros, to tell Sandor he has gone to hell.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264244:

Contents

Synopsis

Hoster Tully has finally passed away, and his family and bannermen are gathered for the funeral. Lame Lothar Frey and Walder Rivers have come to Riverrun to negotiate a meeting between Robb and Lord Walder Frey that will hopefully restore the alliance. The Lord of Riverrun is placed on a funeral pyre boat launched by Robb, Tytos Blackwood, Jonos Bracken, Jason Mallister, Marq Piper, Karyl Vance and Lothar Frey. Lothar is invited to take the place that would be Desmond Grell's as a gesture of goodwill towards House Frey, as an effort from Robb to apologize for his failure to keep his vow of marrying a Frey. Edmure tries to launch a fire arrow at the ship to light it but he misses three times. He gives the bow to Brynden Tully, who hits the boat, causing it to catch fire.

Later, Robb is devastated by the news from Duskendale, shocked that Robett Glover and Helman Tallhart took it upon themselves to attack such an insignificant castle, losing nearly a third of Robb’s infantry; he later states his intention to exchange Robett for their captive Martyn Lannister. The king tells Catelyn of Sansa’s marriage to the Imp. Catelyn begs him to bend the knee and make peace with the Lannisters, but Robb will not hear it. At dinner, Lothar tells them that his father received word from Little Walder and Big Walder at the Dreadfort, that Winterfell had been burned and Rodrik Cassel killed. Lothar remarks that the Bastard of Bolton rescued the survivors from Winterfell, to Catelyn’s disbelief. Lothar brings his father’s terms that Robb appear in person to offer apology, and that Edmure marry Roslin Frey immediately. Robb dismisses Lothar and Bastard Walder, and when Edmure balks at not being able to choose his wife, the Blackfish reminds him that he must make amends for his blunder with the Battle of the Fords.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264245:

Contents

Synopsis

Axell Florent brings Davos before King Stannis, taking the torch with him to leave his brother Alester alone in the darkness. Axell tells Davos in private that he has seen Stannis’ victory in the flames, and if Davos does not help him become Hand, he will see the Onion Knight killed. Stannis proclaims that Alester will die for treason, instead.

Stannis then raises Davos to Lord of the Rainwood, Admiral of the Narrow Sea, and his new Hand of the King. When Stannis mentions battle, Davos mistakes him to mean the continuance of the war, but Melisandre has entered the room and calls it "the great battle… Soon comes the cold, and the night that never ends". Stannis has also seen a vision in the flames, of men in black with torches on a high hill in the forest during snow, while all around them shapes were moving. Melisandre proclaims that Westeros must unite under King Stannis in order to defeat the one whose name must not be spoken. The King takes three leeches fat with the blood of Edric Storm and tosses them one at a time into a brazier, naming each of the false kings: Joffrey, Balon Greyjoy, and Robb. Melisandre tells him that this is not the best way, for it both will and will not work. The better way is to sacrifice Edric Storm to the flames, for there is power in a king's blood: Melisandre believes that his death will wake the stone dragon, as prophesized, and the sacrifice of one life to save thousands of others is warranted, but Stannis will not hear of it.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264246:

Contents

Synopsis

Jaime and Brienne are in the bathhouse in Harrenhal, washing themselves before meeting Roose Bolton. Jaime feels dizzy in the hot bath, and begins to tell Brienne his story despite his own misgivings about revealing the tale. Jaime says, "Aerys would have bathed in wildfire if he’d dared. The Targaryens were all mad for fire." After the Battle of the Bells, Aerys realized that Robert Baratheon was no mere outlaw, and that the Targaryens faced their greatest threat since the Blackfyre Pretenders. He began to disperse his Kingsguard to take command of the army, recalled Rhaegar from the south, and sent letters to Casterly Rock. But when Tywin Lannister never responded, Aerys commanded his pyromancers Rossart, Garigus and Belis “to place caches of wildfire throughout King's Landing.” Lord Chelsted, the current Hand, found out what was going on and tried to stop Aerys from continuing along his mad course, but Aerys had him killed and named the pyromancer Rossart, the man who had burned Rickard Stark alive, his Hand.

All this time, Jaime remained in the throne room guarding the king and his secrets. After the Trident, Aerys sent his wife and Prince Viserys to Dragonstone, but kept Elia and her children in the Red Keep because he thought that Prince Lewyn Martell had betrayed Rhaegar during the battle, and thus needed Elia and the children as hostages to ensure Dorne's loyalty. With the wildfire in place, Aerys told Rossart, "The traitors want my city, but I’ll give them naught but ashes. Let Robert be king over charred bones and cooked meat." Aerys may have thought that the great fire would kill everyone, but transform him into a dragon, much as Aerion Brightflame had thought. When the Lannisters appeared before King's Landing Varys advised to keep the gates closed. But on the advice of Pycelle, Aerys let in the Lannisters, who proceeded to sack King's Landing.

Jaime felt he had to act after the Mad King commanded him to bring him his father’s head. He killed Rossart, then returned to the Throne room and killed King Aerys. Days later he hunted down and killed the remaining two of Aerys’ pyromancers, Garigus and Belis, so that their secret would die with them. When Brienne asks why no one else knows this tale, Jaime tells her that the Kingsguard are sworn to protect the king’s secrets, and that Eddard would never have believed his tale. Jaime then nearly passes out from the heat, and Brienne calls out for Qyburn.

They are brought before Roose Bolton, who tells them he chose to wed Walda Frey because Lord Walder Frey offered him his bride’s weight in silver. When Brienne inquires after Arya, Bolton mysteriously states that she was lost for a time, but she has been found and is to be returned safely to the north. Bolton tells them he awarded Harrenhal to Vargo Hoat because the goat was a stranger to the Seven Kingdoms and did not know ‘the prize was poisoned’. He means the curse of Lord Tywin, for Hoat was not aware of what Tywin does to traitors such as the Tarbecks and the Reynes. Bolton explains that he has a small problem, because the goat wishes to return Jaime to Rickard Karstark to claim the Lord’s reward of his daughter’s hand in marriage. Vargo had Jaime’s hand chopped off to send as a grisly token to Lord Tywin, feeling he would be well safe in Karhold. What he doesn’t know is that Robb has beheaded Lord Karstark, and the goat is now doomed. But since Vargo is in Bolton’s employ, Tywin might feel that Bolton was responsible for the maiming as well. Jaime agrees to carry word to his father absolving Bolton of all blame. But as for Brienne, Bolton tells her, "It would be unconscionable of me to deprive Lord Vargo of both his prizes."

