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Reek/Theon is taken aside by Roose Bolton, to Ramsay’s dismay. Roose gives Ramsay some fatherly advice and takes Reek to meet w Lady Dustin, she is unimpressed. Simon and Mackelly speculate as to what Bolton senior is plotting.

Chapter Review:
Reek watches as Ramsay Bolton returns empty-handed from a hunt to find three missing Freys. Only the Bolton’s need to keep the Dustins and Ryswells on-board is keeping Ramsay’s anger in check. As Ramsay and company feast, they’re interrupted by Lord Roose Bolton, who orders everyone out except Ramsay and Reek.

He’s decided that Ramsay should marry “Arya” at Winterfell. Strong symbolism for the northern lords. In the meantime, he needs to borrow Reek. Ramsay warns his captive not to blab his secrets and remember every word his father utters.

As they ride to Barrow Hall, Roose admits to Reek that he believes Ramsay murdered his trueborn son Domeric, and a similar fate awaits any issue from his new marriage to Walda Frey. He takes Reek to Lady Barbrey Dustin, who thinks that Theon has lost his mind. Roose assures her that it won’t matter.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Reek - Broken shell of Theon Greyjoy.
Ramsay Bolton - Newly legitimized son of Roose Bolton. Nasty piece of work.
Roose Bolton - Lord of the Dreadfort and Warden of the North.
Arya Stark - Youngest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Princess of Winterfell.
Jeyne Poole - Daughter of the former steward of Winterfell Vayon Poole. Captured by the Lannisters and now being paraded as Arya Stark.
Barbrey Dustin - Lady of House Dustin
Barrow Hall - Seat of House Dustin.

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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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Daenerys comes to the realization that she cannot face her internal and external threats alone, and must marry Hizdahr zo Loraq. Simon and Mackelly fuss over the bride-to-be.

Chapter Review:
Daenerys Targaryen clashes with Admiral Groleo. He wants her to unleash the dragons on the blockading ships, she wants him to build ships and fight her enemies. Thus far Hizdahr zo Loraq has been true to his word: 26 days with no murders.

Skahaz mo Kandaq, the Shavepate, has been spying on Hizdahr and reports that he has visited 11 of the great families’ pyramids. The Shavepate is convinced that Hizdahr has this kind of control because he is in control - and thinks a bit of firm questioning would draw out a confession. Daenerys doesn’t doubt Skahaz’ ability to extract information, she just doubts its usefulness.

The Green Grace reports that a rider has come from Astapor bringing the Bloody Flux with him. More refugees follow and Daenerys determines that they will be kept outside the city walls with an attempt made to keep the sick away from the healthy.
Brown Ben Plum returns and also encourages Dany to use her dragons. She is unmoved. But on reflection she realizes that she cannot face the external threat until she’s suppressed the internal one. To cut that knot she decides she must marry Hizdahr.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros. Queen of Meereen.
Unsullied - Eunuch slave soldiers. Renowned for their fighting prowess.
Barristan Selmy - Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard in King’s Landing. Now Lord Commander of Daenerys' Queensguard.
Reznak mo Reznak - Ghiscari seneschal of Meereen.
Skahaz mo Kandaq - aka Shavepate. Ghiscari noble of Meereen. Convert to Dany’s cause. Despised by the Sons of the Harpy.
Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, wants the fighting pits reopened.
Daario Naharis - Leader of the sellsword company the Stormcrows.
Second Sons - A sellsword company in Essos, led by Brown Ben Plumm.
Meereen - Largest city on Slaver’s Bay.

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Davos isn’t dead. The Manderlys' animosity was all for show. They know the Freys lie. But they’re not ready to join Stannis yet. However, if Davos can find and return Rickon Stark, then that would seal the deal. Mackelly and Simon debate who that might be.

Chapter Review:
Davos Seaworth is kept waiting for his execution. The gaoler refers to him as “The Dead Man,” but he’s fed and has more than decent accommodation. After several days Robett Glover comes and takes him through secret and circuitous means to a chamber within earshot of obvious festivities.

They’re joined by Lord Wyman Manderly. He apologizes for the disrespect that Davos was shown. But while the Lannister, Frey, and Bolton alliance held his remaining son Wylis, he was forced to play along. But the feast that can be heard is to welcome the heir home - and Lord Wyman can let the mask slip a little. A ruse was pulled, a criminal was made to look like Davos and executed - his head and hands were displayed above the walls, heavily tarred and distorted with an onion in the mouth.

