A Storm of Swords

In this opening, Chett, a disgruntled Night's Watch member, plots a deadly mutiny with conspirators, blaming his miserable posting on superiors. Their plan to assassinate leaders and desert is disrupted first by snowfall, then by the alarming sound of a three-blast horn, signaling the terrifying approach of legendary, ancient enemies, leaving them frozen in fear.

Ser Jaime Lannister, recently released, is escorted downriver by Brienne of Tarth and Ser Cleos Frey. Jaime frequently mocks Brienne, yet relies on her as they navigate dangerous waterways, hiding his identity with shaved hair. Their escape is threatened by a pursuing Riverrun galley, which Brienne daringly disables with a boulder, allowing their journey to continue.

Confined at Riverrun, Catelyn Stark watches her dying father, Lord Hoster Tully, whose delirious ramblings reveal a painful family secret: her sister Lysa was forced into a political marriage after a covered-up pregnancy, explaining lifelong bitterness. She learns Robb was wounded and Stannis defeated. Edmure's bounty on Jaime fills her with despair for her daughters' lives.

Arya Stark escapes Harrenhal at night with Gendry and Hot Pie, having killed a guard. Clutching a stolen map and dagger, she guides them through treacherous, rain-slicked terrain, avoiding pursuit. Arya remains resolute despite fatigue, pushing her fearful companions toward the Trident. She dreams vividly of leading a massive pack of wolves to slaughter their hunters.

Tyrion Lannister awakens disfigured and weakened in Maegor's Holdfast. He finds himself politically isolated, his loyal commander dead, and Cersei in control. Furious, he learns Cersei exiled his beloved companion. Tyrion confronts his father, Lord Tywin, who dismisses his contributions and cruelly denies him Casterly Rock, insulting his dwarfism and blaming him for his mother's death.

Stranded on a desolate rock, Davos Seaworth battles starvation, dehydration, and grief for his sons lost in wildfire. Losing his lucky fingerbones, he initially embraces death. Yet, the sight of a distant sail rekindles his will to live and his loyalty to King Stannis. Rescued, he learns Stannis sees only Melisandre and resolves to assassinate the red priestess.

Sansa Stark dines with Margaery Tyrell, initially wary of Joffrey's potential traps. She struggles to connect with Ser Loras, who doesn't remember her. Under the cover of loud music, Sansa tearfully reveals Joffrey's monstrous cruelty to Lady Olenna Tyrell. The Tyrell women comfort her, proposing a marriage alliance with Willas Tyrell as a path to a peaceful life.

Jon Snow infiltrates the vast wildling camp, observing their disunity. He meets Mance Rayder, the King-beyond-the-Wall, misidentifying others first. Mance reveals he knows Jon, having visited Winterfell. Jon falsely claims desertion due to his bastard status and resentment, earning Mance's trust and a new cloak, though he internally resolves to kill Mance to protect the North.

Daenerys Targaryen sails toward Pentos, her dragons growing. She discusses Targaryen history with Arstan Whitebeard, irritating Ser Jorah Mormont, who distrusts both Arstan and Belwas. Jorah warns of the three treasons prophecy and urges her to divert to Slaver's Bay to buy an Unsullied army. Daenerys agrees, and Jorah expresses his love, which she deflects, asserting her queenly status.

Bran skinchanges into Summer, reveling in the wolfswood hunt, but returns to his crippled body frustrated. Jojen Reed chides him for losing his humanity, warning that the wolf may consume him. Jojen insists they must travel north to find the three-eyed crow beyond the Wall, for Bran's survival depends on remaining presumed dead. Bran tearfully agrees to learn to fly.

Samwell Tarly endures a grueling retreat from the Fist of the First Men, battling cold and exhaustion. He recalls the terror of the wight attack and sending ravens for help. When an Other riding an undead horse confronts them, Sam heroically stabs it with a dragonglass dagger, causing it to melt. He and Grenn resolve to catch up with Mormont.

Merrett Frey, hoping to improve his standing, delivers a ransom to the Brotherhood Without Banners at Oldstones for a captive relative. He is horrified to find the relative hanged and is himself condemned. Merrett frantically pleads innocence regarding the Red Wedding, but the outlaws introduce their silent, heavily decayed, and resurrected leader: Catelyn Stark, who confirms his presence, leading to his execution.