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264247:

Contents

Synopsis

Tyrion has been sent to greet the three hundred Dornishmen with a small retinue. However, he is shocked when he finds that the Dornishmen are being led by Prince Oberyn Martell and not his brother, Prince Doran. The Red Viper of Dorne has an infamous reputation for using poisoned weapons in battle. The man fought in the Free Cities and even formed his own sellsword company, he studied at the Citadel for a time, and most importantly, he crippled Willas Tyrell in a tourney. Though this was years ago, it has never been forgotten by the Tyrells, who will not be happy that this man is attending the marriage of one of them.

The Red Viper tells Tyrion the story of how he and Elia traveled to Casterly Rock when Tyrion was an infant. It was just after the death of Joanna Lannister. Tywin Lannister was in mourning and ignored the Martells. Oberyn and Elia were disappointed to find out that Tyrion was only a dwarf, after the stories they had heard about him being Tywin’s monster son. The Red Viper then gets down to the point, asking Tyrion, "when will justice be served?" He warns Tyrion that he does not mean to stop after killing Gregor Clegane: "Before he dies, the Enormity that Rides will tell me whence came his orders, please assure your lord father of that." But Tyrion has a more subtle warning: The Lannisters have tens of thousands of Tyrell men present as allies. And the Tyrells hate the Dornish, and especially Prince Oberyn for what he did to Willas.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264248:

Lord Beric Dondarrion's brotherhood without banners attack a septry held by several members of the Bloody Mummers. Sandor Clegane abducts Arya Stark.

Contents

Synopsis

Arya Stark watches as Lord Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr seem to be everywhere at once, both with flaming swords in hand. After the battle, the brotherhood hang several Mummers, including Septon Utt, for their crimes. Arya is upset that Beric let Sandor Clegane free after taking all his gold.

That night at the septry's brewhouse, Beric speaks with Arya and asks Thoros, "How many times have you brought me back now?" Thoros claims it is R'hllor who has restored his life six times, but the seventh may be the end of both of them. Beric reveals that he has trouble remembering his past, and would be unable to even find his ancestral home. Thoros believes that the Lord of Light is not done with Beric yet, and that is why the red god has raised him from the dead so many times. The outlaws plan to ransom Arya back to her mother or brother.

Later, Gendry joins the outlaws as a blacksmith and is knighted by Lord Beric. Soon after, Sandor returns, claiming he killed the sentries. He demands his gold back, but is rebuffed by Thoros and commanded to leave. The Hound leaves realizing he cannot do anything, and they then discover that the sentries were only asleep. When some complain that the Hound will follow and murder them in their sleep, Beric states, "Sandor Clegane would kill us all gladly, but not in our sleep."

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264249:

Contents

Synopsis

Bronn visits Tyrion, who is recovering from his wounds. He finds that much has changed in King's Landing under his father’s rule. He also realizes that his father has seen to it that Tyrion received little of the credit for saving the city. Bronn has been knighted, and now goes by Ser Bronn of the Blackwater. Lord Jacelyn Bywater was killed by his own men during the Battle of the Blackwater, and Ser Addam Marbrand was named Commander of the City Watch. Cersei has returned Tommen to the city, and the Kettleblacks, now all knights, are no longer working for Tyrion. His cousin Tyrek still has not been found, and is feared dead. Additionally, Tyrion's mountain clansmen have been chased out of the city. Some remain in the kingswood, but others return to the Vale. Tyrion asks Bronn to learn more about Ser Mandon Moore, trying to discover if his sister sent the Kingsguard to kill him.

Tyrion forces himself to dress and visit his father, despite his near captivity in Maegor's Holdfast by his sister. Lord Tywin reveals that some battles are won by quills and ravens, and is in the process of composing letters. The Hand tells his son that Ser Helman Tallhart and Robett Glover are marching on Duskendale, but he has sent Lord Randyll Tarly and Ser Gregor to deal with them. Tyrion seeks a little gratitude from his father, but Lord Tywin tells him, "Mummers and monkeys require applause." Tyrion states that he wants Casterly Rock, as he is heir by rights since Jaime is a sworn brother of the Kingsguard. Tywin will never let Tyrion have the Lannisters’s ancestral seat, however, and warns him that he will hang the next whore Tyrion takes to bed.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264250:

Bran, Hodor, Meera and Jojen try to make their way to Queenscrown holdfast. - by Michael Komarck ©

Contents

Synopsis

Bran and the others reach a small, deserted village on a lake. There is a holdfast tower on an island in the middle of the lake, and Bran tells them that Good Queen Alysanne once stayed there. Brandon's Gift is a strip of land south of the Wall to a distance of 25 leagues which was once given to the Night's Watch to support them. The New Gift, given to the Watch by Queen Alysanne and her husband King Jaehaerys I, doubled that distance. Bran tells them there is a secret walkway just beneath the lake’s surface that will allow them to reach the tower.

They stay in the tower that night during a terrible thunderstorm, and Bran tells them that all the gates through the Wall were sealed when each of the castles had to be abandoned, leaving only three gates open at each of the manned castles. When Hodor starts to scream in fear of the thunder, Bran reaches out to him the way he does to Summer, and calms the big man. Jojen spots men on the shore in the village, and Bran enters Summer to investigate.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264251:

Contents

Synopsis

Jon is with the Magnar’s men nearing a village alongside a lake. He realizes that he must somehow escape and reach Castle Black before the raiders do, in order to warn them. The Thenns captured an old man camped in one of the ruined houses, and Styr commands Jon to kill the man. Jon balks, but Ygritte slits the man’s throat with her dagger. As Styr begins to command his men in the Old Tongue, a crash of thunder sounds, and suddenly a direwolf is attacking the Thenns. Jon mistakes the wolf for Ghost or Grey Wind for a moment, wondering if Robb returned to the North, but he never realizes that it is Summer. The direwolf slaughters several wildlings, and in the confusion, Jon mounts the old man’s horse and begins to flee. He is hit with an arrow in the calf, believing the shot was fired by Ygritte. Jon gets away, forcing the horse to gallop for hours without rest, heading for Castle Black.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264252:

Contents

Synopsis

Daenerys and her army of Unsullied reach Yunkai, to find the city guarded by a huge force including two sellsword companies. She knows that open battle will cost her many lives, even though her commanders feel she will win easily. Daenerys tells her men to invite the two sellsword Captains, as well as the Yunkish leader. The first to arrive are the three Captains of the Stormcrows, who spurn her offer to join her, although she notices Daario Naharis smile at her as they leave. The Captain of the Second Sons also laughs at her offer, but does accept a wagonload of wine to bring to his men. The master slaver brings Daenerys chests full of gold hoping she will leave Yunkai alone, but she sends him off with his gold and a warning that she will attack in three days time.

