A Song of Ice and Fire

A Game of Thrones
Chapter List

1. Prologue
2. Bran I
3. Catelyn I
4. Daenerys I
5. Eddard I
6. Jon I
7. Catelyn II
8. Arya I
9. Bran II
10. Tyrion I
11. Jon II
12. Daenerys II
13. Eddard II
14. Tyrion II
15. Catelyn III
16. Sansa I
17. Eddard III
18. Bran III
19. Catelyn IV
20. Jon III
21. Eddard IV
22. Tyrion III
23. Arya II
24. Daenerys III
25. Bran IV
26. Eddard V
27. Jon IV
28. Eddard VI
29. Catelyn V
30. Sansa II
31. Eddard VII
32. Tyrion IV
33. Arya III
34. Eddard VIII
35. Catelyn VI
36. Eddard IX
37. Daenerys IV
38. Bran V
39. Tyrion V
40. Eddard X
41. Catelyn VII
42. Jon V
43. Tyrion VI
44. Eddard XI
45. Sansa III
46. Eddard XII
47. Daenerys V
48. Eddard XIII
49. Jon VI
50. Eddard XIV
51. Arya IV
52. Sansa IV
53. Jon VII
54. Bran VI
55. Daenerys VI
56. Catelyn VIII
57. Tyrion VII
58. Sansa V
59. Eddard XV
60. Catelyn IX
61. Jon VIII
62. Daenerys VII
63. Tyrion VIII
64. Catelyn X
65. Daenerys VIII
66. Arya V
67. Bran VII
68. Sansa VI
 69. Daenerys IX
70. Tyrion IX
71. Jon IX
72. Catelyn XI
73. Daenerys X

A Game of Thrones – Prologue

Gared attempts to convince his commander, Ser Waymar Royce, to turn
back, as the wildlings are all dead according to Will. Ser Waymar mocks
him for his unease, but Will notices that Gared is afraid despite having been
in the Night's Watch for forty years. Will is uneasy also. He has spent four
years in the Watch and been on at least a hundred rangings, but this is the
first time the haunted forest has ever terrified him. They have been traveling
north for nine days pursuing wildling raiders, and every day has been colder
and worse than the day before. Ser Waymar refuses to turn back, however.
The youngest son of an ancient house with too many heirs, he is young and
has only been in the Watch for half a year. Gared insists that they have done
all that Mormont ordered and that they could already have a two week ride
ahead of them if it snows. Waymar asks Will to repeat what he saw again.
Will had been a poacher before joining the Watch, until Mallister freeriders
had caught him and given him the choice of losing a hand or going to the
Wall. He is the best in the Watch at moving through the woods unseen. He
reports that the wildling camp is two miles away and that he spied eight
men and women there. None of them moved an inch the entire time he
surveyed the camp, including a spotter up in the trees. Gared says they must
have been killed by the cold and that he had seen a man freeze during the
last winter and also during the one before that when he was a boy.1 Ser
Waymar points out that it has not been cold enough for a man to freeze and
orders Will to take him to the camp.
They ride into the night, before dismounting at Will's suggestion to go the
rest of the way. Gared becomes uneasy once again, but Waymar only mocks
him and tells him to watch the horses while he and Will continue on foot.
Gared wants a fire, but Waymar refuses so as not to draw enemies. Gared
claims it will keep away some enemies such as bears, direwolves, and
"other things,"2 but Waymar is firm. As they reach the campsite, Will is
shocked to see that the bodies are gone. Waymar refuses to go back to
Castle Black from his first ranging a failure, and so he orders Will to climb
a tree and look for any sign of the wildlings. As he climbs, Will hears Ser
Waymar issue an uncertain challenge. The Others, however, make no sound
as they glide through the forest towards Ser Waymar. Will sees them briefly,
but assumes it was a mirage. Waymar calls out to Will and asks why it is so
cold, and Will realizes that it is now freezing. An Other comes out of the
shadows to challenge Waymar. As Will watches, five more emerge silently
to surround Waymar, but the knight does not see them. The newcomers
watch as Waymar and the first Other fight. After a series of blows, the
Other wounds Waymar in the side. Finding a last ounce of strength,
Waymar lunges forward, but when his sword meets the Other's blade, it
shatters. Waymar falls to his knees, and the Others all move in and butcher
him. Will stays in the tree a long while after the Others depart before
gathering the courage to come down. He decides to take the broken sword
as proof of what happened and hopes that if Gared does not know what to
make of things, then Mormont or Maester Aemon will. As Will stands, he
sees Ser Waymar standing over him, his one good eye now sporting a
burning blue pupil.3 Waymar grabs Will's throat and chokes him to death.
His grip is icy cold.
CHARACTERS
POV: Will, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Appearing: Gared, Waymar Royce, Will
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Gared - Gared has lost both ears, three toes, and the little finger of his left
hand to frostbite. He is over fifty years old.
Waymar Royce - Ser Waymar is grey-eyed, graceful, and slender. He is
eighteen.
GROUPS
Others - The Others are tall and gaunt with pale flesh and deep blue eyes.
Their armor appears to change color as they move, and their weapons seem
to be made of shimmering crystal, but can shatter steel.
FOOTNOTES
Warning: Footnotes may contain spoilers from later chapters or books.
1 - In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, the seasons last for years at a
time. The cause of this phenomenon is not known, but is assumed not to be
natural.
2 - A reference to wights, presumably, which can be killed through
immolation.
3 - Ser Waymar has become a wight.

A Game of Thrones - Bran I

It is the ninth year of summer.1 Lord Eddard Stark and twenty men2 are
riding out to a holdfast to dispense the king's justice. Eddard's son Bran is
excited because he has never been allowed to come along before. The man
was captured in the hills outside a small holdfast. Robb believes the man
must be a wildling sworn to Mance Rayder, the King-Beyond-the-Wall, and
that makes Bran think of the tales Old Nan has told him about wildlings,
including that they are slavers, slayers, and thieves, consorted with giants
and ghouls, and lay with the Others to sire half-human children. When they
arrive at the holdfast, they discover the accused is an old man dressed in
black who has lost his ears and a finger to frostbite.3 Bran sits between
Robb and Jon with the banner of the Starks of Winterfell, a grey direwolf
racing on a white field, flapping over their heads. Lord Eddard questions
the man briefly, and then Theon Greyjoy brings him his sword, Ice, forged
of Valyrian steel. After handing his gloves to the captain of the guard, Jory
Cassel, Eddard executes the man in the name of Robert Baratheon, the First
of his Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord
of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm, by the word of Eddard
Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. The head lands by
Theon, who laughs and kicks it away. Jon, Bran's bastard brother, calls
Theon an ass and compliments Bran on his poise during the execution.
On the way back to Winterfell, Robb comments that the deserter died
bravely, but Jon notes he was already paralyzed by fear.4 Robb and Jon race
ahead, but Bran holds back. Eddard comes up to him and explains that the
man was a deserter from the Night's Watch and the penalty for desertion is
death. He also explains that he had to execute the man himself because his
family are of the blood of the First Men, and the First Men believe that the
man who passes sentence should also carry it out. At that point, Jon
reappears and beckons Eddard to come see what he and Robb have found.
The party is shocked to see they have discovered a dead direwolf and her
five live cubs, three male and two female.5 Theon comments that there has
not been a direwolf seen south of the Wall in two hundred years, and
Hullen, the master of horse, is uneasy that a direwolf has been discovered in
the realm after so long. Many in the party are further disquieted when it is
revealed the direwolf has an antler stag lodged in its throat, the apparent
cause of death.6 Theon prepares to kill the pups, but Bran and Robb protest.
Hullen's son, Harwin, points out they cannot keep the pups, and Hullen and
Eddard agree. Jon points out that the number and gender match Eddard's
children7 and says they were meant to have the pups. Bran is impressed that
Jon has referenced both of Bran's sisters and even baby Rickon and given
up any right to a wolf for himself to save the pups. Eddard relents and tells
Jory and Desmond to gather up the pups. A little farther on, Jon hears
something and goes back to discover a sixth cub, white with red eyes,
which he takes for himself.8
CHARACTERS
POV: Brandon Stark, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Next Brandon Chapter: Chapter 9
Appearing: Brandon Stark, Desmond, Eddard Stark, Gared, Harwin,
Hullen, Jon Snow, Jory Cassel, Robb Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Tomard
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Brandon Stark - He is seven years old.
Eddard Stark - Lord Eddard has grey eyes and a closely trimmed beard shot
with white. He is thirty-five.
Jon Snow - Jon is slender and dark with grey eyes. He is fourteen.
Theon Greyjoy - Theon is lean and dark. He is nineteen.
GROUPS
Direwolves - Direwolves are far larger and fiercer than ordinary wolves.
They live in the far north.
ITEMS
Valyrian Steel - Valyrian steel is spell-forged and holds a sharp edge.
FOOTNOTES
1 - In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, the seasons last for years at a
time. The cause of this phenomenon is not known, but is assumed not to be
natural.
2 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 71: In addition to those
named in this chapter, Tomard is also part of the group (AGOT 71).
3 - It is Gared.
4 - No doubt caused by Gared's experience in the haunted forest (AGOT 1).
5 - These pups will be named Grey Wind, Summer, Shaggydog, Lady, and
Nymeria.
6 - The sigil of House Stark is the direwolf and the sigil of House
Baratheon, the house of the king, is a stag. They see this as an omen that
House Stark will destroy House Baratheon and be destroyed in turn. This is
the way events play out.
7 - They are Robb, Bran, Rickon, Sansa, and Arya.
8 - He will be named Ghost.
A Game of Thrones - Catelyn I
Catelyn comes to Eddard in the Godswood. It consists of three acres of
untamed forest in the heart of Winterfell, a dark and primal place where the
First Men worship the old gods. Catelyn does not like coming to the
godswood, for she was raised in the Faith. Eddard has built a small sept for
her use, but he still worships the old gods. Eddard is cleaning Ice beneath
the heart tree, a great weirwood with a face carved in it. In the south, all the
weirwoods have been cut down save on the Isle of Faces, where the green
men still maintain them, but every godswood in the North still has its heart
tree. The godswood of Winterfell has existed since before Brandon the
Builder constructed the castle. Eddard asks after the children, and Catelyn
tells him they are in the kitchen arguing over names for the direwolves.
Arya and Sansa are excited, but Rickon is still a little afraid. Eddard says he
must learn to face his fears, because "winter is coming." Those words give
Catelyn a chill. Every house has its own words, or motto, and "winter is
coming" are the words of House Stark. Eddard turns the conversation to the
deserter he executed.1 He was the fourth deserter Eddard has been forced to
execute in the last year and was half-mad. Catelyn admires Ice. It was
forged in the freehold of Valyria before it was destroyed by the Doom,
though the name dates back to the age of heroes, when the members of
House Stark ruled as the Kings in the North. Ben has written to say that the
strength of the Night's Watch has fallen below a thousand thanks to
desertions and losses from rangings, and Eddard fears he may need to call
his banners to deal with Mance Rayder. Catelyn fears for Eddard going
beyond the Wall, for there are supposed to be many terrors in the Far North,
but Eddard reassures her that the Others and the children of the forest have
been gone for eight thousand years.
Catelyn tells Eddard the news she came to deliver, which is that Jon Arryn
is dead. Eddard takes the news hard. He had fostered with Lord Jon at the
Eyrie in his youth along with King Robert Baratheon. When Aerys II
Targaryen, the mad king, had demanded that Lord Jon deliver the heads of
Robert and Eddard, Lord Jon raised his moon-and-falcon banners in
rebellion instead.2 Fifteen years ago they became brothers as well when
Eddard and Jon married Lord Hoster Tully's daughters.3 Robert wrote the
letter bearing the news of Jon's death himself and explained that Jon took ill
so quickly that Grand Maester Pycelle was powerless to aid him.4 Jon's
wife5 has taken their son6 and returned to the Eyrie. Catelyn wishes she had
gone to Riverrun instead, as the Eyrie is high and lonely and her sister will
need friends and family to comfort her. Eddard points out that her uncle,
Brynden, will be there, as Jon named him Knight of the Gate, but Catelyn
fears that is not enough. Eddard suggests she go to her, but Catelyn says she
cannot because the king is coming to Winterfell. Eddard is pleased that the
king is coming, and decides to have Maester Luwin send a swift bird to the
Wall so his brother, Ben, will be able to see the king too. Catelyn says that
there will probably be a hundred knights with their retainers and fifty
freeriders with the king's party. Queen Cersei and her children7 are coming
as well, and so are the queen's brothers.8 This gives Eddard pause, as he
resents the Lannisters of Casterly Rock for coming to Robert's cause late.
Still, he is pleased at the thought of seeing the children, as the youngest,
Prince Tommen, was still a suckling babe last Eddard saw him.9 Eddard
says he will arrange for Jory to lead an escort of honor to meet the royal
party on the kingsroad and wonders how they will take care of such a large
party on such short notice.
CHARACTERS
POV: Catelyn Tully, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 7
Appearing: Catelyn Tully, Eddard Stark
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Rickon Stark - Rickon is three years old.
Tommen Baratheon - Tommen is seven.
GROUPS
The Faith - The Faith is the dominant religion of the Seven Kingdoms.
Members of the Faith worship seven gods in a temple called a sept.
Services involve incense, singing, and a seven-sided crystal and are led by a
septon. The newborn are anointed with seven oils and named in the sept.
The Night's Watch - There are just under a thousand men in the Night's
Watch.
The Old Gods - The old gods are nameless, and are worshiped in
godswoods, wild and secluded woodlands where they watch over people.
At the center of many godswoods is a heart tree called a weirwood that has
white bark, blood red leaves, and a face carved into it, supposedly by the
children of the forest. The old gods were the gods of the children of the
forest and are now the gods of the First Men. All the great houses of the
south keep a godswood, but few worship in them.
ITEMS
Ice - Ice is four hundred years old.
FOOTNOTES
1 - Gared
2 - This was the beginning of the conflict that became known as Robert's
Rebellion.
3 - Catelyn and Lysa
4 - [ SPOILER for A Clash of Kings >> In fact, Pycelle did everything in
his power to make sure that Lord Jon died (ACOK 26). << END SPOILER
]
5 - Lysa
6 - Robert
7 - Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen
8 - Jaime and Tyrion
9 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 5: It seems strange that
Eddard saw Prince Tommen as a baby, as Tommen is seven, but it appears
Eddard has not seen Robert since Greyjoy's Rebellion nine years ago
(AGOT 5).

A Game of Thrones - Daenerys I

Viserys Targaryen gives his sister, Daenerys, a fine silk dress so she will
look a princess that night. The dress is a gift from Illyrio Mopatis, who has
been their host for half a year. Daenerys wonders why Illryio, a dealer in
spices, gemstones, dragonbone, and contraband that would gladly sell his
closest friend for the right price, is being so helpful. Viserys says it is
because Illyrio knows there will be a reward when he comes into his throne.
Daenerys is not so sure, but does not want to make Viserys angry and "wake
the dragon." Viserys is preparing to present Daenerys to Khal Drogo, and
hopes he will take her as his wife. He warns her not to fail him and wake
the dragon and twists one of her nipples for emphasis. After Viserys leaves,
Daenerys looks out over the towers of Pentos, listening to the red priests at
their nightfires and the children playing in the streets. She thinks of
Westeros, the home she never knew. Viserys talks of Westeros all the time,
speaking of how it was stolen from them and telling her of wondrous places
such as Casterly Rock, the Eyrie, Highgarden, the Vale of Arryn, Dorne,
and the Isle of Faces. Viserys was eight when they fled the Seven
Kingdoms, but Daenerys was still in her mother's womb. Viserys has also
told her of the events that led to their exile. How they were evacuated in the
dead of night to Dragonstone, how Rhaegar battled the Usurper in the
waters of the Trident and died for the woman he loved,1 how King's
Landing was sacked by the "Usurper's dogs," lords Lannister and Stark,2
how Princess Elia begged for mercy as Rhaegar's heir was taken from her
and murdered,3 and how the Kingslayer opened her father's throat in the
throne room with a golden sword.4
Daenerys was born nine months after the flight to Dragonstone, during a
vicious storm that destroyed the Targaryen fleet. Her mother5 died giving
birth to her, an event for which Viserys has never forgiven her. The
Usurper's brother6 was sailing for Dragonstone, the last remaining
stronghold of House Targaryen, with a newly built fleet, and the garrison
was ready to sell her and Viserys and surrender. Ser Willem Darry and four
men were able to spirit them away to Braavos before that could happen. Ser
Willem soon grew ill and was bedridden for several years before dying. The
servants stole what little money was left at his death, and Viserys and
Daenerys took to wandering the Free Cities, staying briefly in Myr, Tyrosh,
Qohor, Volantis, and Lys in turn. At first, they were welcomed in the halls
of the powerful, but as the years passed, they were gradually shunned and
forced to sell off their few remaining treasures to survive, including their
mother's crown, and Viserys became known as the beggar king. Viserys
lusts after the Seven Kingdoms, but all Daenerys wants is to return to the
house with the red door and the lemon tree in Braavos where they had lived
with Ser Willem.
Servants come to bathe Daenerys, and one of them talks all the while about
how lucky she is to be marrying Drogo. Daenerys had always assumed she
would marry Viserys, as the Targaryens had been marrying brother to sister
for centuries to keep their Valyrian lineage pure. Daenerys dresses and joins
Viserys and Illyrio for the journey to Khal Drogo's manse. Viserys is in a
good mood on the trip, certain that ten thousand riders from Drogo's
khalasar will be enough to reclaim the Seven Kingdoms. He is sure that he
will have support from Tyrell, Redwyne, Darry, and Greyjoy, none of which
are fond of the Usurper, and he believes that Dorne will rise to avenge Elia
as well.7 Illyrio eggs him on, telling Viserys that his agents in the Seven
Kingdoms report the people eagerly await their rightful king's return. Khal
Drogo's manse is an immense structure with nine towers right on the bay. It
was a gift from the magisters of Pentos, who have bought off the Dothraki
to stop them from looting the city, though they claim not to fear the
Dothraki because the red priests have assured them the Lord of Light will
not let them breach the walls. An Unsullied in Drogo's employ meets them
at the gate and lets them in. Most of the guests at the party are Dothraki, but
there are men from the Free Cities of Pentos, Myr, and Tyrosh as well, and
also a few from Ibben and the Summer Isles. Illyrio points out some of the
more notable guests, including Drogo's bloodriders,8 Khal Moro and his
son, Rhogoro, the brother of the Archon of Tyrosh, and Ser Jorah Mormont.
Daenerys is surprised that a knight would be there, and Illyrio explains that
he fled Westeros after selling two poachers into slavery. Viserys says he
must speak to Ser Jorah. Illyrio points out the khal and leaves to bring him
over. Daenerys is terrified by the sight of him and wants to leave, but
Viserys rants at her and hurts her and tells her they need his khalasar to
retake the Seven Kingdoms. Daenerys smiles and stands up straight at
Viserys's command as Illyrio brings Drogo over to them.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 12
Appearing: Cohollo, Drogo, Haggo, Illyrio Mopatis, Jorah Mormont,
Moro, Qotho, Rhogoro, Viserys III Targaryen
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Daenerys Targaryen - She has silver hair and violet eyes. She is thirteen.
Drogo - He is tall and graceful with skin of polished copper and drooping
mustachios. He is not much past thirty. He has a long braid, a sign that he
has never lost a battle.
Illyrio Mopatis - He is immensely fat with blond hair and a forked beard.
Jorah Mormont - He is past forty and balding, but strong and fit.
Viserys III Targaryen - He has silver-blond hair and a hard, gaunt face.
HOUSES
House Targaryen - The members of House Targaryen often marry each
other to keep the bloodline pure.
GROUPS
Dothraki - The Dothraki have copper skin and dark, almond-shaped eyes.
The men often have drooping mustachios and wear their hair in elaborate
braids woven with bells. Dothraki cut their braids if they are defeated in
battle.
LOCATIONS
Pentos - The skyline of Pentos is dominated by square brick towers. The
Lord of Light has a strong following in the city.
The Free Cities - Slavery is illegal in the Free Cities, but practiced anyway.
The Lord of Light is worshiped in the Free Cities.
The Seven Kingdoms - In the tongue of the Dothraki, they are called
Rhaesh Andahli, the land of the Andals. In the Free Cities, they are called
the Sunset Kingdoms.
FOOTNOTES
1 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 5: Robert Baratheon killed
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen in one-on-one combat at the Battle of the Trident
(AGOT 5).
2 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 13: Lord Tywin Lannister did
indeed sack King's Landing, but Lord Eddard had nothing to do with it, the
event having already begun before he reached the city (AGOT 13).
3 - Aegon, Rhaegar and Elia's infant son, had his head bashed in on orders
from Lord Tywin Lannister (AGOT 13). [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords
>> Gregor Clegane carried out the murder (ASOS 54). << END SPOILER ]
4 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 9: Jaime Lannister killed
King Aerys II during the sack of King's Landing (AGOT 9).
5 - Rhaella Targaryen
6 - Stannis Baratheon
7 - [ SPOILER for A Feast for Crows >> While much of this is just wishful
thinking on Viserys's part, he is actually correct that Dorne is eager to
avenge Elia, and Prince Doran Martell has actually made arrangements to
wed his daughter, Arianne, to Prince Viserys (AFFC 41). << END
SPOILER ]
8 - Cohollo, Haggo, and Qotho.

