Chapter Thirty-One - Melisandre 1 - A Dance with Dragons | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

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Melisandre sees much and more in her flames. She counsels Jon Snow and unveils a shocking truth about Rattleshirt. She reveals that her sorcery isn’t as easy as she lets on and how Jon can both save Arya and keep his Night’s Watch vows. Simon and Mackelly sift through the flames and try not to get burned.

Chapter Review:
Melisandre searches the flames for Stannis and the girl on a dying horse. She doesn’t find her king or the girl but does see much else, including omens of Jon Snow. She reflects on her past and the dangers of misinterpreting prophecy.

She sends for Rattleshirt to rescue the girl she insists is Arya Stark. One of her earlier predictions to Jon comes to fruition, as three rangers’ heads are found on spikes north of the Wall. Jon asks her to look for the other six men in her flames and she asks him to attend her in her chambers. There Jon is stunned to find Rattleshirt. Melisandre tells Jon that Rattleshirt is the answer to Jon’s needs. He can rescue Arya while Jon stays at Castle Black and fulfills his Night’s Watch vows. Jon will not have this murderer anywhere near his sister. Melisandre is left with no choice. She removes the glamor and Rattleshirt transforms into Mance Rayder.

Melisandre admits the man who burned earlier was Rattleshirt glamored as Mance. She reiterates that Mance is Jon’s best bet to save Arya. This opportunity is a gift to Jon from the Lord of Light… and Melisandre.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Melisandre of Asshai – Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R’Hllor, the Lord of Light.
Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
Stannis Baratheon – Claimant to the Iron Throne. Believed by Melisandre to be Azor Ahai reborn.
Asor Ahai - Hero from legend. Thought to have once vanquished the darkness from the world.
Mance Rayder – King-beyond-the-Wall, glamored to appear as Rattleshirt.
Rattleshirt (Lord of Bones) – Wildling chief, burned in Mance’s stead.
Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night’s Watch.

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