After he leaves, Daenerys tells her commanders that they will attack that night, since none of Yunkai’s defenders will be expecting it. Soon after, Daario returns with the heads of the other two Stormcrow Captains, and swears the service of his company. Jorah warns her not to trust the Tyroshi, yet she commands the battle to commence as planned. During the fight, she asks Arstan to tell her more of her brother Rhaegar. Whitebeard explains that the Prince was always melancholy, and a sense of doom hung over him. "He was born in grief, and that shadow hung over him all his days." Daenerys knows that it was the shadow of Summerhall that Arstan was referring to. Word arrives that her army won the battle easily during the night, with the help of the Stormcrows, and all the Second Sons too drunk to fight. Daenerys commands her men to spare any who threw down their swords, and promised to free any slaves. Once again, Daenerys’ army swells to even greater size. Daenerys rides on her white mare past all the newly freed people who call out to her as "Mother!"

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264253:

Arya Stark and the brotherhood without banners visit the ghost of High Heart. Arya escapes the outlaws but is captured by the Hound.

Contents

Synopsis

The ghost of High Heart tells some of her dreams.
© Fantasy Flight Games

Gendry mentions that Master Mott considered Thoros a false priest, and Thoros agrees. He was sent to the Seven Kingdoms to bring word of R'hllor, but he spent his time eating and whoring. King Robert was fond of him, and many enjoyed the sight of his flaming sword in melees. Lord Beric silences Thoros by saying, "Fire consumes. It consumes, and when it is done there is nothing left. Nothing." The outlaws reach High Heart again, and the ancient dwarf woman calls Beric the Lord of Corpses, for the stink of the grave is fresh on him. The ghost of High Heart tells them her dreams: the kraken king is dead, and Lord Hoster too; the goat sits alone in the hall of kings in a fever "as the great dog descends on him"; she dreamt of drums and pipes and screams making a great clangor; and "of a maid at a feast with purple serpents in her hair, venom dripping from their fangs. And later I dreamt that maid again, slaying a savage giant in a castle built of snow." Suddenly, she spots Arya, and calls her "blood child" and "dark heart", bidding her to leave. When Beric explains to the old dwarf woman that Arya is being brought to Riverrun, she tells them to seek her mother at the Twins, for there is to be a wedding. She then demands a song as payment for her dreams, the same song she always requests from Tom; Jenny of Oldstones.

Later, Arya speaks with Edric Dayne, who is called Ned like her father. Edric tells her that he saw her father during the Hand's tourney while he squired for Lord Beric. He reveals that Beric was promised to his aunt, “but that was before he died”, Arya thinks to herself. Ned tells her of Wylla, his wet nurse, who he says is the mother of Jon Snow. She has been in the service of the Daynes for years, and Ned is surprised that Arya’s father never spoke of her nor of Ashara, Ned’s aunt. He tells Arya that her father and Ashara fell in love during the tourney at Harrenhal, and that she killed herself after the war because her heart was broken. Arya does not believe the young Lord of Starfall, believing her father only loved her mother. She asks Harwin about it, and he confirms that Eddard and Ashara may have fallen in love at Harrenhal, but at that time his brother Brandon was betrothed to Catelyn. He claims that Ashara killed herself over grief for her brother, and tells Arya "Let it lie, my lady. They’re dead, all of them."

When the outlaws come upon a ruined village, Arya thinks the Lannisters destroyed it, but she is told that the village was destroyed years before by Hoster Tully, because Lord Goodbrook, the lord of the village, had fought for the Targaryens during Robert's Rebellion. Later, Thoros sees in his flames that Riverrun will soon come under attack by the Lannisters again, and he believes the ghost’s dream that Catelyn and Robb are at the Twins. That night, Arya sneaks off while everyone else is asleep, feeling that the outlaws cannot be her pack if they want to ransom her off to her brother, mother, or uncle Brynden. However, she is captured by the Hound while racing through the woods.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264254:

Contents

Synopsis

I only rescue maidens - by mustamirri ©

Roose Bolton has left Harrenhal to the Goat, but before marching for the Twins he told Jaime to give his warm regards to his father. Jaime responds, *"So long as you give mine to Robb Stark."*

Jaime is now traveling for King's Landing under the protection of Steelshanks Walton and a host of Dreadfort men. Qyburn tells him that Lord Selwyn has promised Vargo Hoat 300 gold dragons for the safe return of his daughter, but the goat wants more as he still believes there are sapphires in Evenfall Hall.

One night, Jaime has a bizarre fever dream that he and Brienne are trapped in the dank caverns beneath Casterly Rock. He sees the shades of the other knights of the Kingsguard as well as Prince Rhaegar, come to judge him for killing Aerys. After the fire of his sword goes out, Brienne’s continues to burn, defending him from the shades.

When Jaime awakens, he commands Walton to return to Harrenhal saying that he "forgot something". Back at Harrenhal, the goat’s men open the gates, and Jaime finds that Brienne has been tossed into the bear pit with only a tourney sword.

Vargo Hoat, with a bandage around his face from where Brienne bit off his ear, will not pull the woman up. Jaime jumps into the pit to save Brienne, and holds off the bear long enough for Walton’s men to fill it with quarrels. The Mummers are unable to stop them because Steelshanks' escort of 200 men outnumbers them two to one.

Vargo asks Jaime to tell his father that he had been merciful, and the Kingslayer promises that the goat will receive his ransom. When Brienne asks him why he came back, Jaime responds that he had dreamed of her.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264255:

Contents

Synopsis

Traveling in the rain to the Twins, Catelyn recalls Robb sending Ser Rolph Spicer to deliver Martyn Lannister to the Golden Tooth in an exchange of captives. We also learn that Robett Glover has been put on a ship at Duskendale as part of the agreement. Robb left his wife at Riverrun, and only Ser Raynald Westerling travels with them. Robb has brought 3,500 men with him, those who have been with him since the Battle of the Whispering Wood, and who will follow him to Moat Cailin after the wedding. While passing through the site of the battle, Catelyn thinks of Theon Greyjoy boasting he had almost crossed swords with Ser Jaime and how much ill would have been undone if Theon had died in place of Lord Karstark’s sons.

Catelyn Tully and Robb Stark come upon King Tristifer IV's tomb.
Art by onionjulius

When they reach Oldstones, Cat recalls that the ruins were once a great castle of the River Kings during the Mudd Dynasty. The Mudds were First Men, but during the time of King Tristifer IV, the kingdoms of the First Men were falling before the onslaught of the Andals. Tristifer IV died when seven Andal kings joined forces against him.