A Game of Thrones - Eddard I

The King's party, three hundred strong,1 arrives at Winterfell beneath the
crowned stag of House Baratheon. Eddard recognizes Ser Jaime Lannister,
Sandor Clegane, and Tyrion Lannister immediately, but the king himself,
flanked by two knights of the Kingsguard2 looks practically a stranger.
Eddard has not seen the king since Greyjoy's Rebellion nine years ago,
when Eddard and Robert joined forces to deal with Balon Greyjoy, who
proclaimed himself king of the Iron Islands, and Eddard took Balon's son,
Theon as his ward. Since that time, Robert has grown fat. Robert greets
Eddard and Catelyn warmly, and Eddard greets Queen Cersei and her
children3 as well. With the greetings out of the way, Robert immediately
demands to go down to the crypts to pay his respects. Cersei begins to
protest, but Jaime stops her. Once there, Eddard and Robert walk to the end
of the rows of graves to where Eddard's father, Lord Rickard, his elder
brother, Brandon, and his sister, Lyanna, are buried. Brandon was strangled
by the order of Aerys II Targaryen days before he was supposed to wed
Catelyn while Lord Rickard was forced to watch.4 Lyanna was sixteen
when she died, and she was supposed to have married Robert. Robert pays
his respects to the woman he loved and laments that she was buried deep
underground. Eddard reminds the king that he was with Lyanna when she
died and expressed a desire to be buried with her father and brother. He also
remembers the promise he made to her, and how the fear went out of her
eyes when he made it.5 Eddard's companions found him clutching her body
some time later, and the crannogman Howland Reed had to take his hand
from hers. Robert tells Eddard how he vowed to kill Rhaegar for what he
did to Lyanna. Eddard reminds Robert that he did so, and Robert laments
that he could only do so once. It had been during a battle at a ford on the
Trident. Robert and Rhaegar met in single combat in the river, until Robert
landed a killing blow to Rhaegar's chest with his warhammer.
Robert tells Eddard that Lord Jon's sickness came on suddenly. He had been
healthy and fit on the tournament for the nameday of Robert's son, but two
weeks later he was dead. Robert fears that his death drove Lysa mad. She
refused to let her son, Robert, be fostered by Lord Tywin Lannister at
Casterly Rock and withdrew to the Eyrie in the dead of night. Lord Tywin
had never taken a ward before, and Robert feels Lysa should have been
honored. Eddard offers to foster him at Winterfell, but Robert says that he
cannot offer Robert to another now that Tywin has accepted. Robert also
says that Jon's son will not be granted the title of Warden of the East that
has always belonged to House Arryn. Eddard is surprised, but Robert says
that a sickly boy cannot be a war leader. Eddard points out that the title is
only an honor when the realm is at peace, but Robert will hear no more of
it. Robert explains that he came north to make Eddard the Hand of the King
to replace Lord Jon. The Hand is the second most powerful man in the
kingdom, speaking with the king's voice, commanding his armies, drafting
his laws, and even dispensing justice from the Iron Throne in the king's
name if he is indisposed. Eddard does not want the position, but Robert is
insistent and even plans to betroth his son Joffrey to Eddard's daughter,
Sansa. Eddard asks for time to think the offer over.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 13
Appearing: Boros Blount, Catelyn Tully, Cersei Lannister, Eddard Stark,
Jaime Lannister, Joffrey Baratheon, Meryn Trant, Myrcella Baratheon,
Robert Baratheon, Sandor Clegane, Tommen Baratheon, Tyrion Lannister
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Jaime Lannister - He has hair bright as gold.
Robert Arryn - Robert is named for Robert Baratheon. He is six years old
and sickly and is now lord of the Eyrie.
Robert Baratheon - Fifteen years ago, when he rose in rebellion to the
throne, he was clean-shaven, clear-eyed, and heavily muscled, standing six
foot six. Now, he is immensely fat with a coarse black beard that hides a
double chin and drooping jowls. He has a large appetite for food, wine, and
women.
Sandor Clegane - He has a horribly burned face.
Sansa Stark - She is eleven years old.
LOCATIONS
The North - The north is larger than the rest of the Seven Kingdoms
combined.
Winterfell - Beneath the castle are the crypts, in which all the Lords of
Winterfell going back thousands of years are housed in their tombs. Each
tomb has an iron longsword laid across the lap of the likeness of the lord
carved into it.
FOOTNOTES
1 - In addition to those named in this chapter, the party includes Tyrion's
bodyservants Jyck and Morrec, and a butcher's boy named Mycah.
2 - Ser Boros Blount and Ser Meryn Trant
3 - Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen
4 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> In fact, Lord Rickard was being
burned alive in his armor and Brandon strangled himself trying to reach his
father (ASOS 32). << END SPOILER ]
5 - The exact nature of this promise is unknown, but whatever it is, it
troubles Eddard greatly (see also AGOT 40). [ SPOILER for Theories >> It
may be related to raising Lyanna's son as his own. << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Jon I

Jon Snow is sitting near the back of the great hall in Winterfell during the
welcome feast for King Robert. Earlier, he got a good look at the royal
family as they came in. Eddard escorted in Queen Cersei, followed by
Catelyn and Robert, then Rickon, Robb and Princess Myrcella, Arya and
Prince Tommen, Sansa and Joffrey, Jaime and Tyrion, and, finally, Benjen
Stark and Theon Greyjoy.1 Jon has been drinking for the entire feast, and is
now quite drunk. Ghost peeks his head up from under the table looking for
food, and Jon gives his direwolf half a chicken to devour. A dog comes up
to challenge Ghost for a share, but all it takes is a baring of his fangs to
make the dog slink away. Ben Stark comes over to see Ghost. He remarks
on how quiet the wolf is, and Jon explains that he never makes a sound,
which is how he got his name. Ben admires Jon's keen skills of observation
and remarks that he could use a man like him on the Wall. Jon, drunk, asks
to join the Night's Watch. Ben tells him the Wall is a hard place for a boy,
but Jon protests that he is nearly a man and that bastards have to grow up
faster than other children. He also talks of Daeron Targaryen, who
conquered Dorne at the age of fourteen, but Ben points out that the
conquest only lasted a summer and that he had lost ten thousand men
conquering the place and another fifty thousand trying to hold it.
Furthermore, he was dead at eighteen.
Jon still wants to join the Watch, knowing there is no place for him at
Winterfell in the long run as a bastard. Ben tells him that the members of
the Watch are not allowed to marry or father children and that he should
know what he is giving up and father a few bastards of his own first. Jon
hotly states he will never father a bastard, which draws all eyes to him. Jon
runs out of the hall in tears. Outside, he runs into Tyrion perched on the
ledge above the door. He has drunk too much wine and come out for air. As
Jon watches, he vaults down from the ledge and comes over to see Ghost.
Ghost bares his fangs at Tyrion at first, but on Jon's command lets Tyrion
pet him. Tyrion tells Jon that he should make being a bastard his strength so
that fact cannot be used against him by his enemies. When Jon asks what he
could possibly know about being a bastard, Tyrion replies that all dwarfs
are bastards in their fathers' eyes. His mother2 died giving birth to him and
his father3 treats him terribly for it. Tyrion goes on to say that all dwarfs are
bastards, but that all bastards need not be dwarfs. As he walks back into the
hall, the light throws Tyrion's shadow across the yard, and for an instant, he
looks as tall as a king.
CHARACTERS
POV: Jon Snow, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Next Jon Chapter: Chapter 11
Appearing: Arya Stark, Benjen Stark, Brandon Stark, Catelyn Tully, Cersei
Lannister, Eddard Stark, Jaime Lannister, Joffrey Baratheon, Jon Snow,
Myrcella Baratheon, Rickon Stark, Robb Stark, Robert Baratheon, Sansa
Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Tommen Baratheon, Tyrion Lannister
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Benjen Stark - He is sharp-featured and gaunt, with blue-grey eyes.
Jaime Lannister - He is tall with gold hair and flashing green eyes.
Joffrey Baratheon - He is tall, with long golden curls, pouty lips, and deep
green eyes. He is twelve.
Myrcella Baratheon - She is a wisp of a girl with golden curly hair. She is
eight years old.
Tommen Baratheon - He is plump, with long white-blond hair.
Tyrion Lannister - He has stubby legs, a head too large for his body, a
squashed in forehead, a jutting brow, mismatched eyes of green and black,
and lank, white-blond hair.
GROUPS
The Night's Watch - The members of the Night's Watch are not allowed to
have families or father children.
CREATURES
Ghost - He never makes a sound.
FOOTNOTES
1 - Bran is not specifically mentioned, but since Jon notes that all the
children came in, he must have been part of the procession too.
2 - Joanna Lannister
3 - Lord Tywin Lannister

A Game of Thrones – Catelyn II

Catelyn and Eddard are in their bedchamber after making love. Catelyn's
bedchamber is always warm thanks to the hot springs that run under
Winterfell and course through the walls. The warmth reminds her of
Riverrun and days spent with Lysa and Edmure. Eddard states his firm
resistance to becoming Hand of the King, but Catelyn cautions him that he
must, for Robert may come to suspect his loyalty if he says no. Eddard is
still not convinced, saying that Robert would never harm him and Sansa is
too young to be betrothed. Catelyn points out that she was twelve when she
was betrothed to Brandon, and Eddard wishes that Brandon was there, as he
was the one raised to rule. Desmond interrupts and says Maester Luwin is
waiting for an audience. He enters and explains that someone left a small
box with a Myrish lens and a note in his chambers. He suspects a member
of the King's party. The message is for Catelyn from Lysa, written in a
secret language she and Catelyn invented as children, and claims that Cersei
murdered Jon.1 Catelyn says that Eddard must become the Hand now so he
can investigate the murder, and he reluctantly agrees. He laments that his
father went south at the summons of a king too and never returned.2
Eddard orders Catelyn to stay and rule the North in his stead and prepare
Robb to rule one day. He will also leave Rickon, as he is still a baby, but
Arya, Sansa, and Bran will go south with him. Catelyn begs Eddard to leave
Bran, her favorite, as he is only seven, but Eddard points out that he was
eight when sent to foster at the Eyrie. Furthermore, Ser Rodrik has
informed him of bad blood between Robb and Joffrey, and Eddard feels
Bran can help bridge the gap by becoming close to the royal family.
Maester Luwin asks what is to be done with Jon Snow. Catelyn has always
hated her husband's bastard and resented him for it. She has forgiven him
for fathering a bastard, as they were apart for their first year of marriage
while Eddard fought in the war and she remained at Riverrun pregnant with
Robb. What she cannot forgive is how Eddard treated him like a trueborn
son and brought him to live at Winterfell. She heard rumors that Eddard
fathered Jon on Ashara Dayne when he went to Starfall to return the sword3
of Ser Arthur Dayne, the deadliest knight of the Kingsguard, after slaying
him in single combat.4 Catelyn asked him about those rumors once, and it
was the only time Eddard ever frightened her. He told her never to ask
about Jon again and all she needed to know was that Jon was of his blood.5
Eddard also wants Jon to remain at Winterfell, but Catelyn refuses to have
him. Maester Luwin mentions that he had asked Ben about joining the
Night's Watch, and Eddard agrees that this is the best solution.
CHARACTERS
POV: Catelyn Tully, 2nd in AGOT, 2nd overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 3
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 15
Appearing: Catelyn Tully, Desmond, Eddard Stark, Luwin
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Luwin - He is small, with grey eyes and sparse grey hair.
Robb Stark - He is fourteen.
GROUPS
Maesters - As a symbol of office, a maester wears a chain around his neck
with each link forged from a different metal.
LOCATIONS
Myr - Myr makes the best lenses in the world.
Starfall - Starfall sits on the shores of the Summer Sea.
Winterfell - Winterfell is built over hot springs, and the water is channeled
through the walls to keep the castle warm.
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> A lie that Lord Petyr told her to
perpetuate. Lysa was responsible for the murder (ASOS 81). It appears that
Petyr is attempting to incite a Stark-Lannister feud (see also AGOT 33). <<
END SPOILER ]
2 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Lord Rickard was summoned to
King's Landing after Brandon threatened Prince Rhaegar and was roasted
alive in his own armor (ASOS 32). << END SPOILER ]
3 - Dawn
4 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 40: Eddard slew Ser Arthur
at the Tower of Joy while rescuing Lyanna (AGOT 40)
5 - [ SPOILER for Theories >> Eddard may be touchy about Jon because he
may actually be the son of his sister, Lyanna. See the FAQ for details. <<
END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones – Arya I

Arya is doing needlework under the eye of Septa Mordane along with
Sansa, Beth Cassel, Jeyne Poole, and Princess Myrcella. She is embarrassed
by the poor quality of her work and runs off. Arya resents that Sansa is
beautiful and more polished than she is. Nymeria greets her at the base of
the stairs. Arya named the pup after Nymeria, the warrior queen of the
Rhoyne who led her people across the Narrow Sea. Sansa named hers Lady.
Arya decides to go watch the boys sparring in the practice yard. She runs
into Jon and Ghost, and they watch together. Bran and Tommen are fighting
each other with heavily padded wooden swords under the watchful eye of
Ser Rodrik Cassel, the master-at-arms, and a group of spectators, including
Robb and Theon. Jon teases her as they watch. They have always got on
well together, and are the only two of Eddard's children with Stark features,
the other children all inheriting the Tully look. Jon also points out Prince
Joffrey in the crowd, notes his arms, divided between the Baratheon stag
and the Lannister lion, and comments that the Lannisters are over proud to
make the queen's arms equal to the royal arms.
Bran defeats Prince Tommen. Rodrik tells Lew and Donnis to help the boys
out of their armor and asks Robb and Joffrey if they would like to go
another round. Joffrey wants to use real weapons, but Ser Rodrik refuses.
Joffrey insults Robb, and Jon states that the prince is a little shit. Sandor
steps forward to insult Rodrik and Robb. Joffrey adds his own insults and
leaves with Tommen in tow. Arya returns to her room, where Catelyn and
Septa Mordane are waiting to punish her for running off.
CHARACTERS
POV: Arya Stark, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Next Arya Chapter: Chapter 23
Appearing: Arya Stark, Beth Cassel, Brandon Stark, Catelyn Tully,
Donnis, Jeyne Poole, Joffrey Baratheon, Jon Snow, Lew, Mordane,
Myrcella Baratheon, Robb Stark, Rodrik Cassel, Sandor Clegane, Sansa
Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Tommen Baratheon
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Arya Stark - Arya has brown, lusterless hair and a long face. Other girls
tease her and call her horseface. She is good at riding and with figures.
Rodrik Cassel - He is stout with bushy white sideburns.
Sandor Clegane - He has black hair and is heavily muscled.
Sansa Stark - Sansa is good at sewing, dancing, and singing, writes poetry,
and plays the high harp and the bells. She is a perfect little lady. She is
beautiful, with thick auburn curls and high cheekbones.
CREATURES
Nymeria - She has yellow eyes.

A Game of Thrones – Bran II

It is the last morning of the king's visit. King Robert has ridden out for one
final hunt, along with Eddard, Robb, Benjen, Theon, Jory, Ser Rodrik, and
Tyrion. Bran was left behind along with Jon, Rickon, Sansa, and Arya. Bran
tried looking for Jon to keep him company, but he was nowhere to be found
and has seemed angry at everyone since learning he was joining the Night's
Watch. Bran is excited about going south. He wants to be a knight of the
Kingsguard someday and do great deeds like Serwyn of the Mirror Shield,
Ser Ryam Redwyne, Prince Aemon the Dragonknight, the twins Ser Erryk
and Ser Arryk, who killed each other during the conflict known as the
Dance of the Dragons, Gerold Hightower, Ser Arthur Dayne, and Barristan
the Bold. Bran has admired the two Kingsguard that came to Winterfell
with Robert, Ser Boros and Ser Meryn, from afar, but never dared to speak
to them. Jaime is on the Kingsguard as well, but Robb told Bran he does not
count since he killed the old, mad king.1 The greatest living knight is Ser
Barristan Selmy, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, and Eddard has
promised Bran he can meet the famed knight when they arrive at King's
Landing.
Bran had meant to spend the day saying his farewells to those staying in
Winterfell such as Old Nan, Gage the cook, Mikken the blacksmith, and
Hodor the stableboy, but he discovered that saying goodbye was too sad and
so he spent the day with his wolf2 instead. Bran has still not thought of a
name for the pup. Robb has named his Grey Wind for his speed, Sansa calls
hers Lady, Arya's is named after an old witch queen,3 and Rickon has
named his Shaggydog, which Bran thinks is just stupid. Bran loves the
name that Jon gave his pup, Ghost. Bran decides to go climbing and heads
for the godswood, avoiding the heart tree which has always frightened him.
As he is about to begin his ascent, his direwolf4 begins howling at him, but
he goes on anyway. Bran has loved climbing all his life and has explored
every nook of Winterfell. His mother always fears he will fall, and even
made him promise to stop once, but he could not help himself and his father
finally relented to let him continue.
Bran climbs around until he reaches an abandoned part of the castle, where
he overhears a man and a woman talking. The woman is mad and afraid that
Eddard is coming south and wishes she had insisted that Robert make the
man Hand. Eddard puts them in danger, as Robert will listen to him unlike
his own brothers, Stannis and Renly. The man is glad that Robert did not
appoint one of his brothers or Littlefinger Hand, as he would rather have an
honorable enemy. The woman, however, thinks that Eddard, who has never
before taken an interest in affairs south of the Neck, can only be coming
south to move against them. She mentions Lysa Arryn and her accusations.
The woman is afraid of Lysa because she shared Jon's bed and might know
what he knows.5 The man asks if Lysa has proof, and the woman says no,
but that it will not matter because Robert does not love her. She fears what
may happen when Joffrey comes to the throne and is afraid that Robert will
cast her aside for someone he loves like he loved Lyanna Stark. Bran is
frightened, but decides he must get closer to see who is talking. He sees the
man and the woman having sex, though he does not realize that is what they
are doing, and recognizes Cersei. Cersei spots Bran and screams, causing
him to lose his grip. He manages to grab the ledge with one hand as he falls.
Cersei and the man appear in the window, and Bran now recognizes the
man as well, who appears a twin to Cersei.6 The man helps Bran up to the
ledge, asks him how old he is, and then pushes him out the window. Bran
falls to the ground far below; the last thing he hears is a wolf howling.
CHARACTERS
POV: Brandon Stark, 2nd in AGOT, 2nd overall
Previous Brandon Chapter: Chapter 2
Next Brandon Chapter: Chapter 18
Appearing: Brandon Stark, Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Boros Blount - He is bald and jowly.
Meryn Trant - He has droopy eyes and a rust colored beard.
GROUPS
Kingsguard - There are only seven members of the Kingsguard at one time.
They wear white armor and are supposed to take no wives and father no
children.
CREATURES
Summer - He has yellow eyes.
FOOTNOTES
1 - Aerys II Targaryen
2 - Summer
3 - Nymeria
4 - Summer
5 - That Cersei's children were fathered by Jaime.
6 – Jaime

A Game of Thrones – Tyrion I

Tyrion is reading in the library, but is distracted by the constant howling of
a wolf.1 Tyrion decides he is done for the evening and wakes Septon
Chayle, who has fallen asleep atop a book on the life of Grand Maester
Aethelmure. He gives the books and scrolls he was reading back into the
care of the septon and warns him to be careful as some of them are quite
rare, including Ayrmidon's Engines of War. Outside, men are drilling in the
yard, and Tyrion hears Sandor comment on how he wishes Bran would just
die, as he has been unconscious for several days since his fall. Tyrion comes
over and tells Joffrey that he should pay his respects to Lord Eddard, but
Joffrey does not see the point, so Tyrion slaps him and cows him into doing
so. Tyrion proceeds to the guest house, where Cersei, Jaime, Tommen, and
Myrcella are having breakfast. Cersei has always disliked Tyrion, while
Jaime is the one person who has consistently shown him kindness since
childhood. King Robert has not been sleeping, and has been at Lord
Eddard's side since Bran's fall. Tyrion breaks the news that Maester Luwin
thinks that if Bran were going to die, he would have already done so.
Tommen and Myrcella are overjoyed, but Cersei and Jaime do not seem
pleased. Tyrion explains that it has been four days since the fall with little
change, which makes death less likely. Myrcella asks if Bran will get better,
and Tyrion explains that his back was broken and his legs shattered in the
fall and that he will never walk again even if he wakes up. Bran's wolf1 has
been howling under his window nonstop since the fall, and when Maester
Luwin closed the window, Bran seemed to weaken until it was opened
again.2 Tyrion states that he intends to go north to see the Wall. Returning
the conversation to Bran, Jaime says that he would not want to live a cripple
and prefers a clean death.3 Tyrion, on the other hand, hopes the boy does
wake up, because he thinks Bran may have an interesting story to tell.
CHARACTERS
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Next Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 14
Appearing: Cersei Lannister, Chayle, Jaime Lannister, Joffrey Baratheon,
Myrcella Baratheon, Sandor Clegane, Tommen Baratheon, Tyrion Lannister
FOOTNOTES
1 - Summer
2 - The first sign of a mystical connection between the Stark children and
their direwolves.
3 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Ironic considering he loses a
hand later (ASOS 22). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones – Jon II

