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Daenerys continues her struggle to balance compassion with pragmatism, facing the horrors outside Meereen’s walls, the humiliations of marriage politics, and stunning betrayals. With Darrio's return, the queen gives into her desires. Simon and Mackelly ponder whether such lust will make her stronger, or break her reign.

Chapter Review:
Daenerys Targaryen rides out to witness the Astapori refugees beyond the gates of Meereen. The misery is staggering: starving families, corpses crawling with flies, and the sick defecating where they lie. She orders food distributed and bodies burned, but even as she tries to act mercifully, Ser Barristan warns that resources must be held for the siege to come. Grey Worm requests leave to bathe in the sea after the burning, revealing a religious rite of the Unsullied.

Back in the city, Daenerys is reminded of her impending marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq. The Green Grace and Reznak mo Reznak press her to endure the demeaning rituals required, including an intimate inspection by her groom’s kin. She relents to some, knowing her legitimacy in the eyes of Meereen’s nobles depends on it. She refuses once more to reopen the fighting pits herself but allows Hizdahr to do so after the wedding. Over dinner, Hizdahr reassures her that such traditions are relics of the past they can sweep aside together.

Their talk is interrupted by Daario Naharis’ arrival. He is wounded but full of swagger, bringing word that Astapor has fallen and Yunkai gathers a formidable host with new allies. Worse, the Second Sons and Brown Ben Plumm have gone over to the enemy. Daenerys feels betrayed, wondering if this is one of the foretold three treasons. She orders Meereen’s gates shut and the defenses readied. Finally, she clears the room and tends to Daario’s wounds. After getting a pledge of undying support from the sellsword, Dany succumbs to her lust.

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.
Barristan Selmy - Former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard in King’s Landing. Now Lord Commander of Dany's Queensguard.
Reznak mo Reznak - Ghiscari seneschal of Meereen.
Hizdahr zo Loraq - Noble of Meereen, betrothed to Daenerys.
Daario

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Jon takes the new Night's Watch recruits north of the Wall to say their vows before the weirwood trees. Jon returns with swollen ranks to find a letter from Stannis. Simon and Mackelly second guess every decision.

Chapter Review:
Lord Commander Jon Snow takes a group of new recruits north of the Wall to say their words before the grove of weirwoods where he said his own vows. The usual naysayers say nay, but Jon is adamant and takes Ghost along for added protection. They find a grove of weirwoods occupied by a sorry gang of refugee wildlings and a giant. Jon avoids bloodshed and the people (and giant) are invited to return to the Wall under their protection. They do - they don’t have much choice. Even with a 14ft giant in their ranks they would have been slaughtered, and they’d die of cold and starvation if they didn’t.

The recruits say their vows, reminding Jon that the words promise to protect the realms of men - nothing about whether those people be born north or south of the Wall.
Back at the Wall, a letter from Stannis reports his success at Deepwood Motte and his commitment to face down the Boltons, liberate Winterfell and, if at all possible, save Arya.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Jon Snow - Bastard son of Ned Stark. Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch.
Bowen Marsh - Lord Steward of the Night’s Watch and oft-times critic of Jon Snow’s decisions.
Iron Emmet - Ranger of the Night’s Watch
Dolorous Edd - Brother of the Night’s Watch and friend to Jon Snow.
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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Bran begins his training with the three-eyed crow. It’s disconcerting, slightly dangerous, but he begins to glimpse that it might give him a life far beyond what he could have expected. Simon and Mackelly are rooting for him.

Chapter Review:
Bran Stark starts his training in green-seeing and skin-changing with the three-eyed crow, who we learn is former Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch Bryden Rivers. Jojen Reed’s health has recovered but he seems resigned to a fate that he won’t share with his increasingly concerned sister Meera.

Bran continues to use Hodor to explore the cavern system, the big man has taken to curling up in a mental ball when Bran intrudes. Bran successfully wargs into a relatively willing raven and enjoys the experience of flying.

He’s also introduced to the skill of greenseeing. The immortal weirwoods have no conception of time, and so by becoming one with them Bran can see events that are remote in both distance and time. His first forays take him to the Winterfell godswood where he sees his relatives, and then in a cinematic montage a collection of his ancestors. Brynden has explained that he cannot interact or change the past, but Bran seems to be able to catch their attention.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Brandon Stark - Prince (now king?) of Winterfell. Paralyzed when pushed from a tower by Jamie Lannister.
Hodor - Enormous but simple-minded helper of Bran.
Meera Reed - Daughter of Howland Reed.
Jojen Reed - Son of Howland Reed. Has green dreams that invariably come true.
Summer - Bran’s direwolf.
Brynden Rivers - Given name of the last greenseer.
Children of the Forest - Humanoid original inhabitants of Westeros.
Greenseer - Leader of the Children of the Forest. Known to have special abilities.

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Tyrion, Jorah, and Penny are at sea. Tyrion and Penny make peace, Jorah broods. The priest Moqorro wants them to make haste, he’s seen nasty shadows headed towards Daenerys and wants to be there to protect her. Mackelly and Simon take their Dramamine.

Chapter Review:
Tyrion Lannister is aboard the Selaesori Qhoran AKA “the Stinky Steward,” captained by a sour-faced man, but he’s not commanding this journey, that would be the priest of R’Hllor Moqorro. Penny is keeping to herself, and Ser Jorah is brusque and unpleasant as always.

Tyrion slowly ingratiates himself with Penny, and they start a friendship. She still blames him for her brother’s death and the fact that she no longer has an act. He is confident that Daenerys will take Penny into her service. It takes coming through a tumultuous storm to make the young girl realize that she wants to live.
They sail close to the ruins of Valyria, closer than the crew would like. Moqorro is insisting on haste though, because he’s seen a vision of shadows closing on the young Queen in Meereen and wants to be with her as soon as possible.

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.
Moqorro - Priest of R’hllor.
Penny - Dwarf who performed at Joffrey’s wedding. Her brother Oppo was murdered.
Selaesori Qhoran - Trading cog, the ugliest ship Tyrion has ever seen. Her name means “fragrant steward.”
Valyria - Fabled city in the south of Essos. Destroyed in the Doom, the fires of which continue to burn hundreds of years later.

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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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