Robb tells his mother that he plans to legitimize his brother Jon and name him heir should he and Jeyne not have a child. Catelyn is stunned by this proclamation, and pleads with him not to make the mistake the Targaryens made when King Aegon IV Targaryen legitimized all his bastards on his deathbed. The Blackfyre Pretenders plagued the Targaryens for five generations until Ser Barristan Selmy slew Maelys Blackfyre on the Stepstones. They both fear that Sansa will give the Imp a son and thus control of Winterfell and agree that must be prevented. She pleads that Robb consider naming his sister Arya as heir, but Robb insists that no one has seen Arya since his father's death and that his sister is likely also dead. Catelyn tells Robb that she cannot support his choice of Jon but Robb reminds her that he doesn't have to ask for her support, stating his reason as, "I'm the King."

Jason Mallister soon joins Robb’s force at Hag's Mire, bringing with him the captain of the *Myraham*. The man tells them that Balon Greyjoy fell to his death when a wind blew him off one of the bridges between the towers of Pyke, and no sooner was he dead than Euron Crow’s Eye returned and claimed the Seastone Chair, naming himself King of the Iron Islands and the North. Knowing Victarion and Asha will not stand still for this, Robb commands Maege Mormont and Galbart Glover to take men by longship and sail through the marshes of the Neck to seek out Howland Reed. Robb plans to march on Moat Cailin with 12,000 men once he joins with Roose Bolton. The crannogmen will guide a small force under Robb’s command across the swamps in order to reach Moat Cailin from the north. When Galbart warns him what should happen if the crannogmen were to fail him, Robb replies, "They will not fail. My father knew the worth of Howland Reed." Robb then announces that Catelyn will be taken to Seagard under the protection of Lord Jason after the wedding. He then calls his bannermen to fix their seals as witnesses to the decree naming his heir.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264256:

Contents

Synopsis

Coldhands astride his great elk - Art by Marc Fishman ©

Sam and Gilly have reached what appears to be Whitetree. When Sam studies the carved face of the Heart Tree for a moment, he admits to himself that it is not the face he and his brothers saw when they started out on the ranging. Nor does he remember its red eyes weeping blood (sap). Sam prays earnestly to the old gods to protect them. He and Gilly camp in one of the wildling huts for the night, but Sam is woken by shapes moving within. The corpse of Small Paul comes after Sam, and he tries to stab it with the obsidian dagger, but it shatters upon contact with Paul’s chainmail. Despairing, Sam thrusts a burning stick from the campfire in the wight’s mouth, setting it on fire. Outside the hut, the wights begin to surround Gilly and her infant son after killing their horse. Thinking all is lost, a raven lands on Sam’s shoulder, and suddenly thousands of ravens fly from the branches of the weirwood tree to tear the wights to pieces. The raven perching on Sam's shoulder speaks, telling him to go, and he and Gilly begin to run south, but without their horse they fear they'll be overtaken by wights. Suddenly a voice calls out, "Brother! Here." From the falling snow appears a man dressed all in black astride a great elk. When Sam reaches up for the man’s bare hand, Sam notices his hand is black and cold as ice.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264257:

Contents

Synopsis

Arya attempts to kill the Hound at night while the man is asleep, but he awakens and takes the rock from her hands. They reach Lord Harroway's Town, but find it flooded. Sandor promises to pay some ferrymen to take them across the Trident, but gives them only the parchment Lord Beric had given him promising reimbursement after the war. Arya tells Sandor that she had once been captured by his brother, and the Hound finds it amusing that Gregor never knew who he had caught. Clegane says, "I’ll be sure and tell him that, before I cut his heart out." She asks why he would kill his brother and the Hound asks didn't she ever want to kill a brother or sister? He realizes from Arya’s expression that the "wolf bitch" hates the "pretty bird"--Arya and her sister don't get along. Sandor admits that maybe he is a monster for killing so many but also tells her that he saved Sansa’s life when the mob tried to kill her. The Hound informs her that he is taking her to the Twins, and will ransom her to Robb and perhaps join the Young Wolf’s service, because "even a dog gets tired of being kicked."

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264258:

Contents

Synopsis

Jon Snow reaches Mole's Town and warns the populace to evacuate. At Castle Black, Jon learns that Jarman Buckwell and his men have returned with tidings of Mance Rayder’s army. He discovers that the wildlings have been feinting all along the Wall, and groups of black brothers have been dispersed to counter them. Maester Aemon also tells him that Jeor Mormont was betrayed and killed, and that only twelve men made it back from Craster's Keep, including Giant, Grenn, Dywen, Sweet Donnel Hill and Dolorous Edd. Aemon cleans and wraps Jon’s wound, and Grenn tells him that Winterfell has been burned to the ground and that Bran and Rickon Stark are dead at the hands of Theon Greyjoy. Jon tells them that there is some kind of mistake, for he saw a grey direwolf at Queenscrown. Jon wonders if Bran lives on through his direwolf.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264259:

Contents

Synopsis

The Freys meet Robb and company.
© Fantasy Flight Games

Robb's host approaches The Twins. Robb rides at the head with Catelyn, Edmure beside him and Ser Raynald bearing his banner. Catelyn cautions Robb again about offending Lord Frey, and advises him to ask for food and wine as soon as they arrive to secure the guest rights. They are met by a contingent headed by Ser Ryman Frey, Lord Frey's grandson, and three of Ryman's sons: Edwyn, Black Walder, and Petyr. When they come near, Grey Wind begins to growl and leaps forward, causing Petyr's horse to throw him. Ser Ryman is angered that Queen Jeyne is not among them and Catelyn offers her apologies, but Black Walder says that Lord Walder will be displeased. The Freys tell them they have rooms prepared for Robb, Catelyn, and Edmure, and their bannermen at the Water Tower but the army is to cross the bridge to the far end and join Lord Frey’s and Lord Bolton’s men beneath pavilions erected for the wedding.

When they reach the gatehouse, Grey Wind refuses to continue and howls. Lame Lothar comes up, saying he must fear the water and offering to give him over to the master of hounds but Robb has Ser Raynald stay with him instead. Robb enters the great hall, where Lord Walder and his eighth wife Joyeuse await. Lord Walder is relentless in his veiled insults against Robb, making it clear that the King betrayed him by breaking his solemn oath. Robb apologizes, and then Roslin is brought out. She is by far the most beautiful of Walder’s get. After Edmure meets his soon-to-be-bride, Catelyn asks the Lord of the Crossing for some food and he says "bread and salt . . . of course" and the old man welcomes them as guests to his table.