Jon and Ghost come to see Bran. Lady Catelyn has been by his side for
almost two weeks, taking her meals in the room and barely sleeping, and so
Jon had not come before, but this is his last opportunity. Catelyn is very
rude to him and tells him to go away, but he stands his ground. Bran is only
skin and bones, with sunken eyes staring blankly and legs bent at odd
angles. He cries and tells Bran's still form goodbye, explaining that he is
leaving with Benjen that day to join the Night's Watch. Catelyn says that
she had prayed for Eddard to leave Bran when he went south and that it
appears sometimes prayers are answered. When Jon tries to comfort her, she
is rude again. As Jon prepares to leave, Catelyn calls out to him and says it
should have been him that fell before breaking into sobs.
Jon heads to the yard and sees Robb shouting orders with Grey Wind at his
side. He has seemed to grow into authority since Bran's fall. They say their
farewells. Finally he goes to see Arya, who is packing with Nymeria's help.
Arya is happy to see him, as she was not allowed to leave her room to say
goodbye. She had already packed her chest once, but she had just tossed
everything in and Septa Mordane made her do it again properly. Jon gives
Arya a present, a sword. He had Mikken forge the blade, which is slender
and pointed like the swords used by bravos in Pentos, Myr and the other
Free Cities. They say their goodbyes, and Jon tells her the sword has a
name, Needle.
CHARACTERS
POV: Jon Snow, 2nd in AGOT, 2nd overall
Previous Jon Chapter: Chapter 6
Next Jon Chapter: Chapter 20
Appearing: Arya Stark, Brandon Stark, Catelyn Tully, Jon Snow, Robb
Stark

A Game of Thrones - Daenerys II

It is the wedding feast of Khal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen. Drogo's
entire khalasar -- 40,000 warriors and uncounted women, children, and
slaves -- is gathered in a field outside of Pentos for the event. Pentos is
uneasy, and Illyrio told Daenerys, Viserys, and Jorah, who swore fealty to
Viserys the night of the engagement party, one night that the magisters have
doubled the size of the city guard for the duration. Viserys seethes with
impatience to get his promised crown, but Illyrio cautions him that Drogo
will fulfill his promise in his own time and that first he has to take Daenerys
to Vaes Dothrak to present her to the dosh khaleen. Ser Jorah adds that a
lesser man must not presume to order the khal, and Viserys retorts that the
dragon does not beg, but Daenerys thinks there are no more dragons. That
night, she dreams of Viserys hurting her until a dragon appears in a burst of
flame, and he disappears.
The ceremony lasts from dawn to dusk. Daenerys is seated on an earthen
ramp next to Khal Drogo, with Viserys, Illyrio, and Ser Jorah right below
her. Daenerys feels completely alone and frightened, and Drogo ignores her
throughout the feast, as they do not share a common language. The feast is
a raucous affair featuring a mass orgy and a dozen deaths. As the feast
begins to wind down, she receives her gifts. From Viserys, she gets three
handmaidens provided by Illyrio. Irri is to teach her riding, Jhiqui the
Dothraki tongue, and Doreah the art of love. Ser Jorah gives her a collection
of old books containing songs and histories of the Seven Kingdoms. Illyrio
gives the greatest gift of all, three petrified dragon eggs from the Shadow
Lands beyond Asshai.
Next, the khal's bloodriders, Haggo, Cohollo, and Qotho, give her the
traditional gifts of a leather whip with silver handle, an arakh chased in
gold, and a curved dragonbone bow, each of which she refuses and gives to
Drogo according to custom. After receiving many small gifts from other
Dothraki, she is finally given Drogo's gift, a fantastic filly with a smokey
silver mane1. Finally Khal Drogo leads her off to consummate the marriage.
Daenerys is afraid, but Drogo firmly yet gently takes her in hand and
arouses her. They have sex.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 2nd in AGOT, 2nd overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 4
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 24
Appearing: Cohollo, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Drogo, Haggo, Illyrio
Mopatis, Irri, Jhiqui, Jorah Mormont, Qotho, Viserys III Targaryen
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Doreah - She has fair hair and blue eyes and is from Lys.
Irri - She has copper skin, black hair, and almond-shaped eyes.
Jhiqui - She has copper skin, black hair, and almond-shaped eyes.
GROUPS
Dothraki - The Dothraki believe that all events of importance in a man's life
should take place outdoors. Their common attire consists of painted leather
vests and horse leggings cinched by bronze medallion belts. They have their
own language. They have no concept of privacy and do everything,
including having sex, out in the open.
Dragons - Dragons hatch from eggs that have beautiful scales of many hues.
ITEMS
Arakh - The standard Dothraki weapon. It is part sword and part scythe.
FOOTNOTES
1 - In the custom of the Dothraki, Dany does not name the filly, and thinks
of her only as the silver.

A Game of Thrones – Eddard II

Eddard is awoken by Alyn before dawn. King Robert is there with Ser
Meryn, Ser Boros, and a dozen guardsmen, and he orders Eddard to ride
with him and discuss matters of state. Robert is exhilarated by the chance to
get out and ride and is impatient at the slow pace of the royal party. Robert
wishes he could just keep on riding, give up the throne, and become a
sellsword and vagabond. Robert asks about the mother of Eddard's
bastard.1 Robert thinks her name was Becca, but realizes that was one of
his women. Eddard tells him her name is Wylla, but will say no more.
Robert says that Eddard is too hard on himself and that no woman wants
Baelor the Blessed in her bed.
Robert shows Eddard a note that has just arrived from Varys, the master of
whisperers who has held that post since Aerys II's reign. The letter contains
information from Ser Jorah Mormont. Eddard is not fond of Ser Jorah, as he
tried to sell two poachers to a Tyroshi slaver five years ago and dishonored
the North. When Eddard came to his seat at Bear Island to dispense justice,
he was not pleased to discover that Ser Jorah had fled. Ser Jorah is serving
as an agent for Varys in the hope of receiving a royal pardon.
Ser Jorah's letter tells of the marriage of Daenerys and Drogo. Robert wants
to send assassins after Daenerys. He has a hatred for all Targaryens, which
led to a falling out between Eddard and Robert during Robert's Rebellion
when Robert reacted with approval when presented with the bodies of
Rhaegar's children by Lord Tywin. Eddard fought the last battles of the war
alone in the south, and only Lyanna's death and their shared grief at her
passing brought Eddard and Robert back together. Eddard thinks of
Rhaegar's daughter2 dragged from under her bed crying and Rhaegar's baby
son3 being torn from his mother's4 breast to have his head dashed against a
wall and protests vigorously that harming a child is vile and unspeakable.
Robert retorts that the way Brandon and Rickard died was unspeakable5
and that Rhaegar raping Lyanna was the worst sin of all. He means to see
every Targaryen dead. He had wanted to send assassins after Daenerys and
Viserys long ago, but Jon Arryn always stopped him.
Eddard presses Robert about naming a Warden of the East. He refuses to
name Robert, particularly with the threat of a Dothraki invasion on the
horizon, so Eddard advises he name Stannis, who proved himself at the
siege of Storm's End. Robert admits to Eddard that he has already named
Jaime Lannister Warden of the East, and Eddard is very uncomfortable, as
this leaves half the realm's armies under the control of the Lannisters.
Eddard expresses doubt that Jaime is trustworthy and reminds Robert that
he did kill Aerys II. When this is not enough to convince Robert, Eddard
decides to tell him the rest of the story, which he had always held back.
Robert had taken a wound from Rhaegar at the Trident, so he charged
Eddard with the pursuit of the defeated Targaryen army while he
recuperated. They fled to King's Landing, where Aerys still had a force of
several thousand loyalists. Expecting to have to besiege the city, Eddard
was surprised when he arrived to see that Lord Tywin Lannister had taken
it. The war was almost a year old by this point, and Tywin had ignored calls
from both sides to add his strength to their cause. After the Battle of the
Trident, he appeared at the gates of King's Landing with 12,000 men
professing to be an ally, but sacked the city when Aerys opened the gates.
When Eddard arrived in the throne room of the Red Keep, he found Jaime
seated atop the Iron Throne in his golden armor and Aerys dead at the foot
of it. When Eddard challenged him, he got up, said he was just keeping the
seat warm for Robert, and stated that it was not a comfortable seat. Robert
is not concerned by the incident and rides on, leaving Eddard to doubt that
he will be much use as Hand of the King.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 2nd in AGOT, 2nd overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 5
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 17
Appearing: Alyn, Boros Blount, Eddard Stark, Meryn Trant, Robert
Baratheon
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Jaime Lannister - He was seventeen when he killed Aerys II, making him
about thirty-one now.
GROUPS
Dothraki - They hate and fear the open sea and will not cross it.
The First Men - They buried their dead in barrows in olden times.
FOOTNOTES
1 - Jon Snow
2 - Rhaenys
3 - Aegon
4 - Elia
5 - [ SPOILER for A Clash of Kings >> Brandon strangled himself trying to
save Rickard, who was being roasted alive in his armor at Aerys's command
(ACOK 56). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones – Tyrion II

Benjen Stark leaves for the Wall on the same day the King goes south. With
him are Jon Snow and Ghost, Tyrion, and Tyrion's two serving men.1 On
the way to the Wall, they meet up with another black brother, Yoren, who is
bringing two rapers from the Fingers back to the Wall. At camp one night,
Tyrion drinks an amber wine from the Summer Isles and reads a book about
the history and properties of dragons, which have always fascinated him.
The first time Tyrion visited King's Landing for Cersei's wedding, he sought
out the dragon skulls that had hung in the throne room. Robert had already
replaced them with tapestries, but he managed to discover where they were
stored and found them beautiful. There were nineteen in total, with the
oldest large and impressive and the newer ones small and misshapen,
including a matched pair with skulls no bigger than that of a mastiff that
had belonged to the last two dragons born on Dragonstone, neither of which
lived for very long. The three largest belonged to the dragons that Aegon I
and his sisters2 rode in their conquest of Westeros, Balerion, Meraxes, and
Vhagar.
None could stand before these dragons of legend, but King Loren of the
Rock and King Mern IX of the Reach had tried close to three hundred years
ago, when the Seven Kingdoms really were seven separate countries. They
gathered five thousand knights and ten times as many other soldiers to face
Aegon, who only had around a fifth of that number, mostly conscripts from
the army of the last king he had slain.3 Aegon's army broke in the initial
charge, but at that point, Aegon unleashed the dragons, the only time all
three were deployed at once, and created what became known as the Field
of Fire. Four thousand men perished, including King Mern, and both the
Reach and the Westerlands were added to Aegon's domain, with King Loren
swearing fealty.
Jon interrupts Tyrion's thoughts and asks the dwarf why he reads so much.
Tyrion says that his mind is the only weapon he has, and he must keep it
sharp, as he is a Lannister and is expected to do great things. Lord Tywin
was Hand of the King to Aerys II for twenty years, Cersei married the new
king, and Joffrey will be king in turn one day. Tyrion must do his part for
the glory of his house as well, and therefore he must rely on his intellect.
Jon wonders why he reads of dragons when they are all dead, and Tyrion
replies that he used to dream of having a dragon of his own and started fires
in the bowels of Casterly Rock that he would stare at for hours. Sometimes
he would imagine that Tywin was burning in the fire; other times it was
Cersei.
The talk turns to the Night's Watch, which Jon claims is a noble calling, and
Tyrion breaks the truth to him that it is a midden heap filled with all the
dregs of society. This upsets Jon and Tyrion moves to comfort him, but as
he makes his move, Ghost leaps out of the shadows to tackle him. Jon helps
Tyrion back up and realizes what Tyrion said about the Watch is true.
Tyrion complements him for facing a hard truth rather than ignoring it and
says he hardly ever dreams of dragons anymore. They return to camp,
where the company has supper and goes to sleep, all save Jon who drew the
first watch. As Tyrion turns in, he sees Jon staring intently into the fire.
Characters
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 2nd in AGOT, 2nd overall
Previous Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 10
Next Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 22
Appearing: Benjen Stark, Jon Snow, Jyck, Morrec, Tyrion Lannister, Yoren
Active Characters
Yoren - He is stooped and sinister looking with a bushy dark black beard, a
twisted shoulder, and hair that is greasy and full of lice.
Groups
Dragons - The last dragons died about one hundred and fifty years ago, and
they were small and misshapen things.
Creatures
Balerion - Balerion was known as the Black Dread and was big enough to
swallow an aurochs whole. He was named after an ancient god.
Meraxes - Meraxes was big enough to swallow a horse. He was named after
an ancient god.
Vhagar - Vhagar was big enough to swallow a horse. He was named after
an ancient god.
Items
Dragonbone - Dragonbone is black due to a high iron content and strong as
steel yet lighter and more flexible. It is also fireproof. Bows made of
dragonbone can outrange those made of wood.
Locations
The Red Keep - During the reign of the Targaryens, dragon skulls lined the
walls of the throne room. They were removed by King Robert and replaced
with tapestries.
Wolfswood - A large wood north and west of Winterfell.
Events
The Conquest - The conquest of six of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros
nearly three hundred years ago by Aegon Targaryen.4 He used three
dragons, Balerion, Meraxes, and Vhagar, to conquer most of the continent.
One of the last decisive battles was the Field of Fire, where Aegon met the
combined armies of King Loren of the Rock and King Mern IX of the
Reach with about a fifth of their fifty thousand men. It was the only battle
where all three dragons were unleashed at once, and it ended with King
Mern IX and four thousand men dead. Both kingdoms were added to
Aegon's conquests.
Footnotes
1 - Jyck and Morrec
2 - Rhaenys and Visenya
3 - The only other kings killed by Aegon I's army at that point were the king
of the Stormlands and perhaps the king of the Iron Islands, so this must
refer to the Storm King and/or Harren Hoare.
4 - Dorne remained unconquered.

A Game of Thrones – Catelyn III

It has been eight days since the King's party went south. Maester Luwin
comes to Catelyn in Bran's room to go over the cost of the King's visit, but
Catelyn refuses to. He also says that they must name a new steward, captain
of the guard, and master of horse, as Vayon Poole, Jory Cassel, and Hullen
have all gone south with Eddard. She gets nasty then until Robb comes in
and says he will take care of things. Robb chastises her for never leaving
Bran's room. Rickon has been following Robb and crying because he thinks
everyone has abandoned him, and Robb needs her help too. Outside, Bran's
direwolf1 begins to howl, followed by Grey Wind and Shaggydog. Catelyn
tells Robb to make them stop, but he says Bran needs to hear them. Catelyn
collapses, but refuses to go to sleep in case Bran should die before she
wakes.
Robb and Catelyn notice that the library tower is on fire. Robb rushes off,
and Catelyn only feels relief that the fire is not near Bran. She turns and
sees a small man in filthy clothing with a knife who has come to kill Bran.
They struggle, and Catelyn cuts her hand badly. Suddenly Bran's direwolf1
is in the room and kills the assassin. When Robb returns with Maester
Luwin and Ser Rodrik, they find Catelyn laughing hysterically. Old Nan
helps her to bed, and she sleeps for four days.
Catelyn wakes feeling weak, but no longer mad from grief and holds a
council with Robb, Theon, Maester Luwin, Ser Rodrik and Hallis Mollen,
the new captain of the guard. The assassin had been hiding in the stables
and had a bag with ninety silver stags. He was obviously hired to kill Bran,
but the question is by whom.2 They figure someone wanted him dead
because he saw something he should not have.3 The assassin had a Valyrian
steel dagger with a dragonbone hilt. Hallis leaves to put more guards on
Bran's room, and the others continue to confer. Catelyn tells the others
about Lysa's accusation that the Lannisters killed Lord Jon. Furthermore,
she deduces that Bran did not fall, but was pushed, and guesses that it was
Jaime Lannister that did it since he remained at Winterfell that day. Robb
draws his sword in his anger, receiving a rebuke from Ser Rodrik. Catelyn
is surprised to see him wearing steel now, and Ser Rodrik explains he felt it
was time. She decides she must go to King's Landing with the dagger to
discover its origin. Ser Rodrik asks to accompany her, and she agrees. They
will follow the White Knife to White Harbor and take a ship from there to
King's Landing.
Characters
POV: Catelyn Tully, 3rd in AGOT, 3rd overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 7
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 19
Appearing: Brandon Stark, Catelyn Tully, Hallis Mollen, Luwin, Nan,
Robb Stark, Rodrik Cassel, Theon Greyjoy
Active Characters
Hallis Mollen - He is muscular and has a square brown beard.
Footnotes
1 - Summer
2 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Prince Joffrey sent the assassin
(ASOS 61). << END SPOILER ]
3 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Which he did, but ironically that
was not the reason Joffrey tried to kill him (ASOS 61). He apparently did it
to impress his father (ASOS 73). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones – Sansa I

Sansa takes breakfast with Lady and Septa Mordane in an inn then goes off
with Lady to look for Arya. She finds Arya brushing Nymeria and tells her
to wear something nice, as they are riding with Queen Cersei and Princess
Myrcella today. Arya would rather explore the area with Mycah, a butcher's
boy of thirteen. They have been going off every day of the journey to look
at various things and explore. The party has recently emerged from the
marshes of the Neck, which took twelve days to traverse. Arya runs off, and
Sansa returns to the inn.
When Sansa arrives, she sees Barristan Selmy and Renly Baratheon
kneeling before the queen. They have been sent from King's Landing as part
of an escort of honor. Off to one side is Ser Ilyn Payne, the King's
executioner. Ser Ilyn frightens her, and she steps back into Sandor, who
mocks her. Joffrey goes to her then and makes everything better. Sansa is
introduced to Barristan and Renly and tries to apologize to Ser Ilyn, who
just walks away. Ser Barristan explains that Aerys II had his tongue ripped
out with hot pincers.1 Cersei has to talk to the new arrivals, so she has
Joffrey take Sansa riding. Sansa is elated at the thought of a whole day with
Joffrey and equates his rescue from Ser Ilyn and Sandor with Serwyn of the
Mirror Shield's rescue of Princess Daeryssa from giants and Prince Aemon
the Dragonknight's championing of Queen Naerys against the slanders of
Ser Morgil. Joffrey suggests leaving Sandor and Lady behind. Sansa
wonders if that is safe, and Joffrey reassures her by showing her his sword,
Lion's Tooth. They head off on their ride.
Sansa and Joffrey explore caves and track a shadowcat to its lair. When they
get hungry, they stop at a nearby holdfast. After lunch, where Joffrey drinks
too much wine, they come across Arya and Mycah playing at being knights.
Drunk, Joffrey threatens Mycah and prepares to hurt him, so Arya lunges at
him and hits him in the back of the head. Joffrey whirls in a rage, speaking
obscenities, and attacks Arya. Nymeria attacks Joffrey and tears at his
sword arm. Arya calls off Nymeria and then throws Lion's Tooth into the
river and leaves. Sansa tries to comfort Joffrey, who looks at her with
loathing and tells her not to touch him. Sansa goes to get help.
Characters
POV: Sansa Stark, 1st in AGOT, 1st overall
Next Sansa Chapter: Chapter 30
Appearing: Arya Stark, Barristan Selmy, Cersei Lannister, Ilyn Payne,
Joffrey Baratheon, Mordane, Mycah, Renly Baratheon, Sandor Clegane,
Sansa Stark
Active Characters
Ilyn Payne - He is gaunt with a pockmarked, beardless face. Although not
an old man, he has only a few wisps of hair, which he has grown as long as
a woman's hair. His eyes are colorless.
Renly Baratheon - He is tall and handsome with jet-black hair to his
shoulders and laughing green eyes.
Items
Lion's Tooth - Lion's Tooth is a longsword, shrunken for a boy of twelve,
with a lion's-head pommel.
Footnotes
1 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Aerys II removed Ser Ilyn's
tongue after he once jested that Lord Tywin truly ruled the realm (ASOS
12). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Eddard III

Vayon Poole reports to Eddard that Jory has found Arya, who has been
missing for four days. She has been taken before the king. They are staying
at the castle of Ser Raymun Darry. The situation is tense, because House
Darry fought for Aerys II, and Raymun lost his three older brothers at the
Battle of the Trident. Eddard enters the audience chamber, where King
Robert is presiding with Cersei and Joffrey. Arya, Jory, Ser Raymun, Lord
Renly, and Ser Barristan are there as well. Eddard is furious that Arya was
brought before the king, but Cersei responds that she must answer for the
crime of attacking the crown prince. Joffrey claims that Arya and Mycah
beat him with clubs and set Nymeria on him. Arya tells the true story as
Vayon arrives with Sansa, and Lord Renly has a laughing fit at the thought
of Joffrey being bested by a skinny girl with a stick, and is dismissed by
Robert.
Eddard urges Sansa forward and tells her to say what happened. Sansa lies
and says she does not remember, causing Arya to attack her. Cersei takes
this as proof of Arya's wildness and demands that Robert punish her. King
Robert decides that he and Eddard should discipline their children privately.
Cersei brings up the direwolf. Nymeria is missing, so Robert is content to
leave it at that. Cersei announces a reward for the man who brings her
Nymeria's pelt and taunts Robert for not being a man. Cersei says they
should execute Lady and Robert agrees, saying the animal would have
turned on Sansa eventually anyway. Eddard challenges Robert to do it
himself, but Robert leaves, and Eddard says he will do the deed if it must be
done. He has Jory fetch Ice and uses it to kill Lady. He tells Jory to have
four guards take the body back to Winterfell for burial. As he is returning to
his quarters, Sandor comes back from searching. He found Mycah and rode
him down.
Characters
POV: Eddard Stark, 3rd in AGOT, 3rd overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 13
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 21
Appearing: Arya Stark, Barristan Selmy, Cersei Lannister, Joffrey
Baratheon, Jory Cassel, Mycah, Raymun Darry, Renly Baratheon, Robert
Baratheon, Sandor Clegane, Sansa Stark, Vayon Poole
Houses
House Darry of Darry - House Darry remained loyal to the Targaryens
during Robert's Rebellion.
Creatures
Lady - She has golden eyes and thick grey fur.