Davos is ready to seal the alliance between Stannis and the Manderlys. But lord Wyman’s not there yet - the Bolton’s are cementing their claim to the North by marrying Arya Stark, but courtesy of Theon’s former squire Wex, they know where Rickon Stark is. If Davos can return their rightful liege lord to them, then Stannis will have his ally. Cannibal-island is the destination - sounds fun!

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Davos Seaworth - Hand of the King to King Stannis Baratheon.
Stannis Baratheon - King of the Seven Kingdoms.
Wyman Manderly - Lord of White Harbor.
Wylis Manderly - Heir to White Harbor, former captive of the Lannisters.
Wynafryd Manderly - Elder daughter of Wylis and Leona.
Wylla Manderly - Younger daughter of Wylis and Leona.
Rhaegar Frey - A Frey.
Jared Frey - Another Frey.
Robett Glover - Brother of Galbart Glover, Master of Deepwood Motte.
Rickon Stark - Youngest son of Ned and Catelyn Stark.
Wex - Former squire of Theon Greyjoy, one of the few survivors of the Sack of Winterfell.
White Harbor - Only city in the North and its chief port.
White Knife - Major river in the North that empties into the Bite at White Harbor.

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Jon makes a controversial choice for his ranging crew, gets unexpectedly bested in the yard, gets even more unexpected news out of Barrowtown, and receives a pair of impactful prophecies from Melisandre. Jenny and Mackelly break down Jon’s busy day.

Chapter Review:
Lord Commander Jon Snow has commanded nine Night’s Watch brothers to range north of the Wall. One of those nine is Ser Alliser Thorne, who is not happy about the assignment. He tells Jon that if he dies by an Other’s blade, he’ll be back for Jon as a wight. Afterward in the yard, Jon spars with three green recruits at once, easily defeating them. Rattleshirt is unimpressed and challenges Jon to fight a real man. When the fight begins, Jon is surprised by Rattleshirt’s prowess with a sword. Eventually, the wildling has to be dragged off Jon.

Clydas interrupts with a letter from Barrowtown bearing the seal of House Bolton. Warden of the North Roose Bolton has returned and requires fealty from the lords of the kingdom. He also wishes for their attendance to celebrate the marriage of his son Ramsay to… Arya Stark. Jon is stunned. He thought his sister died in King’s Landing.

That evening he runs into Melisandre alone in the yard. She foretells him that his sister Arya will arrive at Castle Black, fleeing her forced marriage. She then bonds with Ghost, much to Jon’s surprise. She tells Jon that three of the rangers he sent north will not survive. Jon will only find their eyeless heads. When these two prophecies come true, she hopes Jon will have faith in her and let her help his sister.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
Melisandre - The Red Woman of Ashaii. Priestess of R’hllor, the Lord of Light.
Rattleshirt - Wildling leader.
Ramsay Bolton - Son of Roose Bolton, the lord of the Dreadfort.
Ghost - Jon’s direwolf.
Castle Black - Headquarters of the Night’s Watch.

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Tyrion and Ser Jorah make it to Volantis where Tyrion seeks escape. But when he finds out that they’re headed to Daenerys, not Cersei, his outlook changes markedly. Mackelly and Simon refuse to take the bait.

Chapter Review:
Tyrion Lannister arrives in Volantis as a prisoner of Ser Jorah Mormont. He tries all his tricks to wheedle out of his predicament but gets nowhere. In the city, they see the High Priest of R’hllor preaching a pro-Daenerys message to a multitude of slaves, who are here for all of it. Tyrion feels the same atmosphere as when King’s Landing rioted.

They learn that the Golden Company is headed to Westeros, and the Triarchs are happy to help. Tyrion is amazed that Aegon took his bait. But wonders if it is a ruse, and that Griff’s destination remains Meereen.