When Lord Bolton joins them, Robb finds out more of what happened at Winterfell, and his bannerman tells him that Ramsay rescued many of the women and has been fighting the ironmen. Lord Bolton again states that his bastard son’s blood is tainted, but maybe his deeds will atone for the crimes he committed. He tells them that Ramsay is holding Theon hostage, and he shows them a piece of Greyjoy’s skin, his son having been flaying the captive Greyjoy. Bolton explains that as Balon Greyjoy's sole surviving son, Theon's uncles (Victarion, Euron, and Aeron) will want him dead as his claim to the Seastone Chair is greater than theirs, and that they can demand concessions from the ironborn as the price of Theon's execution; Robb reluctantly agrees for Theon to remain imprisoned at the Dreadfort. Bolton lost men crossing the Trident when Gregor Clegane’s army attacked (see *Battle of the Ruby Ford*). Bolton has brought mostly his own and Karstark men, leaving all the others to guard the Trident.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264260:

Contents

Synopsis

Davos has washed up on the shore of a small island in Blackwater Bay. He remembers swimming beneath the chain boom, and then getting caught by the current and gulping seawater. But, somehow, he is alive, and believes the Seven still have some use for him. Despairing over the loss of four of his sons in the sea battle, he contemplates dying on the island, but decides instead to live. A Lyseni ship rescues him, one of Salladhor Saan’s fleet.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264261:

Contents

Synopsis

Sandor and Arya arrive at the Twins where Sandor hopes to ransom Arya to her family. To get there The Hound had robbed a farmer of his wagon and casks to disguise themselves as simple farmers who have come to bring pork to the feast. The castle is closed so they are sent to the pavilions instead where the common soldiers are. Arya recognizes a few coats of arms but there is nobody she knows. The soldiers drink to the health of Queen Jeyne whose name is unfamiliar to Arya. As Sandor wants to ransom Arya they head to the castle.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264262:

Contents

Synopsis

Catelyn listens to the continuous pounding noise of the drums the musicians in the hall are playing. She is seated between Ryman Frey and Roose Bolton during the wedding feast. She remarks to herself how joyless the wedding is, and watches as Robb dances with several of the Frey maids and Edmure dotes on his soon to be wife, Roslin. Catelyn becomes more wary when she learns that Olyvar, Perwyn, and Alesander Frey are all not in attendance at the wedding. She notices Merrett Frey trying to drink the Greatjon under the table, and finally Lord Walder Frey calls for the bedding. Robb does not participate as the Greatjon carries a weeping Roslin to the bed chamber.

The deaths of Robb, Catelyn, and Jinglebell - by nejna ©

Suddenly, things grow more ominous in the hall as Dacey Mormont goes up to Edwyn Frey and asks him if he wants to dance, but he pushes her away violently. The musicians begin to play a new song, which Catelyn recognises to her horror as "The Rains of Castamere" and sees Edwyn leaving. She takes off after him, and when she grabs his arm, she feels the rings of chain mail beneath. Suddenly, it all makes sense to her; the Freys missing from the wedding and Roslin crying.

The musicians turn out to be crossbowmen, and the wedding becomes a slaughter. Catelyn watches in horror as a crossbow bolt pierces Robb's shoulder and another his leg, and he topples over. Smalljon throws a table over him to save him from three more bolts. Robin Flint is surrounded by Freys, their daggers rising and falling. Ser Wendel Manderly is felled by a quarrel through the mouth. Smalljon bludgeons Ser Raymund Frey across the face with a leg of mutton, but when he reaches for his swordbelt, a crossbow bolt drives him to his knees. Lucas Blackwood is cut down by Ser Hosteen Frey. One of the Vances is hamstrung by Black Walder as he wrestles with Ser Harys Haigh. Crossbows take Donnel Locke, Owen Norrey, and half a dozen more. Young Ser Benfrey Frey seizes Dacey Mormont by the arm, who smashes him in the face with a wine flagon. She runs for the door, but Ser Ryman comes through with Frey men-at-arms and sinks his axe into Dacey's stomach.

Northmen begin pouring through the other door, and Catelyn takes them for rescue for half a heartbeat, until one of them decapitates Smalljon. Catelyn realizes that she must try to intervene and save her son’s life, she sees a dagger on the floor and crawls toward it, determined to kill Lord Walder. Then Robb stumbles to his feet, an arrow in his chest in addition to the other two. Lord Walder who, in the midst of slaughter, sits on his throne watching greedily, signals a halt to the music and mocks Robb. Catelyn grabs Jinglebell Frey and puts a dagger to the halfwit’s throat. She begs Walder to spare her son, trade a son for a son. But the old man says, "that's a grandson... and he never was much use."

A man in dark armor and a pale pink cloak spotted with blood steps up to Robb, saying "Jaime Lannister sends his regards." He thrusts his longsword through Robb's heart, and twists. Catelyn keeps her promise and slits the poor halfwit's throat, and then begins to laugh and shout, while someone says, "she’s lost her wits,". Someone else says, "Make an end," she is grabbed from behind and feels steel drawn across her own throat.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264263:

Contents

Synopsis

Arya and Sandor try to reach the castle. Arya notices that the gate is opened and armed riders are beginning to come out from the castle toward the pavilions where the Stark host is celebrating the wedding. She hears a wolf howling and music she faintly recognizes. The pavilions that the Stark host are celebrating in have been rigged to collapse. The riders from the castle attack the northmen, collapsing the pavilions and setting them on fire. Arya and The Hound are spotted by the Frey men and have to defend themselves. Arya wants to go the castle where her mother and her brother are but the Hound tells her they are already dead. Arya tries to run to the castle but the Hound rides her down, bringing his great axe down upon her head.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264264:

Tyrion receives the news that Robb and Catelyn Stark are dead. The end of the war is within reach and Lord Tywin intends to be generous to Stark allies, but Joffrey wants all traitors executed and accuses his grandfather of cowardice during Robert's Rebellion. Tywin orders Joffrey to be escorted to his bedchamber, and Cersei leaves after an unsuccessful attempt to defend him. On the Dornish issue, Tywin reveals that he will not sacrifice Gregor Clegane to the Martells. Tyrion is shocked, and Tywin explains his rationale at the time of the Sack of King’s Landing and the murder of Elia Martell and her children. He also reveals that Arya Stark is still alive.