A Game of Thrones - Bran III

Bran is falling in darkness. A voice tells him to fly, but he does not know
how. The speaker is a crow who lands on his shoulder and exhorts him to
fly. He looks down. He sees all of Winterfell, Maester Luwin looking at the
stars, Hodor carrying an anvil, Robb practicing with a real sword. The
weirwood at Winterfell turns its eyes to look at him knowingly. He sees
Catelyn and Ser Rodrik on a galley with a knife; he sees Eddard plead with
Robert while Sansa cries and Arya holds her secrets; over them all are two
shadows, one dark as ash with the face of a hound and the other armored
like the sun, golden and beautiful.1 Over both looms a giant of stone with
blood pouring out of his visor.2 He looks across the Free Cities and the
Dothraki Sea to Vaes Dothrak, and beyond to the Jade Sea to Asshai, where
dragons stirred.3 Finally, he looks north and beholds the Wall and Jon and
beyond that in the heart of winter something so terrible that it makes him
cry. The crow tells him this is why he must live, because winter is coming.
He notices that the crow has three eyes. The three-eyed crow pecks at his
forehead.4 The ground rushes up to meet him, but he flies at the last second.
He awakes in his room in Winterfell. A servingwoman runs off to tell
everyone that he is awake. He sees his direwolf atop him and is comforted
by his warmth. By the time Robb gets to the room, he has decided to name
the direwolf Summer.
Characters
POV: Brandon Stark, 3rd in AGOT, 3rd overall
Previous Brandon Chapter: Chapter 9
Next Brandon Chapter: Chapter 25
Appearing: Brandon Stark, Robb Stark
Footnotes
1 - Sandor Clegane and Jaime Lannister
2 - King Robert? Ser Ilyn Payne? Gregor Clegane? Someone else? See the
FAQ for some speculation.
3 - Most likely a vision of things to come or a reference to the past and not
actual dragons in the present.
4 - [ SPOILER for A Clash of Kings >> Trying to open his third eye. <<
END SPOILER ]
A Game of Thrones - Catelyn IV
Catelyn and Ser Rodrik approach King's Landing on Storm Dancer,
captained by Moreo Tumitis. Ser Rodrik has been sick for most of the
voyage, and finally had to shave his whiskers after befouling them one too
many times. Once ashore, they plan to contact Ser Aron Santagar, master-
at-arms for the Red Keep, whom they hope can identify the dagger. Ser
Rodrik emphasizes the need for secrecy and that there are those at court
who would recognize Catelyn on sight. Catelyn realizes he means
Littlefinger, Lord Petyr Baelish. He had been a ward to Catelyn's father and
a brother to Catelyn herself. He wanted more than that, however, and when
he learned that Catelyn was to marry Brandon Stark, he challenged the
older man to a duel. Brandon was twenty, Petyr scarcely fifteen, and there
was no hope that he could prevail. Catelyn begged Brandon to spare his life,
so he left Petyr with only a scar. Catelyn's father sent him away after that.
He wrote Catelyn a letter after Brandon was killed, but Catelyn did not read
it. Rodrik mentions that Petyr is now on the small council, and Catelyn
responds that she always knew he would rise high. They decide that Ser
Rodrik will go to the castle and fetch Ser Aron while Catelyn waits for him
in a safe place.
Upon going ashore, Catelyn and Ser Rodrik choose an inn recommended by
Captain Moreo, and Ser Rodrik departs for the Red Keep. Catelyn falls
asleep and wakes to pounding on her door. She opens it to discover men of
the City Watch who are under orders to escort her to Lord Petyr. When she
arrives, Petyr informs her that he learned of her arrival from Lord Varys,
who will join them shortly. Varys went to Petyr because he is master of
coin, and most of the small council is gone, with Ser Barristan and Lord
Renly off escorting King Robert and Lord Stannis gone to Dragonstone.
Also, Varys knew that Petyr was friends with Lysa. Petyr asks why Catelyn
is there and is not convinced by her explanation that she wanted to see her
husband, as the Tully words are "Family, Duty, Honor," and Catelyn would
never leave her assigned post. Varys arrives and asks after the dagger,
which he discovered through the "whispering of little birds" after Ser
Rodrik met with Ser Aron, both of whom left the castle and are waiting for
Catelyn at the inn.1 She pulls the dagger out, and Petyr reveals it was his
until he lost it at the tournament held on Prince Joffrey's name day when
Ser Loras Tyrell unhorsed Ser Jaime Lannister. He says he lost the dagger to
Tyrion Lannister.2
Characters
POV: Catelyn Tully, 4th in AGOT, 4th overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 15
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 29
Appearing: Catelyn Tully, Moreo Tumitis, Petyr Baelish, Rodrik Cassel,
Varys
Active Characters
Catelyn Tully - Since her knife wound, she cannot bend the last two
fingers of her left hand, and the other fingers are less dexterous than they
were.
Moreo Tumitis - He is Tyroshi and has been a sailor for thirty years and
has captained four ships. He has a forked green beard.
Petyr Baelish - Called Littlefinger since he was a boy because he is short
and his holdings are on the smallest of the Fingers. He is shy of thirty and
short with sharp features, laughing grey-green eyes, a small, pointed chin
beard, and threads of silver in his dark hair.
Varys - He is a eunuch, plump and hairless. He is not really a lord; it is
just a courtesy title due to his position on the small council.
Groups
City Watch of King's Landing - The City Watch of King's Landing is
garbed in black mail and gold cloaks.
Items
Storm Dancer - The Storm Dancer is a two-masted galley with sixty oars.
Locations
King's Landing - King's Landing was the spot where Aegon the
Conqueror landed his armies and built his first crude redoubt nearly three
hundred years ago. Since that time, a great city has grown on that spot.
Landmarks include the Great Sept of Baelor with its seven crystal towers on
Visenya's hill and the Dragonpit, now a collapsed ruin closed for one
hundred years, on the hill of Rhaenys; the Street of the Sisters runs straight
between the two hills. The Red Keep is perched atop the highest hill in the
city, Aegon's high hill.
The Red Keep - The Red Keep, with its seven huge drum towers,
immense barbican, and massive curtain walls all in pale red stone, is
perched atop the highest hill in King's Landing, Aegon's high hill. Its
construction was begun by Aegon I and finished by his son Maegor the
Cruel, who had all the workers killed upon its completion so that none but
the Targaryens would know the castle's secrets.
Footnotes
1 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 33: Varys's "little birds"
are young children that have their tongues removed and are set loose in the
secret passages of the Red Keep (AGOT 33).
2 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> A lie. The winner of the
dagger was King Robert (ACOK 56), and Prince Joffrey stole it to give to
the assassin that tried to kill Bran (ASOS 62). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Jon III

Jon fights a training match with Grenn, whom he defeats easily. Jeren and
Todder drag Grenn off while Ser Alliser Thorne berates Jon for showing
fatigue. Ser Alliser has nothing but scorn and hatred for all of the trainees.
Ser Alliser ends the traning session, and the trainees all go to the armory.
Jon also has scorn for all the trainees for their weaknesses and has made no
friends. He feels particularly alone as Benjen is gone too. Three days after
arriving, he learned that Ben was leading a ranging of six rangers.1 Jon
begged him to go along, but Ben refused. The next morning he watched the
group leave. Grenn confronts Jon along with Todder and two other recruits
over the beating in the yard. Jon gets smart with them and a fight breaks
out, which is stopped by the blacksmith, Donal Noye. Donal berates Jon for
fighting with his brothers. He reminds Jon he is not the only bastard on the
wall; Jeren is the bastard of a septon, while Cotter Pyke, commander of
Eastwatch by the Sea, is the son of a tavern wench. Jon refuses to
acknowledge the trainees as brothers, and Donal reminds him that the
Watch is his new life. Jon reflects bitterly that Donal has no place to talk
about giving up life. He had smithed for Stannis Baratheon and only came
to the wall as an old cripple after losing his arm at the siege of Storm's End.
Jon says the other trainees all hate him because he is better than them, and
Donal says it is actually because he is a bully, thrashing the others all over
the yard and leaving them no dignity. Jon feels ashamed and guilty of his
actions.
Jon leaves and stares at the Wall until Tyrion comes by. Jon has not seen
him much since arriving, as he is an honored guest of the Lord Commander
and spends his time with the officers. Tyrion is surprised that Ghost is not
with Jon, and Jon explains that he must keep the wolf chained during
training. They discuss Ben, who is long overdue to return from his ranging.
He had set out not long after arriving at Castle Black with six rangers to
look for Waymar Royce. Many rangers have failed to return from the Far
North of late.2 They go to the mess to eat, but Jon is soon summoned by Ser
Alliser to see Lord Commander Jeor Mormont. Lord Commander Mormont
gives Jon a letter from Robb stating that Bran has woken up and will live,
though crippled. Jon is overjoyed and runs back down to the mess to
celebrate with Tyrion. He sees Grenn and apologizes to him and offers to
help him improve. Ser Alliser scolds Jon for trying to do his job, and Jon
mocks him, causing Ser Alliser to leave in a fury.
Characters
POV: Jon Snow, 3rd in AGOT, 3rd overall
Previous Jon Chapter: Chapter 11
Next Jon Chapter: Chapter 27
Appearing: Alliser Thorne, Donal Noye, Grenn, Jeor Mormont, Jeren,
Jon Snow, Todder, Tyrion Lannister.
Active Characters
Grenn - Ser Alliser has nicknamed him the Aurochs. He is sixteen.
 Jeor Mormont - He is old and gruff with a large bald head and a shaggy
grey beard. He keeps a pet raven.
Jon Snow - He is now fifteen. Ser Alliser calls him Lord Snow.
Todder - He is short and ugly and has an unpleasant voice, so the trainees
call him Toad.
Groups
The Night's Watch - The Watch is much smaller than it once was. It has
built nineteen castles along the Wall over the years, but now only three are
occupied: Castle Black, the Shadow Tower, and Eastwatch-by-the-Sea.
Locations
Castle Black - The main Night's Watch fortress. It is near the center of
the Wall at the end of the kingsroad, and where the Lord Commander and
most of the other high officers reside. It is not really a true castle at all,
possessing no walls save the Wall guarding the north. One of its towers is
called the King's Tower, and another is called Hardin's Tower. The Lord
Commander of the Night's Watch has his quarters in the Commander's
Keep. Once, Castle Black had housed five thousand men; now it only
houses five hundred and much of it, including Hardin's Tower, has fallen
into ruin.
Eastwatch-by-the-Sea - One of the three fortresses of the Night's Watch
still in use. It is hard against the sea at the eastern end of the Wall. Its
commander is Cotter Pyke.
The Shadow Tower - One of the three fortresses of the Night's Watch still
in use. It is hard by the mountains at the western end of the Wall.
The Wall - It is seven hundred feet high and wide enough for a dozen
armored men to ride abreast.
Footnotes
1 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 53: Two of the rangers
were Othor and Jafer Flowers (AGOT 53).
2 - Thanks to the Others.
A Game of Thrones - Eddard IV
Eddard arrives at King's Landing and is informed by the king's steward that
the small council is meeting and would like him to make an appearance.
After leaving instructions with Vayon, he changes and goes to the council
chamber, where Lords Renly, Petyr, and Varys and Grand Maester Pycelle
are waiting for him. Eddard asks after the other members and is informed
that Lord Stannis has left for Dragonstone and that Ser Barristan is guarding
Robert. When Eddard suggests waiting for Robert, he is informed that
Robert rarely sits in on council meetings. Renly presents a command from
Robert stating that he will hold a tournament in Eddard's honor in which the
winner receives forty thousand gold dragons, second place receives twenty
thousand, the victor of the melee receives another twenty thousand, and the
victor of the archery competition receives ten thousand. When Pycelle asks
Petyr how this is to be paid for, he says that they will have to borrow from
Lord Tywin because the treasury is empty. The crown is over six million
gold pieces in debt, with the largest part owed to Lord Tywin and the rest
owed to Lord Tyrell, the Iron Bank of Braavos, several Tyroshi trading
cartels, and even the Faith. Eddard is stunned, as Aerys II had left a treasury
flowing with gold, and cannot believe that Lord Jon would have let Robert
beggar the realm. Pycelle says that Robert often disregarded Jon's advice.
Eddard means to convince the king to call the tournament off, but the other
counselors tell him it will be a futile gesture. Eddard angrily calls a halt to
the meeting, saying he is tired from the journey, and leaves.
Eddard watches the king's party make its way into the castle. Eddard stayed
at the head of the column after the incident on the Trident, while Robert
confined himself to the wheelhouse and stayed perpetually drunk. Sansa
blames Arya for what happened to Lady, while Arya has brooded silently
since the death of Mycah. Petyr approaches Eddard as he is heading back to
his rooms and bids him follow in another direction. When Eddard asks
where they are going, Petyr only tells him that his wife awaits. They go out
the castle and climb down a hidden ladder carved into the cliff. At the
bottom, they mount horses and ride to a brothel that Petyr owns, and Petyr
tells Eddard that his wife is within. Eddard is angered when he realizes they
have come to a brothel and insults Petyr, but Ser Rodrik appears and assures
him that Petyr is telling the truth.
They go inside and meet Catelyn, and she explains all she knows about
Bran and the dagger. Eddard wants to accuse Cersei, but Petyr says there is
not enough proof and they best be rid of the dagger.1 Catelyn has also told
Petyr about their suspicions over the death of Lord Jon, and he has agreed
to help in the search for the killer. Catelyn fears Varys, but Petyr says he has
him in check. After all is told, Eddard orders Catelyn and Ser Rodrik to ride
back to Winterfell. He tells Catelyn to order Helman Tallhart and Galbart
Glover to each post two hundred bowmen at Moat Cailin to hold the Neck
and for Lord Wyman Manderly to fortify White Harbor. Furthermore, he
orders Theon closely watched, as they may need House Greyjoy's fleet. He
feels there will not be war, but he must not show weakness. When he has all
the evidence he needs, he plans to go to Robert and expose the Lannister
treachery.
Characters
POV: Eddard Stark, 4th in AGOT, 4th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 17
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 26
Appearing: Catelyn Tully, Eddard Stark, Petyr Baelish, Pycelle, Renly
Baratheon, Rodrik Cassel, Varys

Active Characters
Pycelle - He is very old with a few wisps of hair on a broad bald head
and a kindly face.
Renly Baratheon - He was eight when Robert fought on the Trident,
making him twenty-two now.
Locations
The Red Keep - The small council chamber in the Red Keep is adorned
with Myrish carpets, tapestries from Norvos, Qohor, and Lys, painted
screens from the Summer Isles, and two Valyrian sphinxes.
Footnotes
1 - [ SPOILER for A Clash of Kings >> For, of course, if they show it to
anyone else, then they may learn it is not Tyrion's (ACOK 56). << END
SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Tyrion III

Tyrion is taking dinner with the high officers of the Night's Watch,
including Lord Commander Jeor Mormont, Ser Alliser Thorne, Bowen
Marsh, Ser Jaremy Rykker, and Maester Aemon, and informs Jeor that he
will be leaving on the morrow. He mocks Ser Alliser, who gets up and
leaves. Tyrion comments that Ser Alliser is not fit to be master-at-arms, but
Lord Commander Mormont laments that they have too few knights or
trained fighters. Few knights have taken the black during Mormont's tenure
as Lord Commander, and Ser Alliser fought bravely at King's Landing. Ser
Jaremy quips that he and Ser Alliser were on the wrong side in that battle,
and afterward Lord Tywin gave them the choice of taking the black or
dying as traitors. Mormont accuses Tyrion of mocking the Watch, but
Maester Aemon says that Tyrion is a giant come amongst them, which
leaves Tyrion speechless.
After dinner, Jeor drinks with Tyrion. He tells Tyrion that he will give him
an escort as far as Winterfell. Tyrion protests that he has his own men, Jyck
and Morrec, and that Yoren is going south again too, but Mormont insists.
Tyrion suggests sending Jon, but Mormont thinks that seeing his family
again will just stir up feelings that are best left buried at this phase of his
training. Mormont adds that his sister, Maege, rules Bear Island with his
son's dishonor, and he has nieces he has never met. Lord Commander
Mormont goes on to talk about the Watch's plight. The Watch is dying.
There are less than one thousand men now, six hundred at Castle Black, two
hundred at the Shadow Tower, and slightly less than that at Eastwatch, and
only one-third of these are fighting men. He regrets sending Ser Waymar
out on a ranging with him so green, but he feared to offend his father, Lord
Yohn Royce. He sent two of his most reliable men with Waymar, and was
shocked when Eddard sent him Gared's head after he was executed as a
deserter. He laments the fact that Ben Stark has gone missing and wonders
whom he should send to find him. Finally, he laments his own old age,
sixty-eight, and worries that there are no suitable successors to his position.
He pleads with Tyrion to tell Lord Tywin and King Robert of the Watch's
needs. Jeor is desperate because the findings of the Citadel indicate that
winter is on the way and it will be a bad one. He has reports from Denys
Mallister of the Shadow Tower that wildlings are slipping south in greater
numbers than usual, apparently running from something, and the fisherfolk
of Eastwatch have glimpsed strange things.
Tyrion takes his leave and is heading back to his chambers when he
suddenly gets the urge to climb the Wall one last time. He gets to the top
and walks west, meeting Jon and Ghost. Jon has been making progress with
his fellow trainees. Grenn is better than he was, and he has starting helping
another trainee named Pypar too. Ser Alliser has taken a special interest in
making his life hell. Tyrion tells Jon that he is stopping by Winterfell on the
way south and asks if there is a message he would like sent. He tells Tyrion
to help Bran like he helped him. They shake hands as friends, and gaze off
to the edge of the world.
Characters
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 3rd in AGOT, 3rd overall
Previous Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 14
Next Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 32
Appearing: Aemon Targaryen, Alliser Thorne, Bowen Marsh, Jaremy
Rykker, Jeor Mormont, Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister
Active Characters
Aemon Targaryen - He is wrinkled, hairless, and shrunken and is over
one hundred years old.
Bowen Marsh - He is round and red-faced.

A Game of Thrones - Arya II

Eddard arrives at dinner late after a small council meeting. He joins Sansa,
Arya, Septa Mordane, Jeyne, Hullen, Jory and most of his fifty guards,
including Desmond, Jacks, Harwin, and Porther. Eddard tells them about
the upcoming tournament, and Sansa gets excited. Eddard does not want his
daughters to come, but Sansa pleads and Septa Mordane points out that it
would seem odd if his daughters did not attend a tournament in his honor.
Arya starts thinking about Mycah and Lady and loses her appetite. She runs
from the table, darts past Tomard, and locks herself in her room. She takes
out Needle and holds it. Eddard comes to her door, and Arya opens it to
admit him. He sees Needle in her hand. He laments that she has "the wolf
blood," like both Brandon and Lyanna, and says it led them both to an early
grave. He believes Lyanna would have carried a sword if allowed to. Arya
confesses that she blames herself for Mycah's death and also that she and
Jory drove Nymeria away by throwing rocks so she would not be killed.
Eddard tells her that they have enemies in King's Landing and that she must
stop feuding with Sansa and show a united front, and Arya agrees to try to
be less willful. Eddard gives Needle back and leaves. The next day, Vayon
brings her to the small hall, where Syrio Forel, who had been the first sword
of the Sealord of Braavos for nine years, is waiting for her to begin her
instruction in the art of swordfighting.
Characters
POV: Arya Stark, 2nd in AGOT, 2nd overall
Previous Arya Chapter: Chapter 8
Next Arya Chapter: Chapter 33
Appearing: Arya Stark, Desmond, Eddard Stark, Harwin, Hullen, Jacks,
Jeyne Poole, Jory Cassel, Mordane, Porther, Sansa Stark, Syrio Forel,
Tomard, Vayon Poole
Active Characters
Syrio Forel - He is a slight man with a bald head and a beak of a nose.