They meet the Widow of the Waterfront, a wizened former slave and business-woman. Ser Jorah asks for passage, not to King’s Landing, but to Meereen! Tyrion is ecstatic. Jorah tanks his way into her bad books, but the situation is saved when Penny, a dwarf, attacks Tyrion. Her brother died at the hands of those seeking Cersei’s favor, and she blames Tyrion. She is thwarted, but the Widow arranges passage for Tyrion and Jorah on a ship purportedly heading for Qarth.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister whom he recently murdered. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.
Ser Jorah Mormont - Twice-disgraced knight of the Seven Kingdoms. In love with Daenerys.
Benerro - High priest of R’hllor in Volantis.
Widow of the Waterfront - Businesswoman of Volantis. Old and wise.
Penny - Dwarf who performed at Joffrey’s wedding. Her brother Oppo was murdered.
Griff (Jon Connington) - Sellsword in service to Ilyrio Mopatis. Lord of Griffin’s Roost. Stripped of his titles and exiled by King Aerys for perceived failures during Robert’s Rebellion.
Young Griff (Aegon Targaryen) - Griff’s foster son. Now revealed to be Rhaegar and Ellia’s son Aegon. Saved from murder in the Sack of King’s Landing by a Varys switcheroo.
Volantis - Largest of the nine free cities of Essos.

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Asha Greyjoy learns that Theon lives, that previous kingsmoots have been contested, that Tris Botley is not interested in a thruple, and that where there’s five northmen there’s probably 3000. Simon and Mackelly wish that our favorite Kraken could find happiness.

Chapter Review:
At Deepwood Motte, Asha receives a letter from Ramsay Bolton written in ironborn blood, that includes a party-favor of some of Theon’s skin. She had thought her brother dead. She has sex with Qarl the Maid. While he sleeps she gets a snack and meets her other love interest Tris Botley.

They speak of future plans but she’s dismissive and quite cruel. He reminds her of a historical kingsmoot that was overturned when the heir-apparent was not invited. A lightbulb goes off, but is immediately forgotten when war-horns sound. The northern clans have come. Her ironborn make for their longships, but the woods and the dark confound them.

The battle is brutal and protracted and Asha eventually succumbs to a Northern axe, but as he loses consciousness she hears trumpets and sees a fiery stag.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Asha Greyjoy - Princess of the Iron Islands.
Qarl the Maid - Beardless lover of Asha.
Tris Botley - Childhood sweetheart of Asha.
Dagmar Cleftjaw - Ironborn Captain, currently holding Torren’s Square.
Ramsay Bolton - Self-styled Lord of Winterfell.
Theon Greyjoy - Asha’s brother, captive of Ramsay and now broken into a creature known as Reek.
Deepwood Motte - Wooden castle in the northwest of the North. Seat of House Glover.

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Quentyn Martell and his traveling companions joined up with the Windblown to get to Slaver’s Bay. Now it’s time to ditch their new friends and turn their cloaks to Daenerys Targaryen’s side of the war. The timing of the move is integral. However, before they can make their break, they catch a break that makes their task a whole lot easier. Simon and Mackelly offer them fresh brown cloaks to turn.

Chapter Review:
Prince Quentyn Martell and his traveling companions survived the siege of Astapor, having signed up with the sellsword company the Windblown to earn passage to Slaver’s Bay. Now, under the direction of the Yunkai generals, the company is turning their sights to Meereen. Quentyn knows it’s time to desert before they end up fighting against the very woman he’s been sent to marry. The task is easier said than done, as they have made friends in the company. Making matters worse, rumors are spreading around the camps about the horrible atrocities Daenerys has committed, causing the prince to second-guess his marriage plans.

The Tattered Prince, the leader of the Windblown, has been given instructions to keep Astapori refugees away from Yunkai, as many carry the bloody flux. They are to turn them back to Astapor or drive them toward Meereen. However, the sellsword captain has his own plans. He assembles many Westerosi-born members of the company and orders them to secretly defect to Dany’s side. He figures their Westerosi roots will make a good cover story for their defection to the Targaryen queen. That way, whichever side emerges the victor, the Windblown will come out on top.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Quentyn Martell - "Frog" - Eldest son, and second child of Prince Doran Martell of Dorne.
Gerris Drinkwater - "Dink" - Quentyn’s companion.
Archibald Yronwood - “Greenguts” - Final member of the trio.
Windblown - Sellsword company that has entered the fight against Daenerys Targaryen.
Tattered Prince - Captain of the Windblown.
Daenerys Targaryen - Last remaining descendent of the royal Targaryen line, Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, claimant to the Iron Throne of Westeros. Queen of Meereen.

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