Contents

Synopsis

Tyrion and Sansa spend a joyless meal together, with both not talking much. Sansa takes a joke Tyrion makes about the quality of the food as him criticizing her, but he assures her that it's not her fault and that he has more serious matters to worry about. Besides Joffrey, Cersei and his father, what bothers him most are the 300 Dornishmen visiting for the King's wedding. He has settled them in a cornerfort of the Red Keep, as far away from the Tyrells as possible, yet there has already been a brawl between Tyrell and Gargalen soldiers at Flea Bottom, leaving one dead, and a confrontation in the yard where Olenna Redwyne called Ellaria Sand "the serpent's whore", while Oberyn Martell keeps asking for justice concerning the death of his sister Elia and her children every time he sees Tyrion. However, Tyrion sees no point in bothering his already troubled young wife with any of this. After the meal, Sansa asks for leave for her nightly visit to the godswood. Although Tyrion finds Sansa's piety excessive, he allows it, even offering to accompany her some time. She immediately objects to this, telling him he would be bored, as praying to the old gods is mainly done in silence and without adornments. She knows him better than he imagined, he thinks. He is tempted to ask what she prays for, but is afraid of what the answer would be.

He gets back to his tedious tasks as Master of Coin, trying to make sense of some of the complicated numbers in the ledgers Petyr Baelish left him. He considers some of Littlefinger's investments highly suspicious. Tyrion now regrets that he consented so easily to the execution of the Antler Men, as he has since learned that some of them owed the Crown large sums and suspects that having Bronn try locating their heirs will be a futile effort. Ser Boros Blount arrives, delivering a summons from Lord Tywin. Tyrion is glad to leave the books. Outside, rain is in the air, making Tyrion concerned Sansa will get soaked at the godswood.

When he arrives at the Hand’s solar, he finds King Joffrey, Queen Regent Cersei, Ser Kevan and Grand Maester Pycelle there as well, besides his father. Joffrey is obviously elated, Cersei smiles smugly, yet Lord Tywin is his usual grim self and Tyrion wonders whether his father can smile at all. Tyrion asks what has happened and is shown a roll of parchment. The message reads: "Roslin caught a fine fat trout. Her brothers gave her a pair of wolf pelts for her wedding." Checking the seal, Tyrion realizes that the message comes from The Twins. He asks whether Lord Walder Frey thinks he is being poetic. He realizes that "trout" refers to Edmure Tully, but before he can speculate on the meaning of the "pair of wolf pelts", Joffrey announces that the message implies that Robb Stark is dead.

Tyrion's thoughts immediately drift to his wife, probably praying this very moment to her father's gods, for her brother's victory and her mother's safety. It seems that neither the Old nor the New Gods are listening to prayer, Tyrion thinks, wondering whether this should give him some comfort. He makes a glib comment about the kings falling like leaves this autumn and their little war winning itself, prompting a poisonly sweet reply by Cersei that it's in fact Lord Tywin who won the war. Lord Tywin doesn't consider the war over as long as enemies are in the field, yet Cersei is optimistic that the lords of the Riverlands, confronted with the combined powers of Highgarden, Casterly Rock and Dorne without the northmen to support them, will choose submission over destruction now. Lord Tywin agrees that most will, except for Riverrun and probably Seagard and Raventree Hall. However, Brynden Tully won't dare to become a threat as long as Lord Frey keeps his nephew Edmure as hostage, and the Freys can keep Jason Mallister penned up at his seat while Jonos Bracken might be bribed to change allegiance and attack the Blackwoods. In the end, everyone will bend their knees, Tywin predicts, and he is ready to offer generous terms. He is going to spare every castle except one. Tyrion assumes that the exception will be Harrenhal, which Lord Tywin confirms, announcing that he has already commanded Ser Gregor Clegane to attack the castle and rid the realm of the Brave Companions. Tyrion is amused about his father exploiting the Mountain before he will be handed over to the Martells, yet the prospect of Littlefinger soon being able to take his seat at Harrenhal doesn't please him. He wonders whether Lord Baelish has already arrived at the Vale, wishing his ship sank instead.

King Joffrey doesn't agree with generous terms, insisting that all traitors should be executed instead. He wants Lord Walder to send him Robb Stark's head, so that he can serve it to Sansa at his wedding feast. Ser Kevan is shocked and reminds him that Sansa is now his aunt by marriage. Cersei tries to dismiss his statement, calling it a jest, yet Joffrey insists. Tyrion angrily tells Joffrey that he can't torture Sansa any longer, calling him a monster, to which Joffrey replies that Tyrion is the true monster. Tyrion counters that Joffrey should be concerned then, as monsters are dangerous and kings are dying like flies already. Joffrey and Cersei are furious about Tyrion's threat, but Lord Tywin scolds Joffrey instead, advising him that a king who feels the need to remind people of his power is no true king. King Aerys never understood that, Lord Tywin says, as proven by his habit of having the tongues of people like Ser Ilyn Payne ripped out, but Joffrey will. It's necessary to fight your enemies, but if they yield, generosity is the right approach. Lord Tywin closes by telling Joffrey that the only head he should be concerned with right now is Margaery Tyrell's maidenhead.

Joffrey is sullen, then surprises everyone in the room by defying Lord Tywin, accusing him of having been afraid of King Aerys. Tyrion thinks that things just got interesting. Cersei demands that Joffrey apologize to his grandfather, yet he goes on, recounting how it was Robert Baratheon who fought Prince Rhaegar and won the crown while Lord Tywin hid at Casterly Rock. A strong king acts boldly, he states. Lord Tywin is not amused, thanking the King coldly for sharing his wisdom. He asks Ser Kevan to escort Joffrey to his bedchamber and Pycelle to give him some dreamwine, completely ignoring Joffrey's protest. As Ser Kevan firmly guides Joffrey out and Pycelle follows, Tyrion and Cersei remain, on their father's order. Cersei tries to apologize for Joffrey's behavior, calling him willful. Lord Tywin thinks Joffrey is more stupid than willful and asks who put the idea into the boy's head that strong kings act boldly. Cersei suggests it was Robert. Tyrion, glad to bring up that comment again, confirms that the part about Tywin hiding in Casterly Rock sounded like something Robert would say. Cersei tries to play into this, but Lord Tywin is upset that he might have fought a war to seat "Robert the Second" on the Iron Throne when Cersei has been assuring him that the boy cared nothing for his father. He doesn't, Cersei insists, recounting how Robert cared nothing for his son, would have beaten the boy if he could and hit him so hard once that Joffrey lost two teeth, causing her to threaten Robert to kill him if he hit him again. Lord Tywin tells his daughter to leave, which she does seethingly. Tyrion proposes that, rather than following his father's footsteps, Joffrey will become "Aerys the Third". Lord Tywin responds that he is only thirteen and still has time to grow, yet Tyrion notices that his father is more upset than he wants to show. Lord Tywin announces that Joffrey needs a hard lesson, reminding Tyrion of the hard lesson his father gave him when he was the same age, which almost makes him feel sorry for Joffrey. However, Tyrion can't think of anyone who'd deserve it more than Joffrey.