A Game of Thrones - Daenerys III

Drogo's party reaches the edge of the Dothraki Sea. Daenerys is riding with
her entourage, including Ser Jorah, Irri, her khas (bodyguard),1 and Viserys.
Illyrio had counseled Viserys not to make the journey and offered the
comfort of his manse, but Viserys refused to leave Drogo's side until he
receives his promised crown. A sudden impulse takes Daenerys, and she
decides to ride out into the grasses of the Dothraki Sea, leaving orders with
Ser Jorah for no one to follow her. Daenerys thinks back on her journey
thus far. The journey was not easy for Daenerys at first. Riding all day left
her sore and bloody, and Drogo's lovemaking at night made it even worse.
She was almost ready to kill herself when she had a dream of being purified
by dragonfire. From that point on, she became stronger and more confident.
She also took an interest in the beauty of the land around her. The party
made their way through the hills around Norvos, past villages of white
stucco, forded four rivers, traveled down ancient Valyrian roads, and passed
through the Forest of Qohor.
Daenerys's reverie is interrupted when a furious Viserys rides out to scold
her for having Ser Jorah command him not to intrude, but Daenerys stands
up for herself and shoves him away. Viserys is about to respond when
Jhogo rides up and coils his whip around Viserys's neck. When Daenerys
sees him on the ground red-faced and sobbing, she realizes what a pitiful
creature he really is. She orders his horse taken away, a dreadful insult and
humiliation amongst the Dothraki. Daenerys is afraid afterward that she has
woken the dragon and that Viserys will hurt her later, but Ser Jorah tells her
that Rhaegar was the last dragon and Viserys is merely the shadow of a
snake. She realizes that he would make a terrible king and that he will never
retake the Seven Kingdoms. Back at camp, she notices that her stone
dragon eggs are unusually warm.2 As Irri, Jhiqui, and Doreah bathe her, she
asks about dragons, but they tell her they are all gone. Daenerys recalls that
Viserys told her the last Targaryen dragons had died a century and a half
ago during the reign of Aegon III, who was given the epitaph Dragonbane.
That night she talks with Doreah late into the night about sex, and when
Drogo comes, she pleases him so thoroughly that he calls out her name at
his climax. When they are on the far side of the Dothraki Sea some time
later, Daenerys, now fourteen, realizes she is pregnant.
Characters
 POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 3rd in AGOT, 3rd overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 12
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 37
Appearing: Aggo, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Drogo, Irri, Jhiqui,
Jhogo, Jorah Mormont, Quaro, Rakharo, Viserys III Targaryen
Locations
Dothraki Sea - A large expanse of territory with no hills, trees, cities, or
roads. A hundred varieties of grass grow in the Dothraki sea, in hues
varying from green to indigo, and even to orange.
Forest of Qohor - A forest near Qohor that is dominated by huge elk
trees. It is inhabited by spotted tigers and lemurs.
Norvos - Norvos is set among rolling hills and is surrounded by terraced
farms and small villages behind white stucco walls.
Events
The Doom of Valyria - Magic died in the west after the Doom.
Footnotes
1 - Aggo, Jhogo, Quaro, and Rakharo
2 - A sign that they are still active.

A Game of Thrones - Bran IV

Bran watches Rickon run in the yard with Summer, Grey Wind, and
Shaggydog. Bran is now eight and having trouble coping with his paralysis.
Old Nan is with him to take care of him and keep him company. Nan is the
oldest person in Winterfell. She came to be a wetnurse for another Brandon
whose mother died giving birth, though whether this Brandon was a brother
of Lord Rickard or of Lord Rickard's father1 changes depending on when
Nan tells the story. At any rate, the boy died of a chill at three, but Nan
stayed on at the castle. Her two sons died during Robert's Rebellion and her
grandson died during Greyjoy's Rebellion, while her daughters long ago
married, moved away, and died. Her only kin left is the stableboy, Hodor.
Robb spends all his time now trying to be a lord, drilling the guard, going
over accounts, and visiting outlying holdfasts.
Bran is cranky and in no mood for Old Nan's stories. She offers to tell the
story of Brandon the Builder and how he raised both Winterfell and the
Wall, but Bran says he prefers the scary stories. Nan therefore proceeds to
tell Bran a story of the Others. Many thousands of years ago, a winter came
that was the harshest ever experienced and a night came that lasted a
generation. It was then that the Others came. They rolled over all in their
path, defeating armies by the score. As all hope seemed lost, the last hero
rode forth into the Far North with a sword, a horse, a dog, and a dozen
companions to find the children of the forest and magic to defeat the
Others. After years of fruitless searching, all of the hero's companions died
and his sword shattered and the Others closed in on him with packs of pale
white spiders the size of hounds. Just as Nan reaches the climax of the
story, Maester Luwin comes in with Hodor and tells Bran he is required in
the great hall to meet Tyrion, who has just arrived.
Hodor carries Bran to the hall, where Robb, flanked by Theon, Hallis, and a
dozen guards, is talking to Tyrion, his servants,2 Yoren, and three other
members of the Night's Watch. Robb is rude to Tyrion and threatens him as
Bran enters the room. Tyrion asks Bran if he remembers how he happened
to fall, but he cannot. He then gives the boy a gift, telling him that he can
ride a horse using a special saddle of Tyrion's design. Suddenly, Rickon and
the three direwolves burst into the room, and the direwolves proceed to
attack Tyrion until they are called off. Robb apologizes for his earlier
rudeness and offers Tyrion chambers in the castle, but Tyrion takes his leave
to find an inn in town, and Robb turns his attention to Yoren while Bran
goes back to his room. He falls asleep and has a dream relating to his fall in
which he desperately states that he did not hear Cersei and Jaime's
conversation. At dinner with the Watch members, Yoren reports Ben's
disappearance. After the feast, Robb sits in Bran's room and cries for fear
and grief.
Characters
POV: Brandon Stark, 4th in AGOT, 4th overall
 Previous Brandon Chapter: Chapter 18
Next Brandon Chapter: Chapter 38
Appearing: Brandon Stark, Hallis Mollen, Hodor, Jyck, Morrec, Nan,
Rickon Stark, Robb Stark, Theon Greyjoy, Tyrion Lannister, Yoren
Active Characters
Hodor - He is nearly seven feet tall and shaggy. His name is actually
Walder, but he soon came to be called by the only word he ever speaks.
Nan - She is small and wrinkled with only a few wisps of white hair
remaining. No one knows how old she is, but she is certainly one of the
oldest people in the Seven Kingdoms.
Groups
Others - According to legend, the Others are said to hate iron, fire, and
sunlight and seek to kill all creatures that have warm blood in their veins.
They ride dead horses into battle leading legions of the undead and also use
pale white spiders the size of hounds as trackers. Thousands of years ago
they nearly overwhelmed Westeros in an invasion before being defeated in
an unknown manner.
Footnotes
1 - Lord Edwyle Stark
2 - Jyck and Morrec

A Game of Thrones - Eddard V

Lord Eddard questions Grand Maester Pycelle on the death of Jon Arryn. It
is extremely hot, causing Pycelle to comment that the smallfolk claim the
last year of summer is always the hottest. He goes on to say that King
Maekar's summer was even hotter and had even some in the Citadel
claiming that the Great Summer, the summer that never ends, had come at
last, but it broke in the seventh year and was followed by a long, harsh
winter. Jon had come to Pycelle asking after a certain book one day, and the
very next day, he had a terrible stomach illness. His Maester, Colemon, was
purging his stomach, and Pycelle sent him away because he feared it might
kill Jon.1 He often called out Robert's name in his final days, and his last
words were "the seed is strong."2 Eddard suggests he may have been
poisoned, but Pycelle discounts it, saying that he has been Grand Maester
for nearly forty years under Robert, Aerys II, Aerys's father Jaehaerys II,
and even Jaehaerys's father Aegon V and did not think Jon's illness was
suspicious. Eddard mentions Lady Lysa's accusations that poison was the
culprit, but Pycelle counters that while poisonings are common in the Free
Cities, the poisoner has always been held in contempt in the Seven
Kingdoms as recorded by Grand Maester Aethelmure. When Eddard
mentions that poison is a woman's weapon, Pycelle counters that it is also
the weapon of eunuchs and warns Eddard not to trust Varys. Eddard
prepares to take his leave and asks Pycelle to send him the book Jon was
reading, a book of genealogies written by Grand Maester Malleon. Eddard
asks if Cersei was with Jon when he died, and Pycelle reports that she and
her children were journeying to Casterly Rock when it happened, escorting
Lord Tywin who had come to the city to see the tournament held on
Joffrey's name day.
On the way back to his chambers, Eddard sees Arya practicing balancing,
and they talk about Bran, whom they have just learned has woken up. Arya
asks if he can still be a knight, and Eddard tells her that he cannot but may
still be a great lord and councilor. Arya asks if she can raise castles and be a
councilor too and is disappointed with Eddard's answer that she cannot.
Eddard returns to his rooms, and Alyn comes to inform him that Lord Petyr
requests an audience. He has been doing his own investigating and
discovered that four members of Jon's household remained after Lysa fled
to the Eyrie, a pregnant kitchen girl, a stablehand who joined the City
Watch, a potboy discharged for theft, and Jon's squire, Ser Hugh of the
Vale, who was knighted by the king after Jon's death. Eddard says he will
call on the squire, and Petyr shows him two spies, one from Varys and one
from Cersei, that keep him under watch. He tells Eddard he should send a
man he trusts instead. Eddard tells Petyr he was wrong not to trust him, but
Petyr rejoins that not trusting him was one of the few smart things he has
done since coming to King's Landing.
Characters
 POV: Eddard Stark, 5th in AGOT, 5th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 21
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 28
Appearing: Alyn, Arya Stark, Eddard Stark, Petyr Baelish, Pycelle
Active Characters
Pycelle - He has pale, rheumy eyes.
Footnotes
1 - [ SPOILER for A Clash of Kings >> In actuality, he believed that
Cersei had poisoned Jon and sent Colemon away to prevent the poison from
being purged (ACOK 26). << END SPOILER ]
2 - Indicating that Robert's children were not his own because they
shared none of his features, which all his bastards did.

A Game of Thrones - Jon IV

Jon is instructing Dareon and Pyp when a new recruit, Samwell Tarly,
enters the practice yard. He is immensely fat and very nervous. Ser Alliser
immediately mocks him as Ser Piggy. After he is outfitted, Ser Alliser
orders Halder to test him. He is felled quickly, but Ser Alliser orders Halder
to press the attack again. Jon tells Halder to stop, which infuriates Ser
Alliser. He tells two other recruits, Rast and Albett, nicknamed Rat and
Pimple respectively, to join Halder in attacking Jon and Sam. Pyp and
Grenn immediately come to Jon's aid. After the battle, Sam thanks them.
When they ask why he did not fight back, he tells them he is a coward,
which shocks the boys. Sam walks away forlorn, and Jon goes to put up his
armor.
Life for the trainees at Castle Black revolves around training in the morning
and work in the afternoon. The trainees are set to a variety of tasks to
discover their strengths. These activities include hunting for game, working
at the forge with Donal Noye, running messages, standing guard, mucking
out stables, fletching arrows, assisting Maester Aemon with the ravens, and
aiding Bowen Marsh with his accounting. That day, Jon is tasked with
spreading crushed gravel over the top of the Wall to make it less slippery,
and he thinks of Sam as he works and how it takes a certain kind of courage
to admit cowardice. At dinner, Jon and the others listen to Pyp, who had
been an actor, tell a story, but Jon takes his leave to join Sam, who is sitting
alone. They go outside and talk. Ghost joins them, and Sam is frightened
initially, but the wolf seems to like him. Jon tells Sam the story of how he
found the direwolves in the snow and soon begins talking about Winterfell,
revealing he is having a recurring dream in which he wanders the halls of
the castle looking for Eddard or Robb or Arya or Benjen. Ben is still
missing. Lord Commander Mormont is still searching for him, with Ser
Jaremy leading two sweeps and Qhorin Halfhand searching from the
Shadow Tower, but they have found no trace of Ben, only the blazes in the
trees he left to mark his way, which suddenly vanish in the highlands of the
northwest.
Jon wonders why a self-proclaimed coward would join the Watch, and Sam
explains how his father, Lord Randyll, was always disappointed in him as
an heir, because he is fond of dancing and reading and not fond of martial
pursuits, and that after another son, Dickon, was finally born after Sam was
followed by three girls, Randyll gave Sam the choice of joining the Night's
Watch or dying in an accident. Jon tells Sam they should return to the hall
and listen to Dareon sing. He was an apprentice singer until he was
discovered in bed with the daughter of Lord Mathis Rowan of Goldengrove,
who Dareon claims consented but named it rape when her father found out.
Sam declines and goes to get some sleep, so Jon returns alone and joins
Pyp, Toad, Halder, Grenn, Jeren, Dareon, Rast, and Albett and tells them
not to hurt Sam during practice. All agree except Rast, so Jon goes to his
room that night with Grenn, Pyp, and Ghost and frightens him into
agreeing. After several days, Sam works up the courage to join them and
interact with them. When he comes to thank Jon and call him friend, Jon
says they are not friends, but brothers.
Characters
POV: Jon Snow, 4th in AGOT, 4th overall
Previous Jon Chapter: Chapter 20
 Next Jon Chapter: Chapter 42
Appearing: Albett, Alliser Thorne, Dareon, Grenn, Halder, Jeren, Jon
Snow, Pypar, Rast, Samwell Tarly, Todder
Active Characters
Samwell Tarly - He is fifteen.
Items
Heartsbane - Heartsbane is made of Valyrian steel and has been in the
Tarly family for nearly five hundred years.

A Game of Thrones - Eddard VI

Janos Slynt, Commander of the City Watch, makes a report to the small
council on the state of the city. With all the knights coming to take part in
the tournament, the city is full of crime and unrest. He specifically mentions
a woman's head found in the rainbow pool at the Great Sept, causing Varys
to shudder. Eddard orders the hiring of fifty new watchmen and loans the
watch twenty of his own men. After Janos takes his leave, Eddard once
again vents his disgust at the tournament. Pycelle replies that the realm
benefits by giving the great a chance for glory and the lowborn a respite
from their woes. Petyr adds that the inns and whorehouses also prosper,
causing Renly to bring up the time Stannis tried to outlaw brothels. He
further wonders how Stannis ever conceived his ugly daughter,1 as he
approaches his marriage bed as if he were going into battle.
After the meeting, Eddard returns to his chambers and tells Harwin to fetch
Jory. As he waits, he peruses the tome that Jon was reading when he died,
The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses of the Seven Kingdoms by
Grand Maester Malleon. The book is over a century old, and Eddard has
trouble seeing how it can be important. He turns to the section on House
Lannister, which traces its lineage back to Lann the Clever, a legendary
trickster from the Age of Heroes who supposedly tricked House Casterly
into giving him Casterly Rock and stole gold from the sun to brighten his
curly hair. When Jory arrives, Eddard tells him to pick the men for the city
watch and give Alyn the command. Jory has been questioning Jon's
servants that are still in the city. Ser Hugh was arrogant and refused to
answer questions for a captain of the guard, the serving girl said nothing of
interest, the potboy mentioned that Jon had gone to see an armorer with
Stannis, and the stableboy talked of Jon and Stannis visiting a brothel
together. Eddard is curious as to why Jon and Stannis spent so much time
together, as they were not friends. He also wonders why Stannis remains at
Dragonstone and what could frighten a man who once held Storm's End for
a year against the might of House Tyrell and House Redwyne while forced
to subsist on rats and shoe leather. Eddard is also uneasy about Renly.
Several days before, Renly showed him a picture of Margaery Tyrell and
asked if she looked like Lyanna. He seemed disappointed when Eddard said
no.2
Eddard has decided to visit the armorer that Jon and Stannis visited, as he
had never known Jon to be interested in fancy armor. He has Jory begin
searching brothels to discover which one Jon and Stannis visited. He rides
with Varly and Jacks. Earlier that morning, he had sent Desmond and
Tomard to scout his route and make sure he is not followed. As they pass
the River Gate, they see Lord Beric Dondarrion arriving to take part in the
tournament. They arrive at the house of the armorer, Tobho Mott, and
Eddard proceeds to question him about Jon's visit. He learns that Jon and
Stannis came to see a boy, and he asks to see him as well. The boy is named
Gendry. Gendry is carrying a bull's head helmet that Eddard offers to buy,
but he says he made it for himself and it is not for sale. Tobho prepares to
punish him for insolence, but Eddard moves on, asking what he talked
about with Jon. Jon asked about his mother, a worker in an alehouse.
Stannis watched everything, but said nothing. Eddard dismisses Gendry and
then asks Mott who paid Gendry's apprentice fee. Mott at first tries to deny
that anyone did, but finally admits it was a short, stout lord with a brown
beard that kept his face hidden.3 Eddard takes his leave, wondering why Jon
had taken an interest in one of the king's bastards.
Characters
POV: Eddard Stark, 6th in AGOT, 6th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 26
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 31
 Appearing: Beric Dondarrion, Eddard Stark, Gendry, Harwin, Jacks,
Janos Slynt, Jory Cassel, Petyr Baelish, Pycelle, Renly Baratheon, Tobho
Mott, Varly, Varys
Active Characters
Beric Dondarrion - He is young with red-gold hair.
Gendry - He is well-muscled with blue eyes and thick black hair.
Janos Slynt - He is stout, bald, and jowly.
Locations
King's Landing - The Street of Steel, named for the armorers that have
set up shop along the route, begins at the River Gate, more commonly
called the Mud Gate, and winds its way up one of the city's hills, with the
more prosperous merchants situated ever higher as the street climbs to the
summit.
Footnotes
1 - Shireen, who suffers from disfigurement caused by greyscale fever
2 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 33: Renly and Loras are
plotting to get Robert to cast Cersei aside and wed Margaery (AGOT 33).
3 - This person's identity is not known, but is probably Varys in disguise.

A Game of Thrones - Catelyn V

Catelyn and Ser Rodrik are on the road back to Winterfell. It is raining
heavily, and they decide to stay at an inn for the night. It is an inn Catelyn
stayed at many times in her youth, run by a fat woman named Masha
Heddle. Lord Jason Mallister, his son Patrek, and a contingent of knights
pass them on the road. Lord Jason is a bannerman to Catelyn's father, but he
does not recognize her because she is so disheveled. They take rooms at the
inn. Once in her room, Catelyn glances out at the crossroads and ponders
what to do next. If she turns west, she can be at Riverrun quickly to warn
Lord Hoster of the coming danger. She would take that course of action,
except Hoster has been bedridden for two years. To the east, the road passes
through the Mountains of the Moon to the Vale of Arryn and the Eyrie,
where Lysa may have proof that could bring down House Lannister. That
route is extremely dangerous, with both predators and hostile mountain
clans blocking the way, and only well-armed parties have a chance of
making the journey safely. Catelyn decides she must wait until she is back
in the North and then send riders. She thinks of her father's bannermen,
House Blackwood and House Bracken constantly in feud, Lady Shella
Whent of Harrenhal, the last of her line,1 and Lord Walder Frey, who has
outlived seven wives. She wonders how many are truly loyal to Riverrun, as
when Lord Hoster called the banners during Robert's Rebellion, House
Darry, House Ryger, and House Mooton fought for House Targaryen and
Lord Walder held back his strength until after the decisive battle on the
Trident, leading Hoster to label him the Late Lord Frey.
Catelyn and Ser Rodrik return to the common room for dinner and decide to
masquerade as father and daughter. A singer named Marillion strikes up a
conversation with them. He asks who the greatest singer they know is, and
when Rodrik answers Alia of Braavos, he claims he is far better. Just then,
Tyrion enters with Jyck, Morrec, and Yoren and asks for rooms. He is not
glancing in Catelyn's direction, but Marillion leaps up to get his attention,
and Tyrion sees her and calls her by name. Catelyn gets up and turns to an
older man in the service of House Whent2 and asks if he is loyal to
Riverrun. He replies in the affirmative. Next, she turns to three men-at-arms
of House Bracken3 and courts their loyalty as well. Finally she turns to a
group of Frey men-at-arms and asks the same. When all is settled, she
formally accuses Tyrion of conspiring to murder Bran and orders him
seized in the name of King Robert.
Characters
POV: Catelyn Tully, 5th in AGOT, 5th overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 19
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 35
Appearing: Catelyn Tully, Jason Mallister, Jyck, Kurleket, Lharys,
Marillion, Masha Heddle, Mohor, Morrec, Patrek Mallister, Tyrion
Lannister, Willis Wode, Yoren
Active Characters
Jason Mallister - He has a chiseled face and brown hair sprinkled with
white.
Masha Heddle - She is fat with grey hair and teeth stained dark red from
chewing sourleaf.
Houses
House Blackwood of Raventree - House Blackwood and House Bracken
have long feuded with each other.
House Bracken of Stone Hedge - House Bracken and House Blackwood
have long feuded with each other.
House Mooton of Maidenpool - House Mooton remained loyal to the
Targaryens during Robert's Rebellion.
House Ryger - House Ryger remained loyal to the Targaryens during
Robert's Rebellion.
Groups
Mountain Clans - Wild men that inhabit the Mountains of the Moon.
They are lawless brigands who raid parties traveling to and from the Vale of
Arryn.
Locations
The High Road - The road that leads to the Vale of Arryn. It is dangerous,
climbing through rock foothills to the Mountains of the Moon and beyond
high passes to the Vale, and ending at the Fingers. Mountain clans often raid
it.
Footnotes
1 - This is not actually true, as Ser Danwell Frey is married to a Wynafrei
Whent.
2 - Ser Willis Wode
3 - Kurleket, Lharys, and Mohor
A Game of Thrones - Sansa II
Sansa goes to the Hand's tournament with Septa Mordane and Jeyne Poole.
Participants in the tournament include all seven Kingsguard;1 Ser Gregor
Clegane, called the Mountain That Rides; Lord Yohn Royce, whose armor
is thousands of years old and covered in runes that supposedly protect him
from harm; his sons Ser Andar and Ser Robar; Lord Jason Mallister, who
slew three of Prince Rhaegar's bannermen on the Trident; his son Patrek;
Thoros of Myr, who wields a flaming sword and scaled the walls of Pyke
during Greyjoy's Rebellion; Ser Balon Swann; Lord Bryce Caron; the twins
Ser Hobber and Ser Horas Redwyne; six Freys, Ser Jared, Ser Emmon, Ser
Hosteen, Ser Danwell, Ser Perwyn, and Ser Theo;2 Martyn Rivers; Jalabhar
Xho, an exiled prince from the Summer Isles; Lord Beric Dondarrion;
Sandor Clegane; Lord Renly Baratheon; Jory Cassel; Harwin; Alyn; Lothor
Brune; Ser Aron Santagar; and Ser Loras Tyrell.
Sansa thoroughly enjoys the whole affair, and her enthusiasm is not
dimmed even when Gregor's lance spears one of his challengers in the neck,
killing him.3 By the end of the day, only four riders remain, Sandor, Gregor,
Jaime, and Loras. Loras has been giving a woman in the crowd a white rose
after every victory. After his final victory, he rides up to Sansa and gives her
a red rose, leaving her speechless.4 Afterward, Lord Petyr talks to her and
touches her briefly before turning away. That night, there is a feast at which
Sansa is seated next to Joffrey, whom she has not spoken too since the
incident on the Trident, but he is polite and disarming. She is lost in the
magical evening as multiple food courses go by and singers and Moon Boy
perform.
During the evening, King Robert gets increasingly more drunk and ever
louder until he finally interrupts the whole banquet by telling Cersei that he
will fight in the melee whether she likes it or not. Cersei leaves in a huff,
and Robert shoves Jaime aside when the knight tries to reason with him.
Joffrey asks Sansa if she would like an escort back to the castle. When she
says yes, he summons Sandor to take her. She tries complimenting him on
his riding and addresses him as a knight, but both acts anger him. He is
disdainful of knights and their vows. He is drunk and mocks her and says
that Gregor killed the knight earlier in the day on purpose. He makes Sansa
look at his hideous face and tells her that Gregor burned it in a brazier when
they were younger because Sandor had taken a toy knight of his and was
playing with it. Four years later, Prince Rhaegar made Gregor a knight.
When they get back to Sansa's rooms, he tells her that if she ever tells
anyone what he just told her, he will kill her.
Characters
POV: Sansa Stark, 2nd in AGOT, 2nd overall
Previous Sansa Chapter: Chapter 16
Next Sansa Chapter: Chapter 45
Appearing: Alyn, Andar Royce, Aron Santagar, Arys Oakheart, Balon
Swann, Barristan Selmy, Beric Dondarrion, Boros Blount, Bryce Caron,
Cersei Lannister, Danwell Frey, Emmon Frey, Gregor Clegane, Harwin,
Hobber Redwyne, Horas Redwyne, Hosteen Frey, Hugh, Jaime Lannister,
Jalabhar Xho, Jared Frey, Jason Mallister, Jeyne Poole, Joffrey Baratheon,
Jory Cassel, Loras Tyrell, Lothor Brune, Mandon Moore, Martyn Rivers,
Meryn Trant, Moon Boy, Mordane, Patrek Mallister, Perwyn Frey, Petyr
Baelish, Preston Greenfield, Renly Baratheon, Robar Royce, Robert
Baratheon, Sandor Clegane, Sansa Stark, Thoros, Yohn Royce
Active Characters
Loras Tyrell - He is sixteen with hair a mass of lazy brown curls.
Footnotes
1 - Ser Barristan Selmy, Ser Arys Oakheart, Ser Boros Blount, Ser Jaime
Lannister, Ser Mandon Moore, Ser Meryn Trant, and Ser Preston Greenfield
2 - According to the family tree of House Frey included in the back of
ACOK, ASOS and AFFC, there is no Theo Frey.
3 - The dead knight is Ser Hugh of the Vale.
4 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> A meaningless gesture. Ser
Loras does not even remember her when they next meet (ASOS 7), and he
is in love with Renly anyway. << END SPOILER ]
A Game of Thrones - Eddard VII
Ser Barristan and Eddard converse over the body of Ser Hugh as the silent
sisters attend to the corpse. Eddard wonders if he was killed by the
Lannisters before he could talk. Barristan says Hugh was Jon's squire for
four years and desperately wanted a knighthood, but he was not ready. The
two head to King Robert's tent, where he is preparing to fight in the melee.
His two squires1 are trying to get him into his armor, but he is too fat.
Eddard points this out, and Robert sends the squires looking for a
breastplate stretcher. Eddard is troubled by the fact that the squires are both
Lannisters. Ser Barristan tells Robert as a ploy to get him to stand down that
if he fights, no one would dare strike him, and Robert throws a breastplate
at him in fury and orders him out. He tells Eddard to stay and laments to
him about how dead he feels. He only became king instead of Jon or Eddard
because his claim was better.2 He married Cersei to tie Lord Tywin to him,
but gets no joy from marriage. He would just leave for the Free Cities and
work as a mercenary if he were not so worried about Joffrey taking the
throne. He is hopeful that with Eddard at his side he can turn around his
admittedly poor reign. He also mentions that Renly told him about Loras's
sister and how beautiful she is.3 Robert's melancholy lifts at breakfast, and
Eddard becomes confident that once he proves the Lannisters were behind
Jon's death the king will crush them.
Eddard joins Sansa to watch the rest of the tournament as Sandor and Jaime
take their places. Petyr and Renly make wagers on who will win. Sandor
unseats Jaime on the second tilt, and Renly laments Tyrion's absence, for he
would have won twice as much.4 As Gregor and Loras take their places for
the second match, Eddard contemplates the Mountain That Rides. He is a
solitary man who only leaves his lands for wars and tournaments. He will
soon be married a third time, and both of his previous wives, as well as his
sister and father, died under strange circumstances. The day he inherited his
father's lands, Sandor left to take service with the Lannisters as a sworn
sword and never returned. Rumor has it that it was Gregor who killed
Rhaegar's infant son, Aegon, by dashing his head against a wall and that he
raped and killed Elia afterward. He also fought in Greyjoy's Rebellion. Ser
Loras unseats Gregor with the aid of a mare in heat that distracts Gregor's
horse. Gregor is furious and calls for his sword, which his squire fetches.5
He kills his own horse before knocking Ser Loras from his saddle. Before
he can land the killing blow, Sandor is there and stops him. They fight until
Robert puts a stop to it. A shaken Loras cedes the final match to Sandor,
who wins the champion's prize. Later, a boy from the Dornish Marches
named Anguy wins the archery competition by defeating Ser Balon Swann
and Jalabhar Xho in the final round. Finally, in a free-for-all melee of forty
men, Thoros of Myr wins the last prize of the day. At the feast that night,
Jory brings Arya down fresh from a training session with Syrio Forel and
with bruises. Eddard worries that Syrio is pushing her too much. He has her
do strange things like walk around blindfolded and catch cats. He asks her
if she would like a new tutor, but she says no.
Back in his chambers, Eddard muses about Jon's death. He feels it has to be
related to Bran's fall,6 and he wonders what is so significant about Gendry.
Robert has many other bastards as well, including his first, a seventeen year
old girl in the Vale,7 and one acknowledged bastard being raised at Storm's
End.8 Harwin interrupts his musings to report that a man who will not
identify himself is there to see him. The man ends up being Lord Varys,
dressed up in such a way that he is unrecognizable. He had gotten past two
other guards, Porther and Cayn, by using secret passages within the castle.
He has come to ally himself with Eddard against the Lannisters for the good
of the realm. He reveals that Cersei had planned to have Robert killed
during the melee, but Eddard thwarted that. He did not come to Eddard
before because he was not certain if he truly served the realm until that
point. He says Cersei is afraid of Eddard and will undoubtedly try to kill
Robert again. He reveals that both Ser Boros and Ser Meryn are her
creatures and that the only protection that Eddard has is that he is virtually
untouchable because of his friendship with Robert. He hopes that his spies
and Eddard's power will be enough to forestall the Lannisters. Eddard asks
Varys how Jon was killed, and Varys reveals it was with the Tears of Lys.
When Eddard asks who did it, Varys replies that it must have been someone
close to him, perhaps even Hugh.9 When Eddard asks why, Varys says it
was because Jon was asking questions.
Characters
POV: Eddard Stark, 7th in AGOT, 7th overall
 Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 28
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 34
Appearing: Arya Stark, Balon Swann, Barristan Selmy, Eddard Stark,
Gregor Clegane, Harwin, Jaime Lannister, Jalabhar Xho, Jory Cassel, Joss
Stilwood, Lancel Lannister, Loras Tyrell, Petyr Baelish, Renly Baratheon,
Sandor Clegane, Sansa Stark, Thoros, Tyrek Lannister, Varys
Active Characters
Gregor Clegane - He stands nearly eight feet tall with massive shoulders
and arms like the trunks of small trees. He was seventeen during Robert's
Rebellion, making him about thirty-two now.
Lancel Lannister - He is sandy-haired with a wisp of a mustache and
emerald green eyes.
Tyrek Lannister - He has long golden curls.
Groups
Silent Sisters - The silent sisters keep their faces covered because it
brings ill fortune to gaze upon the face of death.
Footnotes
1 - Tyrek and Lancel Lannister
2 - House Baratheon is descended from Orys Baratheon, a reputed
bastard brother of Aegon the Conqueror, and Robert's paternal grandmother
was Princess Rhaelle Targaryen.
3 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 33: More evidence that
Renly and Loras are scheming to have Robert wed Margaery and cast
Cersei aside (AGOT 33).
4 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 32: The first hint that
Petyr's story about Tyrion trying to kill Bran is false. Tyrion always bets on
his brother to win (AGOT 32), and Petyr had claimed he won the dagger
betting against Jaime.
5 - His squire is Joss Stilwood (ACOK 31).
 6 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Ironically, while this would
seem to make sense, the events are actually unrelated since Lysa killed Jon
(ASOS 81). << END SPOILER ]
7 - Mya Stone
8 - Edric Storm
9 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Lysa had Jon killed (ASOS
81), though it is possible that she just provided the poison and that Hugh
actually did the deed. << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Tyrion IV

Tyrion watches Chiggen butcher his horse and endures taunts from Bronn.
The horse was a gift from Jaime for his twenty-third birthday. He walks off
and thinks back on the events that got him into this predicament. When
Catelyn called on the patrons of the inn to arrest Tyrion, Jyck drew his
sword, but Tyrion quickly stopped him and realized that he had to surrender
to Catelyn to have any chance of survival. Yoren stood aside as Catelyn
took him into custody, as the Watch does not involve itself in the quarrels of
the realm. Masha begged Catelyn not to kill him in her inn, and Catelyn
said she would take him back to Winterfell. Tyrion told the assembled that
Lord Tywin will pay handsomely for word of what happened, and he was
confident of rescue. Ser Rodrik decreed that they would take Jyck and
Morrec too. Catelyn asked for volunteers to guard him, and Ser Willis
Wode, Kurleket, Lharys, Mohor, Bronn, and Chiggen stepped forward.
Marillion also decided to come along so he could compose a song of the
"splendid adventure." They blindfolded Tyrion and began the journey.
When they took off his blindfold at the end of the first day, he realized that
they were not going to Winterfell, but were in fact taking the high road to
the Vale of Arryn.
Catelyn has set a relentless pace through the mountains, and they have lost
three horses. Ser Rodrik counsels a slower pace, and Tyrion seconds that
thought, adding that he may not survive such a rough pace. He once again
denies trying to murder Bran and tells Catelyn that Lord Petyr is a liar and
brags to all and sundry that he took Catelyn's maidenhead.1 Before he can
tell more, a group of mountain clansmen approach their position. Tyrion
tells Catelyn to arm him and his men, which she does reluctantly. They
successfully drive off the clansmen, who leave nine dead on the field. Their
losses are only three, Jyck, Kurleket, and Mohor. Ser Rodrik is wounded.
As the fight nears its end, Tyrion saves Catelyn's life. Ser Willis counsels
riding on, as the clansmen will certainly be back. Catelyn wants to stay and
bury the dead, but she is soon dissuaded from that folly. She allows Tyrion
to keep his weapons. As they set out again, Tyrion rides up to Catelyn and
continues to tell her why he is innocent. Petyr claimed that Tyrion won the
dagger betting against Jaime, but Tyrion never bets against his family.2
Characters
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 4th in AGOT, 4th overall
Previous Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 22
Next Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 39
Appearing: Bronn, Catelyn Tully, Chiggen, Jyck, Kurleket, Lharys,
Marillion, Masha Heddle, Mohor, Morrec, Rodrik Cassel, Willis Wode,
Yoren
Active Characters
Bronn - He is thin and hard with black hair and eyes and a stubble of
beard.
Kurleket - He is fat with short-cropped hair and a piggy face.
Lharys - He has rust-colored hair.
Groups
Mountain Clans - Two of the clans are the Milk Snakes and the Moon
Brothers.
Footnotes
1 - [ SPOILER for ASOS >> While this is false, Petyr may actually
believe that he is telling the truth, as he apparently once had sex with Lysa
while drunk and believed she was Catelyn (ASOS 81). << END SPOILER ]
 2 - This is reinforced by Renly's comments in the last chapter.

A Game of Thrones - Arya III

Arya is chasing an old black tomcat around the Red Keep. Syrio has had her
chasing cats night and day, and she has caught every one in the castle save
this one. She finally catches the cat when she is startled by the appearance
of Prince Tommen and Princess Myrcella accompanied by a septa1 and two
guards. They mistake her for a boy, and the septa orders one of the guards,
Godwyn, to seize her. She darts away and manages to avoid them all, but
ends up in an unfamiliar part of the castle. When her eyes adjust to the dark,
she discovers she is in a storeroom containing the dragons that used to hang
in the throne room. She proceeds down a dark hallway until she hears
voices and sees two men coming up steps from below. One is a scarred man
who seems strangely familiar and the other is a fat man with a forked
yellow beard.2 Yellowbeard tells Scarface that he must delay until the khal
is ready to stir, which he will not do until his child is born.3 Scarface says
that Eddard already has the bastard and the book and will soon know the
truth.4 This combined with the attempt on his son and Catelyn's seizure of
Tyrion means that the Starks and Lannisters will soon be at each other's
throats and that the Tullys will probably be dragged in too. Furthermore,
Lysa and Stannis have fled beyond Scarface's reach and are gathering
swords, while Loras is writing his father to bring his sister to court so that
Robert can wed and bed her, and Petyr remains unpredictable as always.
Yellowbeard suggests killing Eddard, but Scarface says that is untenable.
Scarface says they must move now, but Yellowbeard says this is impossible.
Scarface ends by asking for fifty more "little birds," young boys who can
read and write but have their tongues removed.5 After that, they are out of
hearing range, but Arya follows their torch to get out of the passage. She
ends up at the mouth of a sewer far from the castle and has to walk back.
The guards at the gate almost do not let her in. Finally, Tomard and Harwin
march her in to see Eddard. She tries to tell him what she heard, but gets it
all mixed up in her head, and he thinks she just saw a mummer's troupe.
Desmond interrupts their conversation to announce Yoren, who has just
arrived in King's Landing. Yoren asks to speak to Eddard in private,6 and
Eddard has Desmond lead Arya away. On the way to her room, she asks
Desmond if the guards will be able to protect Eddard. Desmond says yes,
each northerner is worth ten southron swords.
Characters
POV: Arya Stark, 3rd in AGOT, 3rd overall
Previous Arya Chapter: Chapter 23
Next Arya Chapter: Chapter 51
Appearing: Arya Stark, Desmond, Eddard Stark, Eglantine, Godwyn,
Harwin, Illyrio Mopatis, Myrcella Baratheon, Tomard, Tommen Baratheon,
Varys, Yoren
Active Characters
Margaery Tyrell - She is fourteen.
Footnotes
1 - Myrcella's tutor, Eglantine
2 - From the descriptions and ensuing conversation, it can be inferred that
this is Varys and Illyrio.
3 - They are referring to Drogo, who will not invade the Seven Kingdoms
until after Daenerys gives birth. Varys is apparently working with Illyrio to
restore the Targaryens to the throne.
4 - That Cersei's children are not Robert's.
5 - These are Varys's agents that stalk the secret corridors of the Red
Keep and write down what they hear.
6 - Yoren is here to tell him about Catelyn's seizure of Tyrion and
probably about Ben's disappearance too.