Tyrion gets back to the business of war. He congratulates his father, asking him how long he had been plotting with Lord Walder. Lord Tywin objects to his son's choice of words. Tyrion retorts that he doesn't enjoy being left in the dark. His father explains that nobody was told who didn't play a part in the execution, including Cersei, stressing how important it is to keep secrets, especially in King’s Landing. He wanted to get rid of a dangerous enemy as cheaply as possible and that has been achieved, he announces, also suggesting that, while Tyrion has some talent for cunning, he simply talks too much and his loose tongue will be his undoing one day. Tyrion jests that he should have let Joffrey rip his tongue out then and Lord Tywin says he shouldn't tempt him.

The discussion moves on to the Dornish issue. Lord Tywin considers the presence of Oberyn Martell unfortunate, describing him as half-mad while he believes Doran Martell to be a reasoned man who weighs the consequences of words and actions. Tyrion asks whether it is true that Oberyn tried to continue the war on behalf of Viserys Targaryen. Lord Tywin confirms it, recounting how Jon Arryn's negotiations with Prince Doran in Sunspear put an end to the conspiracy with both sides deciding to remain silent about the issue afterwards, but distrust between King Robert and House Martell remained. Tyrion proposes that showing Oberyn around in the brothels of the city could ease the Red Viper's impatience, jesting that he won't be accused of not serving House Lannister where he is needed most. Lord Tywin finds this comment very droll and asks whether Tyrion wants motley to be sewn for him, prompting Tyrion's question as to whether he would be allowed to say anything he wants about King Joffrey if he wore it. Lord Tywin declares that, while he had to suffer his father's follies, he won't suffer his son's.

Tyrion is more serious now, predicting that Oberyn will not be pleasant, nor satisfied with only receiving Gregor Clegane's head. Lord Tywin reveals that he has no intention of sacrificing the Mountain, as he has served House Lannister well and nobody is dreaded as much by their enemies. Tyrion is shocked; he thought that he and his father agreed that the woods are full of beasts and that even Ser Gregor is disposable. He points out that Oberyn knows it was the Mountain who killed his sister and her children. Oberyn knows nothing and has no proof, Lord Tywin replies, he merely heard rumors and Ser Gregor is not likely to confirm them, in particular as Tywin will keep him away for as long as the Dornishmen are in the city. If Oberyn raises the issue, Lord Tywin will claim the murderer was Ser Amory Lorch – and the tale of Ser Amory's gruesome death by the hands of a bear set on him by Vargo Hoat would even appease Oberyn, he expects. Tyrion objects to his father's sense of justice, but Tywin tells him that it was in fact Ser Amory who found and killed Rhaegar's daughter Rhaenys, also revealing that the child's mother and baby brother Aegon were in the nursery below at the time. When Tyrion asks what he is going to tell Oberyn if he inquires who gave the order for the murders, Lord Tywin answers that Ser Amory acted on his own in an attempt to win the favor of the new king, as Robert's hatred of Rhaegar was well known. Thinking about it, Tyrion has to concede that this version might serve its purpose, although he suspects that the Red Viper will not be happy.

Tyrion's suggestion that it would have been better for his father to let Robert commit the murders himself prompts an astonished Lord Tywin to share his reasoning at the time of the Sack of King’s Landing. He explains that they came late to Robert’s cause, so they had to demonstrate their loyalty. When Tywin laid the bodies at the throne, it was clear they had forsaken House Targaryen, and Robert was clearly relieved, knowing that Rhaegar’s children had to die for his throne to be secure, but not wanting to kill them himself. Tywin admits that it was done too brutally, and Elia did not need to be harmed. The Mountain only killed her because Tywin did not tell him to spare her. Tywin asserts that at the time, he had greater concerns than the Dornish princess; Ned Stark’s van was rushing south from the Trident, and Tywin feared coming to battle with him, as well as the possibility of Aerys murdering Jaime purely out of spite. "That, and what Jaime himself might do." He also did not know what Gregor Clegane was capable of, only that he was huge and terrible in battle. He did not command Clegane to rape Elia, and Ser Amory was almost as bestial with Rhaenys. When Tywin asked Ser Armory why it had required fifty thrusts to kill a girl of two or three, he claimed she’d kicked him and would not stop screaming. He states that if Lorch had had any wits, he would have calmed her with a few sweet words and used a soft silk pillow.

Tyrion asks whether it was a soft sweet pillow that killed Robb Stark. Lord Tywin reveals that the plan was to kill Robb at his uncle's wedding with an arrow, as he was too circumspect in the field. Tyrion inquires about the fate of Robb's mother. Lord Tywin suspects that the reference to "a pair of wolf pelts" in Lord Walder's message implies that Lady Catelyn is dead, too. The original idea was to keep her as captive, but maybe something went wrong, he suggests. Tyrion points out that the sacred guest right has been violated. Lord Tywin replies: "The blood is on Walder Frey’s hands, not mine." Tyrion, describing him as an ill-natured old lecher who nourishes the slights he has suffered over his long life, says he has no doubt that Lord Walder has planned the whole thing, yet he would never have dared to go through with it if he hadn't been given the promise of protection. Tywin counters that refusing him would have meant keeping him loyal to Robb Stark and prolonging the war. He considers the price that was paid low: The Crown will grant Riverrun to Emmon Frey as soon as the Blackfish yields, while Lancel and Daven Lannister have to marry Frey girls and Gerion Lannister's bastard daughter Joy will be wedded to one of Lord Walder's natural sons, once she is old enough. Roose Bolton becomes Warden of the North and his bastard son will marry Arya Stark.

The revelation that Lord Bolton was involved in the conspiracy is not particularly surprising to Tyrion, as Lord Walder probably had not the stomach to act alone. However, he is baffled about the role assigned to Arya and points out that neither Varys nor Ser Jacelyn Bywater were able to locate the girl, thus he is sure she is dead. Lord Tywin replies: "So was Renly, until the Blackwater." Tyrion doesn't understand what this means. Lord Tywin replies that Littlefinger might have succeeded where Tyrion and Varys failed. He suggests that the Boltons shall be fighting the Ironborn for a few years while the Crown will keep an eye on their efforts to subjugate the Starks' other bannermen. Lord Tywin expects that the remaining insurgents will be ready to yield by spring, also pointing out that the North will eventually go to the son of Tyrion and Sansa. In this context, he reminds Tyrion that Joffrey is not the only one who must take a maidenhead. Tyrion asks his father acidly when he believes his wife to be most fertile; before or after he tells her that the Lannisters have killed her mother and brother.