A Game of Thrones - Eddard VIII

Varys has just told the small council that Ser Jorah has informed him
Daenerys is pregnant. Robert wants to kill her and Viserys now, but Eddard
is protesting heatedly. He says there is no threat, as the Dothraki will never
cross the sea, but Robert thinks his reign is in danger. Renly says they
should have killed Viserys and Daenerys years ago, but Lord Jon always
managed to convince Robert not to. Eddard points out how mercy can be
useful, reminding Robert that Ser Barristan killed over a dozen men on the
Trident yet when he was brought before Robert near death and Roose
Bolton urged that his throat be cut, Robert pardoned him instead. Eddard
argues well past the point of reason, calling Robert a coward and an ignoble
king, but in the end is outvoted, with Renly, Petyr, Varys, and Pycelle
voting for and only Barristan joining Eddard in voting against assassination.
Renly suggests having Jorah do the deed, but Varys says that will not work,
for the Dothraki would kill him, so he will refuse. Varys suggests using the
tears of Lys, and Pycelle looks at him suspiciously.1 Eddard refuses to be
party to the murder and resigns his position as Hand of the King. Robert
tells him to go back to Winterfell or he will have Eddard's head. As Eddard
leaves, Pycelle brings up hiring the Faceless Men of Braavos, but Petyr
complains they are too expensive. Eddard passes Ser Boros on his way out
of the council chamber.
Back in his chambers, Eddard summons Vayon and has him prepare for the
journey back to Winterfell. He decides he will leave first with his daughters
and a few guardsmen and the rest of the household can follow behind. He
contemplates going by ship to see Stannis, as he is convinced Stannis
knows the secret that Jon died for. He has sent a letter to Dragonstone
asking Stannis to return to his council seat but has received no reply.
Eddard sends Vayon to look for a ship right before Tomard announces that
Petyr is there to see him. Petyr tells Eddard that they have decided not to
hire a Faceless Man and will just let it be known that a lordship awaits
anyone who kills Daenerys. He then tells Eddard that if he will delay his
departure briefly, he will take Eddard to the brothel he has been searching
for.2
Characters
POV: Eddard Stark, 8th in AGOT, 8th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 31
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 36
 Appearing: Barristan Selmy, Boros Blount, Eddard Stark, Petyr Baelish,
Pycelle, Renly Baratheon, Robert Baratheon, Tomard, Varys, Vayon Poole
Locations
Vaes Dothrak - It is unlawful to draw a blade in the city.
Footnotes
1 - Perhaps thinking Varys poisoned Jon.
2 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Combined with his arranging
of the murder of Jon along with the letter he had Lysa send to Catelyn
accusing the Lannisters of the murder (ASOS 81), and his lie that the
dagger used to kill Bran belonged to Tyrion (AGOT 19), this indicates that
Petyr is scheming to keep Eddard in King's Landing long enough to
discover the truth about Cersei's children and therefore provoke a feud
between Stark and Lannister that will give him a forum in which to
maneuver for his own advantage. << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Catelyn VI

Catelyn and her party are being escorted by Ser Donnel Waynwood and a
party from the Vale. Two more of Catelyn's men, Lharys and Chiggen, died
in a second clansmen attack, and Morrec died soon after when his wounds
festered. When Ser Donnel approached, they drew up for a last stand before
realizing who it was. The clans have been bold since Lord Jon died, and
Lysa has pulled all her men into the Vale of Arryn, refusing to let them
leave, even for the Hand's tournament. Catelyn asks for Maester Colemon
to tend to Ser Rodrik's wounds, but he is commanded to stay at the Eyrie at
all times and care for Lord Robert. They approach the Bloody Gate, and Ser
Brynden Tully rides out to greet them. They pass through the gate and leave
Ser Willis and Ser Rodrik, both wounded, before continuing on. Marillion
and Bronn ask to continue on with her and Tyrion and she allows it.
On the way, Catelyn tells Brynden all that has occurred. She thinks how her
uncle was always a good listener, except when it came to her father, whom
he quarreled with often. When Catelyn was eight, Lord Hoster called
Brynden the black goat of House Tully, and Brynden retorted he should be a
black fish since the Tully symbol is a trout. He took a black fish for his
personal emblem and has been known as the Blackfish ever since. They
continued to fight until the day Lysa wed and Brynden left to take service
with Lord Jon. Brynden is worried by Catelyn's story. The nobles of the
Vale are angry that Jaime Lannister has been named Warden of the East and
many suspect Jon was murdered. Lord Robert is sickly and weak and many
feel that Lord Nestor Royce, who ruled the Vale for fourteen years as High
Steward while Lord Jon was serving as Hand, should rule until he comes of
age, while others believe Lysa must marry again. She has already rejected a
dozen suitors. Brynden also says that Lysa may not be helpful. She is
changed by hard years, including two stillbirths and four miscarriages. They
ride to the Gates of the Moon, where Lord Nestor greets them. He says that
Lady Lysa has asked that Catelyn be sent up right away despite the fact that
it is after dark. A young woman, Mya Stone, will take her to the top. Tyrion
is escorted to a cell at the Gates.
Catelyn starts her climb, which takes her past three waycastles as the
journey continues, Stone, Snow, and Sky. Mya talks as they go, telling
Catelyn how she is in love with Ser Lyn Corbray's squire, Mychel Redfort,
and that they are to marry when he becomes a knight in a year or two.
Catelyn thinks to herself that House Redfort is one of the oldest houses in
the Vale, tracing their lineage back to the First Men, and that a son of this
house would never marry a bastard.1 The path gets narrower and windier on
up, and by the time Catelyn reaches the last waycastle, Sky, she is too
nervous to continue and has herself hauled up from Sky to the Eyrie in a
basket. She is greeted by Ser Vardis Egen and Maester Colemon, who take
her to Lysa. Her sister is all smiles until everyone leaves, at which point she
turns vicious. She is furious that Catelyn brought Tyrion to the Vale and
dragged her into her quarrel with the Lannisters. She had never meant to
fight them, only to hide in the Eyrie. Lord Robert comes in as she shouts,
and he is very sickly. He gets scared, and Lysa breastfeeds him. She
wonders what to do with Tyrion, and Robert asks if they can make him fly.2
Characters
POV: Catelyn Tully, 6th in AGOT, 6th overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 29
 Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 41
Appearing: Bronn, Brynden Tully, Catelyn Tully, Colemon, Donnel
Waynwood, Lysa Tully, Marillion, Mya Stone, Nestor Royce, Robert Arryn,
Rodrik Cassel, Tyrion Lannister, Vardis Egen, Willis Wode
Active Characters
Brynden Tully - He has a lined and weathered face, grey hair, thick
eyebrows, and blue eyes. He is five years younger than his brother, Lord
Hoster.
Colemon - He is thin and balding with a big neck.
Donnel Waynwood - He is stocky and homely with a wide nose and thick
brown hair. He is twenty years old.
Lysa Tully - She is two years younger than Catelyn and short with long
thick auburn hair. She has grown fat and her blue eyes are watery.
Mya Stone - She has short-cropped dark hair.
Nestor Royce - He is a massive, barrel-chested man.
Robert Arryn - He is small for his age and has the shaking sickness. He
has brown hair.
Vardis Egen - He is stocky and silver-haired.
Houses
House Royce of the Gates of the Moon - Lord Nestor is a cousin of Yohn
Royce and his is a lesser branch of the house.
Locations
Alyssa's Tears - Alyssa's Tears flows down the west face of the Giant's
Lance.
Bloody Gate - The gate spans the high road at a spot where it narrows so
that only four men can walk abreast. Twin watchtowers rise to either side,
joined by a bridge across the gate. A dozen armies were broken at the gate
during the Age of Heroes, according to legend.
 Giant's Lance - The mountain is over three and a half miles high. There
are steps carved into it so that one can reach the Eyrie by mule. Three
waycastles guard the way up, Stone, Snow, and Sky.
Sky - Sky is just an unmortared wall. A winch in Sky is used to get
supplies up to the Eyrie.
Snow - Snow is just a tower and a timber keep and stable.
The Eyrie - The Eyrie is made of gleaming white stone and has seven
towers so high up that they are above the clouds.
Vale of Arryn - The Vale of Arryn is a plain of rich black soil with slow
moving rivers dotted with hundreds of lakes surrounded by mountains. It is
one of the most fertile areas in the Seven Kingdoms.
Footnotes
1 - [ SPOILER for AFFC >> Indeed, such a marriage does not come to
pass, as the appendix to A Feast For Crows states that Mychel Redfort is
married to Ysilla Royce. << END SPOILER ]
2 - This refers to throwing someone out the Moon Door of the Eyrie to
dash against the mountainside.

A Game of Thrones - Eddard IX

Eddard prepares to leave the brothel, run by Chataya, with Lord Petyr, Jory,
Heward, and Wyl. He found another bastard of Robert's at the brothel, a
baby girl named Barra, who has fine dark hair. They begin the ride back to
the Red Keep. Eddard thinks of Lyanna. She once told him that Robert
would never keep to one bed, and when Eddard protested that Robert loved
her, she responded that love could not change a man's nature. Eddard asks
Petyr what he knows of Robert's bastards. Petyr does not know how many
Robert has, but says there is one acknowledged bastard that he begot with a
Florent on the night Stannis wed his wife.1 When the boy was born, Robert
shipped him to Renly at Storm's End. There are also rumors that he had
twins with a serving girl at Casterly Rock three years ago when he attended
Lord Tywin's tourney and that Cersei had the babies killed and the mother
sold into slavery.2 Eddard asks Petyr why Lord Jon would take an interest in
Robert's bastards and why someone would kill him for it. Petyr finds the
idea preposterous. Eddard suddenly thinks of Rhaegar and wonders if the
prince ever visited brothels. He believes the prince did not. Suddenly,
Eddard and Petyr are surrounded by twenty Lannister house guards led by
Jaime. Jaime asks after Tyrion, and Eddard says he has been taken at his
order to answer for his crimes. Jaime tells Petyr to leave, and Petyr
promises to bring the City Watch. Jaime prepares to kill Eddard, but Eddard
reminds Jaime that this would lead Catelyn to kill Tyrion. Jaime realizes
this is so and tells the commander of his guards, Tregar, to make sure
Eddard comes to no harm. He then orders Tregar to kill Eddard's men and
takes his leave. Eddard rushes to their aid and delivers a serious blow to
Tregar, but he falls from his horse and breaks his leg. Jory, Heward, and
Wyl are killed. The City Watch arrives some time later and brings him back
to the Red Keep, where Grand Maester Pycelle prepares to treat his
wounds.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 9th in AGOT, 9th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 34
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 40
Appearing: Barra, Eddard Stark, Heward, Jaime Lannister, Jory Cassel,
Petyr Baelish, Pycelle, Tregar, Wyl
FOOTNOTES
1 - Robert had the child with Delena Florent, whom Petyr says is niece (the
appendices to A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Feast for Crows
all show her to be cousin) to Stannis's wife, Selyse, and named the boy
Edric Storm.
2 - [ SPOILER for ACOK >> This is the only time this is mentioned, but
since Cersei has Barra killed after Robert died (ACOK 9), it is certainly
possible. << END SPOILER ]
A Game of Thrones - Daenerys IV
Daenerys enters Vaes Dothrak with Drogo, Ser Jorah, Viserys, Aggo, and
Rakharo at the head of the khalasar. Viserys, now universally mocked by
the Dothraki after being forced to walk and ride in a cart, is getting very
impatient to march on Westeros. Jorah tells Daenerys that Viserys should
have remained in Pentos and that Dothraki see the world differently. Viserys
sees Daenerys as the price for Drogo's support, but Drogo sees her as a gift
for which he will give a return gift in his own good time. Daenerys points
out that Viserys will leave when he has his ten thousand, but Jorah retorts
that Viserys is incompetent and could not prevail no matter the size of his
army. Daenerys asks how the Dothraki would fare under a competent
commander, and Jorah considers. Drogo has forty thousand warriors, as
many as Rhaegar had at the Trident, however only a tenth of these were
knights. Dothraki fighting from horseback with hit and run attacks would
probably be able to defeat a western army in the field, but the Dothraki care
little for siegecraft and would never be able to take a castle. As Irri and
Jhiqui help Daenerys off her silver, Cohollo comes over and says that
Drogo will ascend the Mother to offer a sacrifice. Daenerys has Doreah
invite Viserys to dinner so that she can present him with gifts, fine Dothraki
clothing. Viserys arrives and scorns her gifts and threatens her, so she hits
him, and he leaves. She curls up with one of her dragon eggs and goes to
sleep, confident that the child in her womb will one day be a king.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 4th in AGOT, 4th overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 24
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 47
Appearing: Aggo, Cohollo, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Drogo, Irri,
Jhiqui, Jorah Mormont, Rakharo, Viserys III Targaryen
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Cohollo - He is squat and bald with a crooked nose and smashed teeth that
were destroyed by a mace twenty years ago when he saved Drogo's life.
GROUPS
Dothraki - Each Dothraki khal has a group of bloodriders who are his most
loyal guardians and his best friends. They are supposed to die when he
does.
LOCATIONS
Vaes Dothrak - The entrance to Vaes Dothrak is marked by a gate over the
road, but there are no walls and the buildings are all temporary structures of
grass and wood. The sides of the road are littered with monuments from
cities the Dothraki have sacked. Two great trading markets exist in the city,
one for goods from the west and another for goods from the east. Only the
dosh khaleen and their servants live in the city year round. The city sits at
the base of the Mother of Mountains.

A Game of Thrones - Bran V

Bran takes his first ride out of Winterfell on his new horse, Dancer. With
him are Robb, Theon, Summer, Grey Wind, Joseth, Maester Luwin, and
four guards, including Quent and Wayn. On the way out of town, Theon
calls out to Bessa and Kyra, two women he has lain with on more than one
occasion. As they ride on into the wolfswood, Robb tells Bran about the
death of Jory and Eddard's injury. Theon thinks Robb should call the
banners, but Robb is undecided as of yet. He has, however, fortified Moat
Cailin after receiving a letter from Catelyn. Bran loses his enjoyment of the
ride and wants to go back, but they need to find the direwolves first.
Robb and Bran slowly outdistance their guard. They hear the direwolves in
the distance, and Robb goes off to bring them in. Soon after, Bran is set
upon by four men, including Stiv and Wallen who deserted from the Night's
Watch, and two women, Hali and Osha. Bran identifies himself and
threatens them. Hali wants to kill him, but Osha says he would be worth
more to Mance alive. Stiv says he is not going back to face the white
walkers.1 As Stiv prepares to cut Bran off Dancer, Robb returns with
Summer and Grey Wind. They charge, and soon everyone is dead except
Osha and Stiv, who takes Bran hostage. Suddenly, Stiv is felled by an arrow
from Theon as the guard arrives. Robb is furious at Theon for such a
reckless act, and is even more enraged to learn that the guard did not get
there sooner because Theon went off hunting turkey. They take Osha back
to Winterfell for questioning.
CHARACTERS
POV: Brandon Stark, 5th in AGOT, 5th overall
Previous Brandon Chapter: Chapter 25
Next Brandon Chapter: Chapter 54
Appearing: Bessa, Brandon Stark, Hali, Joseth, Kyra, Luwin, Osha, Quent,
Robb Stark, Stiv, Theon Greyjoy, Wallen, Wayn
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Joseth - He is stick thin.
Stiv - He is a big, bald man with a raw wind-burned face.
Wallen - He is gaunt with grey hair and grey stubble.
GROUPS
Direwolves - Direwolves have a bigger head and longer legs than normal
wolves and their jaw is leaner and more pronounced.
CREATURES
Dancer - She is two years old. She was specially trained to respond to rein,
voice, and touch, allowing Bran to ride her.
LOCATIONS
Winterfell - Outside of the castle is the winter town, with a market square
and houses of log and undressed stone. Only about one in five houses are
occupied in summer, but in winter farmers come from the surrounding
countryside and the town fills up. The Smoking Log is the local alehouse.
FOOTNOTES
1 - The Others.
A Game of Thrones - Tyrion V
Tyrion is in a cell being taunted and tormented by his gaoler, Mord. One
end of his cell is open to the sky, and Mord says that he will jump to his
death eventually. Tyrion thinks back to how he got into this predicament. It
began during his audience with Lord Robert and Lady Lysa. Lysa accused
him of murdering Jon, causing him to become very annoyed and very
sarcastic. Robert almost had him killed before Catelyn reminded Lysa that
Tyrion is her prisoner and not to be harmed. Ser Vardis took him to a cell
instead, where he is routinely mistreated by Mord. He wonders whether
Jaime and Cersei really did conspire to kill Jon,1 and wonders why the
attack on Bran was so clumsy, finding that odd.2 He thinks that someone
may be trying to start a feud between Stark and Lannister.3 He decides that
he will die if confined in the cell much longer and decides he must get out.
He calls for Mord and promises him gold in exchange for aid. Mord is
reluctant at first and starts beating him, but finally consents to take Tyrion's
message to Lysa that Tyrion is ready to confess his crimes.
That night, Ser Vardis comes for Tyrion and brings him before the Lady
Lysa. All the powerful houses of the Vale are represented in the High Hall.
The attendees include Ser Brynden, Lord Nestor, Ser Albar Royce, Ser Lyn
Corbray, Lord Eon Hunter, Lady Anya Waynwood and her sons.4 Others
present bear sigils he does not recognize such as a broken lance,5 a green
viper,6 a burning tower,7 and a winged chalice.8 Ser Rodrik, Ser Willis,
Marillion, and Bronn are also there. As Tyrion enters, Bronn looks
pointedly at him with hand on pommel. Tyrion steps forward and begins
confessing his crimes, that he lays with whores, gambles, mocks, etc.
Catelyn accuses him again of plotting to kill Bran, and he denies it. Lysa is
about to send him back to his cell, but he demands a trial. Lysa says Lord
Robert will hear his case, but Tyrion demands trial by combat. Lysa
appoints Ser Vardis as her champion and Tyrion names Jaime, but Lysa will
only allow him to choose someone who is present. Bronn stands up and
volunteers.
CHARACTERS
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 5th in AGOT, 5th overall
Previous Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 32
Next Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 43
Appearing: Albar Royce, Anya Waynwood, Bronn, Catelyn Tully, Donnel
Waynwood, Eon Hunter, Lyn Corbray, Lysa Tully, Marillion, Mord, Morton
Waynwood, Nestor Royce, Robert Arryn, Rodrik Cassel, Tyrion Lannister,
Vardis Egen, Wallace Waynwood, Willis Wode
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Albar Royce - He has fierce black side-whiskers.
Mord - He is huge, with dark eyes, rotting teeth, and a huge scar that runs
down the left side of his face. He is also missing his left ear.
LOCATIONS
The Eyrie - The prison cells in the Eyrie are all exposed to the open air
along one wall so that prisoners can fall hundreds of feet to their death. The
floor slopes very slightly towards the missing wall. In the High Hall of the
castle is the Moon Door, which opens onto nothing. Criminals at the Eyrie
are executed by being flung through the Moon Door.
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Nope, it was Petyr and Lysa
(ASOS 81). << END SPOILER ]
2 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Because Joffrey did it on a whim
to impress his father (ASOS 73). << END SPOILER ]
3 - This is exactly what Petyr appears to be doing.
4 - Ser Morton, Ser Donnel, and Wallace
5 - House Wydman
6 - House Lynderly
7 - House Grafton
8 - House Hersy

A Game of Thrones - Eddard X

Eddard dreams an old dream of the day he was reunited with Lyanna. He
rides with six friends, Martyn Cassel, Theo Wull, Brandon's squire Ethan
Glover, Ser Mark Ryswell, Howland Reed, and Lord William Dustin.
Before them is the Tower of Joy, hard against the Red Mountains, and three
knights of the Kingsguard, Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Oswell Whent, and the
Lord Commander, Ser Gerold Hightower. Eddard tells them he looked for
them on the Trident, at King's Landing, and at Storm's End and thought
perhaps they were with Ser Willem Darry on Dragonstone, but they say that
they swore a vow and do not run. Just as he and his companions close to
fight the Kingsguard, Eddard wakes up.
Vayon tells Eddard he has been unconscious for six days and seven nights
and that Robert commanded to be called the moment he woke up. Eddard
sends Vayon to fetch the king. Alyn, now captain of the guard with Jory
dead, enters and tells him that Jaime has fled the city to join Lord Tywin at
Casterly Rock. Jory's body has been sent north to lay with his grandfather.
His father, Martyn, is buried at the former site of the Tower of Joy with Ser
Mark, Theo, Ethan, and Lord William; only Eddard and Howland survived
the encounter with the Kingsguard, and Eddard pulled the tower down
afterward to make funeral cairns for his companions and the three
Kingsguard. Vayon comes back to tell him that Robert and Cersei have
arrived.
Eddard takes responsibility for Catelyn's seizure of Tyrion, saying it was
done at his command. Robert is unhappy that eight men are dead, Eddard's
three companions, four Lannister guards at the scene, and Tregar, who died
that very morning of the blow Eddard gave him. Cersei accuses Eddard of
starting the fight after coming back from a brothel drunk, but Eddard
counters that he was there to visit Barra, which does not please Robert or
Cersei.1 Eddard asks permission to bring Jaime to justice for killing three of
his men. Cersei says that the seizure was unlawful and that it is Eddard who
should be brought to justice. Robert wants none of it and orders Tyrion's
release and for Eddard to make peace with Jaime. Neither Eddard nor
Cersei is happy. Cersei insults Robert, and he hits her, then has Ser Meryn
escort her back to her chambers. When she is gone, he laments that he
should not have hit her and wonders how he can fight an enemy he cannot
hit. He thinks Rhaegar won after all; he has Lyanna while Robert is stuck
with Cersei. He tells Eddard that he is going hunting and that, like it or not,
Eddard will remain his Hand.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 10th in AGOT, 10th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 36
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 44
Appearing: Alyn, Cersei Lannister, Eddard Stark, Meryn Trant, Robert
Baratheon, Vayon Poole
LOCATIONS
The Tower of Joy - The tower was named by Rhaegar Targaryen. Lord
Eddard Stark tore it down to make funeral cairns after his sister, Lyanna,
died inside the tower.
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for ACOK >> In fact, this admission is probably responsible
for Barra's death on Cersei's orders (ACOK 9), as she probably did not
know the girl existed until now. << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Catelyn VII