Character List

Places mentioned




Annotations from item #46264265:

Contents

Synopsis

Salladhor Saan tells King Stannis Baratheon of the Red Wedding, how the Freys sewed the head of Robb Stark's direwolf, Grey Wind, on the king's shoulders and nailed a crown on its head. Catelyn Stark was slain and thrown naked into the river. Queen Selyse and Axell Florent declare that it was the hand of R'hllor that killed the usurpers, but Stannis knows it was Lord Walder Frey's handiwork. When Stannis wants to send word that he will pardon any ironman or northman who swears fealty, Melisandre tells him that her flames revealed that new kings will pick up where the old ones died. The Seven Kingdoms must be shown a sign, but Stannis has heard enough talk of stone dragons, knowing of all the follies the Targaryens caused by trying to return the dragons to life.

Davos Seaworth persuades the king by asking Melisandre why she needs Edric Storm's life to raise the stone dragon. He also inquires how her leeches were responsible for two kings' deaths, when one was killed by Walder Frey and the other, Balon Greyjoy, fell from a bridge. He also points out that only two of the three false kings are dead so far. The Red Woman has answers, but Stannis sends her away. Still not completely satisfied that he should spare Edric's life, the king sends Davos away as well.

The Onion Knight seeks out Maester Pylos, who has been teaching him how to read. Davos begins to slowly read a letter that arrived some time before from the Wall. The missive speaks of Lord Jeor Mormont's defeat at the Fist, and Maester Aemon's fear that the wildlings may conquer the Wall. Pylos reveals that he showed the letter to Alester, but the king and Melisandre are not aware of the warning's existence.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264266:

Contents

Synopsis

Ygritte's death - by Zippo514 ©

Donal Noye and Jon have done the best they could to fortify Castle Black from the impending attack of Styr and his raiders. The castles along the Wall were designed defenseless, as the Night's Watch was not meant to be able to repel a force from the South. Castle Black was meant specifically to be protected from wildlings by the Wall itself. When Styr, the Magnar of the Thenns, and his men attack, many of the defenders die, while Jon and Satin fire arrows from one of the roofs. At one point, Jon has Ygritte in his sights but he cannot loose an arrow at her.

Finally Donal Noye fires the powder kegs he had placed along the lower staircase of the Wall. The Magnar and the rest of his men perish as the staircase and a section of ice from the Wall crushes them. Amidst the destruction, Jon finds Ygritte, shot through the chest with a crossbow by someone else, and the woman he loved dies in his arms.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264267:

Contents

Synopsis

Reaching the Nightfort, Bran recalls all the horror tales he’s heard about this castle, such as the stories of the Rat Cook, Mad Axe, and the Night's King. Before it was abandoned by the Watch some two hundred years before, the Nightfort had once been the greatest castle along the Wall. However, Meera and Jojen Reed are unafraid of the ancient castle. They sleep that night in the kitchens, near a seemingly bottomless well. Deep in the night, Bran is woken by footsteps coming from the well. He awakens Meera, and then takes control of Hodor’s body as he does when he enters Summer.

But it is only Sam and Gilly who emerge from the well, carrying Gilly’s infant son. Gilly asks them if they are the ones Coldhands was sent to find, but Bran has no idea what she is speaking of. Meera asks them how they got past the Wall, and Sam reveals that Coldhands had led them to the Black Gate, which only a brother of the Night’s Watch can open. Sam describes Coldhands as dressed all in black like a sworn brother, but his skin and the cold from his body reminded Sam of a wight. But Coldhands could speak, his eyes did not burn blue, and he and his ravens had saved them from the wights. When the Reeds inquire why Coldhands wasn’t with them, Sam tells them that the Wall was more than just ice and stone, there were ancient spells woven into it, and the Wall would not let Coldhands pass. Jojen tells Sam that Bran is the one Coldhands seeks. Tarly realizes who Bran is, but promises not to tell anyone of Bran’s whereabouts on his honor and his friendship with Jon.

Jojen has Sam bring them to the Black Gate, which is an ancient white weirwood growing beneath the Wall and the Nightfort. The face in the weirwood speaks, and Sam answers by reciting his oath; the weirwood permits them to pass by opening its mouth, and as Bran and the others leave Sam behind, the boy feels a drop of water fall on him, a drop as salty as a tear…

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned




Annotations from item #46264268:

Contents

Synopsis

Meereen is enclosed by a great wall, with hundreds of defenders to guard it. Daenerys’s huge army consists mostly of freed slaves. They are eating up the surrounding lands, and Daenerys realizes that she must claim the city before the army starves. Aware that storming the walls will cost her a great deal, Daenerys sends Strong Belwas to dispatch the Hero of Meereen. Belwas kills Oznak zo Pahl, but the city still stands strong. Brown Ben Plumm reveals a way into the city through the sewers, and we find out that Dany’s dragons seem to like Brown Ben, and perch on his shoulder when he visits.

Daenerys, however, finds herself drawn to Daario Naharis, and keeps thinking of his blue eyes. Later, she goes off with Arstan and Missandei to visit the camps, and there she is attacked by Mero of Braavos. Arstan kills the Titan’s Bastard with his staff alone, and when Dany reaches her pavilion, Jorah is shocked to learn that a squire with a staff could defeat Mero with such ease. Arstan reveals that he is actually a knight, and Jorah finally recognizes him as Barristan the Bold. Barristan apologizes for deceiving her, and swears his sword in her service. Jorah warns her not to accept the man, for he went over to Robert after the Trident. But Barristan reveals that Jorah has spied on her on behalf of Varys and the Small Council in hopes of gaining a royal pardon. Jorah pleads that he did so only at first, but he has been loyal to her since the birth of the dragons. Daenerys, disgusted, dismisses them both. She doesn't want them in her service any more. When she wonders where to send them, she suddenly has an idea.

Character List

Places and Terms Mentioned




Annotations from item #46264269:

Contents

Synopsis

Tyrion is lying in bed beside his wife. Dreadful details of the Red Wedding have reached King's Landing, about how the Freys mutilated the corpses of Robb Stark and Catelyn Tully. Tyrion has tried to keep those stories from Sansa and wants to comfort her but he knows she will never take comfort from a Lannister. He leaves to visit Shae in the room where the dragon skulls are kept, but he remembers his recent conversation with Varys. The eunuch warned him that if confronted by the Queen, he would tell her the truth about Shae. Tyrion realizes that if he is to save Shae, he must either send her away or marry her off. After she pleases him, he decides that he will marry her to Ser Tallad, and Cersei will never think to find out who she is.

Character List appearing/mentioned

Places and terms mentioned