Catelyn looks out on Alyssa's Tears. They are named for Alyssa Arryn, who
according to legend had seen her entire family die before her six thousand
years ago, but refused to shed a tear. The story goes that she would not be
allowed any rest until her tears watered the Vale of Arryn. Ser Rodrik
reports on recent events to Catelyn. Jaime is gathering a host at Casterly
Rock. Edmure Tully has demanded to know his intent and ordered Lord
Vance and Lord Clement Piper to guard the pass below the Golden Tooth
against him. Lord Hoster Tully was not mentioned in the letter at all, and
must be very sick if he has given charge of the defense of the riverlands to
Edmure. Catelyn decides she must return to Winterfell and tells Ser Rodrik
that they will take ship from Gulltown after Tyrion's trial. She is most
annoyed with Lysa, who is very moody and inconstant and has been played
for a fool by Tyrion.
Ser Brynden joins Catelyn. He had asked leave of Lysa to take one
thousand men and march to the riverlands. When she refused him, he
resigned as Knight of the Gate and is now preparing to leave for Riverrun.
Catelyn convinces him to join them on the ship back to Winterfell. Catelyn
arrives at the site of the combat, where Lysa and Lord Robert are
surrounded by knights and retainers, including Lord Eon and Ser Lyn, her
two favored suitors at the moment, and Ser Morton. Catelyn tells Ser
Rodrik that Robert is unfit to rule and must be taken from Lysa for awhile.
Maester Colemon comes up to her and says that Lord Jon agreed and was
going to foster him at Dragonstone with Lord Stannis. Catelyn says he is
mistaken and that Robert was going to Casterly Rock and that the
arrangements were made after Jon's death.1 Maester Colemon begins to
rebut, but at that point Tyrion is brought in, with Bronn and Ser Vardis
appearing soon after. Vardis is fully armored; Bronn wears only mail and a
halfhelm.
A septon blesses the trial, and the fight begins. Watching the battle takes
Catelyn back to the combat years ago when Petyr fought Brandon Stark for
her hand. Petyr begged her for a favor to wear, but she had to refuse. She
gave one to Brandon instead, and begged him not to kill Petyr. Brandon
gave him a dozen wounds and drove him all over the yard demanding that
he yield, but was finally required to give a potentially mortal blow when
Petyr steadfastly refused. Petyr said Catelyn's name as he fell, and it was the
last time Catelyn saw him until their meeting in King's Landing. It took
Petyr two weeks to recover enough from his wounds to travel. Catelyn was
forbidden to see him during that time, but Lysa was a constant companion.
Edmure tried to visit too, but Petyr refused to see him because he acted as
Brandon's squire in the duel. Lord Hoster sent him back to the Fingers to
finish his healing at home.
The sounds of combat bring Catelyn back to the battle at hand. Bronn
dodges around Ser Vardis, darting this way and that to tire his heavily
armored foe. When Vardis is near exhaustion, Bronn closes in and begins
pressing him fiercely. Vardis makes one final bull rush to try and end it, but
Bronn darts aside, topples a statue on top of him, and delivers the killing
blow. Lysa realizes she must free Tyrion, but orders him and Bronn put out
on the high road, where she believes they will die.
CHARACTERS
POV: Catelyn Tully, 7th in AGOT, 7th overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 35
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 56
Appearing: Bronn, Brynden Tully, Catelyn Tully, Colemon, Eon Hunter,
Lyn Corbray, Lysa Tully, Morton Waynwood, Robert Arryn, Rodrik Cassel,
Tyrion Lannister, Vardis Egen
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Eon Hunter - He is old and half-crippled by gout.
Lyn Corbray - He is young, handsome, and rumored to be homosexual.
GROUPS
The Faith - The Faith is responsible for ordaining a trial by combat. When
such a trial is to take place, a septon holds a faceted crystal sphere above
the heads of the combatants and asks the gods to determine guilt or
innocence.
LOCATIONS
The Eyrie - The Eyrie has a garden that was intended to be a godswood, but
no amount of relocated soil could get a weirwood to take root.
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for A Clash of Kings >> Evidently, Jon did arrange this
(ACOK 1), but it was not widely known (see also AGOT 60). << END
SPOILER ] [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> This is the primary
reason that Lysa decided to murder him (ASOS 81). << END SPOILER ]
A Game of Thrones - Jon V
Ser Alliser has learned that Gueren is bringing five new recruits to Castle
Black, so he decides to elevate Halder, Todder, Albett, Pypar, Grenn,
Matthar, Dareon, and Jon to full members of the Night's Watch. Sam
congratulates them, but seems depressed. That night, Bowen Marsh
personally leads them to a seat by the fire and Three-Finger Hobb cooks
them a special meal. Jon is worried when he does not see Sam at dinner and
realizes that Sam is afraid because with Jon gone he will probably get hurt
again by less savory trainees such as Rast and Cuger. He rides with Ghost
for awhile thinking. He considers not joining the Watch, but quickly
discounts that. He thinks of Sam again and goes to see Maester Aemon.
Chett answers the door and does not want to admit Jon at first, but he
insists, and Chett gets the maester. Jon asks Maester Aemon to convince the
Lord Commander to raise Sam to the Watch, saying he will be hurt or killed
otherwise. He says that every man has a use and that Sam would be ideal
for helping Maester Aemon with his work, particularly since Chett cannot
read and his other assistant, an albino named Clydas, has weak eyes. The
maester says he will think on it and sends Jon away.
CHARACTERS
POV: Jon Snow, 5th in AGOT, 5th overall
Previous Jon Chapter: Chapter 27
Next Jon Chapter: Chapter 49
Appearing: Aemon Targaryen, Albett, Bowen Marsh, Chett, Dareon,
Grenn, Halder, Hobb, Jon Snow, Matthar, Pypar, Samwell Tarly, Todder
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Chett - He has a wen the size of a pigeon's egg on his neck and a red face
covered with boils and pimples.
Clydas - He is a short, bald, and chinless albino with pink eyes.
GROUPS
Maesters - Maesters wear an intricate chain around their neck to remind
them that they are sworn to serve. Each link is forged with a different metal,
and each metal represents mastery of a different area of knowledge. Some
of these include gold for accounting, silver for healing, and iron for
warcraft.
The Night's Watch - The Watch is divided into three orders: rangers,
stewards, and builders. The rangers are the main fighting men, going
beyond the Wall and engaging wildling raiders; the stewards hunt, farm,
take care of the animals, and gather or make supplies; and the builders are
charged with keeping the Wall in good repair.

A Game of Thrones - Tyrion VI

Tyrion and Bronn stop to take shelter along the high road. They have been
riding all day since being put out of the Vale by Ser Lyn. Tyrion gathers
wood to start a fire. Bronn threatens to leave, but Tyrion offers him any
reward if he stays to protect Tyrion, and he accepts. Tyrion lights a fire to
draw some mountain clansmen in. He mentions his mistreatment in the
dungeon of the Eyrie, and Bronn registers surprise that Tyrion gave Mord
the gold he promised the gaoler. Tyrion merely replies that a Lannister
always pays his debts. Bronn asks where they will go now, and Tyrion says
he means to make inquiries about a certain dagger. With no clansmen
coming yet, Tyrion begins to whistle a Myrish song called "The Seasons of
My Love." He tells Bronn that the first woman he ever bedded used to sing
that song, and it has been stuck in his head ever since. He goes on to tell the
story of their meeting.
When he was thirteen, Tyrion was riding back to Casterly Rock from
Lannisport with Jaime when they encountered a girl named Tysha being
chased by bandits. After they saved the girl, Jaime rode off to get help to
hunt down the bandits while Tyrion took the girl to a nearby inn. She was a
crofter's daughter orphaned when her father died of fever, but Tyrion drank
too much wine and they had sex. Tyrion fell in love and married her in front
of a drunken septon. For two weeks they played at being husband and wife
at a cottage until the septon sobered up and told Lord Tywin. The furious
lord first made Jaime tell the truth that Tysha was a whore he hired because
he felt it was time Tyrion had his first woman.1 Then he gave Tysha to his
guards, making them each pay a silver piece to take her. When they were
done, Tywin made Tyrion go last, but for a gold piece because a Lannister is
worth more. Bronn says he would kill any man that did that to him, and
Tyrion says he may get that chance, for a Lannister always pays his debts.
Sometime later, they are accosted by about ten Stone Crows including their
chief, Gunthor, Shagga, Conn, Torrek, and Jaggot. They are about to kill
Tyrion, but he promises to deliver them suitable weapons and armor from
his father so they can take the Vale.
CHARACTERS
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 6th in AGOT, 6th overall
Previous Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 39
Next Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 57
Appearing: Bronn, Conn, Gunthor, Jaggot, Lyn Corbray, Shagga, Torrek,
Tyrion Lannister
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> This was actually a lie that Tywin
forced Jaime to tell. Tysha really was a commoner chance met on the road
(ASOS 78). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Eddard XI

Eddard sits on the Iron Throne with part of the small council, Varys, Petyr,
and Pycelle. Ser Arys stands guard at the foot of the throne, as do Alyn and
Porther. Sansa is in the gallery watching with Septa Mordane. Robert is still
out hunting and has been joined by Lord Renly, Ser Barristan, Prince
Joffrey, Sandor, Ser Balon, Lord Yohn, and half the court. Eddard is
listening to testimony from Ser Raymun Darry, Ser Karyl Vance, and Ser
Marq Piper about Lannister raids that have destroyed the holdfasts of
Sherrer, Mummer's Ford, and Wendish Town. A brewer from Sherrer
named Joss testifies that Gregor Clegane was the leader of the raiders. No
one had been present to defend the holdfasts because all the banners had
been called. Edmure has since sent men to guard all the holdfasts, and
Eddard realizes that this was probably Tywin's plan all along to bleed off
strength.1 Edmure wanted to take vengeance right away, but Lord Hoster
made him send to the king first for permission.
Pycelle tries to divert the issue, first suggesting that the knights take up the
matter with Gregor's liege lord, Tywin, and then suggesting they wait for
the king to return, but Eddard decides he must act. He sends Ser Robar to
tell Robert what has happened and attaints Ser Gregor for treason, has him
stripped of all titles, and sentences him to death. He says he would normally
lead the party to bring Gregor to justice, but his leg prevents him. Ser Loras
asks for the honor of leading the party in his stead, but Eddard gives
leadership to Lord Beric instead. Lord Beric, Thoros of Myr, Ser Gladden
Wylde, and Lord Lothar Mallery are each to take twenty men along with
twenty of Eddard's personal guard to see justice done. Varys comes up to
Eddard afterward and says he should have sent Loras to secure friendship
with the Tyrells against the Lannisters and that he should also have sent Ser
Ilyn since he is the king's executioner. Varys says Ser Ilyn was in the back
and did not look happy.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 11th in AGOT, 11th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 40
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 46
Appearing: Alyn, Arys Oakheart, Beric Dondarrion, Eddard Stark,
Gladden Wylde, Ilyn Payne, Joss, Karyl Vance, Loras Tyrell, Lothar
Mallery, Marq Piper, Mordane, Petyr Baelish, Porther, Pycelle, Raymun
Darry, Robar Royce, Sansa Stark, Thoros, Varys
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Karyl Vance - He has a winestain birthmark on his cheek.
ITEMS
Iron Throne - The throne was forged by Aegon the Conqueror from the
blades surrendered by his enemies. Balerion's breath was used to heat the
blades in the forge, and the hammering took fifty-nine days. The throne is
hard and cold, with many jagged edges. Aegon built it because he felt a
king should never sit comfortably on his throne.
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> While this was probably part of
his plan in the event of actual fighting, it appears his plan was to draw
Eddard out of King's Landing so he could be ambushed and either killed or
captured and exchanged for Tyrion (ASOS 18). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Sansa III

Sansa is talking to Jeyne over dinner. She is shocked that Eddard did not
send Loras after Gregor because it would be just like in the songs and
stories. She had been saying as much to Septa Mordane at court earlier, and
Petyr came up to her and told her that life was not a song and that she may
find this out to her regret. Yoren had also been at court, and Eddard gave
him leave to choose men from the dungeons for the Night's Watch. The next
morning, she wakes up early to watch Lord Beric's party ride off, with Alyn
carrying the Stark banner.1 Afterward, she joins Arya and Septa Mordane
for breakfast. Sansa explains to Arya what is happening with Gregor, and
Arya says she wishes someone would kill Jaime and Sandor for their
murders. Sansa repeats her lie that Mycah attacked Joffrey, and Arya throws
an orange at her. They exchange insults, and Septa Mordane sends them to
their rooms. Eddard summons them both to him later. He informs them that
he is sending them back to Winterfell for their own safety. Sansa begs to
stay and says she loves Joffrey as Queen Naerys loved Prince Aemon and
Jonquil Ser Florian and wants to marry him. During the course of the
conversation, Sansa says that Joffrey is nothing like the king, and Eddard
suddenly gets a strange look on his face.2 He sends the girls back to their
rooms.
CHARACTERS
POV: Sansa Stark, 3rd in AGOT, 3rd overall
Previous Sansa Chapter: Chapter 30
Next Sansa Chapter: Chapter 52
Appearing: Alyn, Beric Dondarrion, Eddard Stark, Jeyne Poole, Mordane,
Sansa Stark
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Beric Dondarrion - He is twenty-one.
FOOTNOTES
1 - Besides Lord Beric and Alyn there is also Ser Gladden, Thoros, and
Lord Lothar (AGOT 44). Harwin also went (ASOS 14), as did Beric's
squire, Edric Dayne (ASOS 35).
2 - He has just realized that Robert's children are not his own.

A Game of Thrones - Eddard XII

Pycelle is tending to Eddard's leg. He tells Eddard that Lord Tywin has sent
a letter to Cersei expressing discontent over the Gregor situation. Eddard
says that if Tywin interferes, he will have Robert to answer to, and Pycelle
hurries off, probably to report to Cersei. Eddard now realizes thanks to
Sansa that Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are not Robert's children, and he
believes this is the secret Jon died for.1 Lord Petyr stops by and reports that
sellswords and freeriders are gathering at Casterly Rock. Robert continues
to hunt, but some of the party, including Joffrey, Sandor, Ser Balon, Lord
Yohn, and Ser Robar, have returned. Petyr says that Sandor is probably not
happy at the moment because he does not want any one but himself killing
his brother. After Petyr leaves, Eddard returns to his musings. He trusts
Petyr only a little and Varys not at all. He feels that Pycelle is certainly a
Lannister creature and that Ser Barristan is too old and rigid to help. He
knows he must speak to Robert upon his return. Vayon has arranged for
Eddard's daughters to leave on the Wind Witch out of Braavos, captained by
a man named Qos, in three days. Eddard remembers how Lord Tywin
presented the bodies of Rhaegar's children to Robert and wants to make
sure that Cersei's children do not suffer a similar fate. Eddard summons
Tomard, who now commands the guard with Alyn off hunting Gregor, and
has him and Varly take him to the godswood and has Tomard deliver a
message to Cersei.
Cersei arrives at sunset, and Eddard accuses her and Jaime of being lovers,
which she admits. He brings up Bran's accident, and she confirms that
Jaime pushed him. He asks if all three of her children are Jaime's, and she
says yes. Eddard figured this must be the case. Jon Arryn's last words that
the "seed is strong" apparently referred to the dominance of dark hair color
in Baratheon children. All of Robert's bastards have dark hair, yet Cersei's
children are all blond. The book of lineages by Grand Maester Malleon
records the last marriage between a Lannister and a Baratheon ninety years
before in which Gowen Baratheon, third son of the lord at the time, wed
Tya Lannister who gave birth to a boy who died in infancy that had black
hair. Thirty years before that, a male Lannister wed a Baratheon who bore
three daughters and a son that all had black hair. Eddard could find no
Lannister-Baratheon marriage in the book resulting in a blonde-haired child.
Eddard asks Cersei how she avoided getting with child from Robert, and
she explains that she did once but had an abortion. After that, she found
other ways to please Robert, and he was usually too drunk to care anyway.
She says she has hated him since their wedding night when he called her
Lyanna in his passion. Cersei tries to seduce Eddard, but fails. Eddard says
he will tell Robert the truth when he returns and that Cersei and her children
should have fled Westeros by then or face full punishment. Cersei tells him
that he should have taken the throne fifteen years ago and that he should
fear her wrath.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 12th in AGOT, 12th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 44
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 48
Appearing: Eddard Stark, Petyr Baelish, Pycelle, Tomard, Varly
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Tomard - He is portly and has ginger-colored whiskers. He is almost fifty.
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> A good guess, but the killing was
actually done by Lysa and Petyr for unrelated reasons (ASOS 81). << END
SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Daenerys V

With Drogo and the dosh khaleen looking on, Daenerys eats a stallion's
heart. Other spectators include Daenerys's handmaidens, Irri, Jhiqui, and
Doreah; Drogo's bloodriders, Cohollo, Haggo, and Qotho; Khal Ogo and
his son Fogo; and Khal Jommo with his four wives. The Dothraki believe
that if she eats the whole heart her baby will be strong; if she fails, her child
will be female, deformed, or even stillborn. When Daenerys is finished, the
crones declare that her son will be the "stallion who mounts the world."
They ask for a name, and she names him Rhaego. She then proceeds to the
Womb of the World and cleanses herself. Afterwards, she rides her silver to
Drogo's tent for a feast.
Daenerys does not see Viserys in the feast tent and calls Jorah over to ask
where he is. Jorah informs her that he went looking for wine. He has been
talking to caravan guards in the hopes of hiring them, and talks of using
Daenerys's dragon eggs as payment. She asks who the stallion that mounts
the world is, and Jorah explains that he is the khal of khals who will unite
the Dothraki and conquer the world. Suddenly, Viserys arrives drunk with a
sword on his hip. He demands to see Daenerys and to have a place at the
feast. Drogo points to the farthest corner where those with no honor sit, and
Viserys is affronted. He is mocked and draws his sword despite Jorah's
protests. He goes to Daenerys and threatens her baby unless Drogo gives
him his promised crown. Drogo melts his gold medallions as his
bloodriders seize Viserys and then pours the molten gold over Viserys.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 5th in AGOT, 5th overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 37
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 55
Appearing: Cohollo, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Drogo, Fogo, Haggo,
Irri, Jhiqui, Jommo, Jorah Mormont, Ogo, Qotho, Viserys III Targaryen
GROUPS
Dothraki - The Dothraki nation is ruled by the dosh khaleen, a group of old
crones. They used to be the wives of khals. When a khal dies, his wife is
brought to Vaes Dothrak to join their numbers. Dothraki legend has it that
the first man emerged from the lake called the Womb of the World, riding
the first horse.

A Game of Thrones - Eddard XIII

Eddard is woken from sleep by Tomard and Cayn, who have brought the
King's steward with a summons to see Robert, who has returned from his
hunt. Eddard passes Ser Boros, Ser Preston, and Ser Barristan on his way to
the king's chambers and knows something is wrong when he sees
Barristan's face. When he enters the king's chambers, he sees Pycelle,
Renly, and Cersei all hovering around Robert, who is mortally wounded. He
had drunk too much wine and missed a thrust against a boar, which tore him
from groin to nipple. Robert orders everyone to leave so he can speak to
Eddard alone. He repents for sending assassins after Daenerys and tells
Eddard to get paper and ink. He dictates his will, naming Eddard Lord
Regent and Protector of the Realm until Joffrey comes of age. Eddard starts
to tell him the truth about Joffrey, but cannot bring himself to hurt Robert
more. Instead, he just writes "my heir" in the will instead of "Joffrey."
Robert also tells Eddard to let Daenerys live. They call Renly and Pycelle
back in to witness the sealing of the will and then Pycelle gives Robert milk
of the poppy so he will sleep.
As Eddard exits the king's chamber, Varys comes up to him and Ser
Barristan and asks how Robert came to be so drunk. Barristan replies that
the king's squire, Lancel, provided him with a steady supply of wine,1 and
Eddard realizes that the Lannisters killed the king. Eddard orders Varys to
cancel any arrangements he made to kill Daenerys. As he walks back to his
own quarters, Renly approaches him and offers to give him one hundred
swords to seize Joffrey, Tommen, and Myrcella so that the small council
will confirm Eddard as Lord Protector and ward of Joffrey. Eddard refuses
the offer and Renly stalks away.
When Eddard returns to his quarters, he tells Cayn to find Petyr, then tells
Tomard to personally escort his daughters to the Wind Witch the next
evening with twenty men and to stop by Dragonstone on the way back to
Winterfell to deliver a letter to Stannis. Afterwards, he writes the letter to
Stannis, which urges him to sail to King's Landing with all his strength to
claim the throne. As he finishes the letter, Cayn and Desmond arrive with
Lord Petyr. Eddard tells him about Cersei and the children, which does not
seem to surprise him, and Petyr advises Eddard not to deal with Stannis,
claiming that it will mean war as the Lannisters will fight and the Tyrells,
Greyjoys, and others whom Robert pardoned will also rise for fear of
punishment from the far more taciturn Stannis. Petyr offers to aid Eddard in
ruling as regent for a modest price, but Eddard refuses and says it must be
Stannis. He wants Petyr to insure the loyalty of the City Watch, and Petyr
says he will pay them six thousand gold pieces so they will join Eddard in
overcoming Cersei's soldiers when the time comes.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 13th in AGOT, 13th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 46
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 50
Appearing: Barristan Selmy, Boros Blount, Cayn, Cersei Lannister,
Desmond, Petyr Baelish, Preston Greenfield, Pycelle, Renly Baratheon,
Robert Baratheon, Tomard, Varys
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Lancel Lannister - He is fifteen.
LOCATIONS
The Red Keep - At the heart of the Red Keep is Maegor's Holdfast, a
fortress within the larger castle with walls twelve feet thick and guarded by
a dry moat lined with iron spikes.
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for A Clash of Kings >> In fact, Cersei made sure that this
wine was three times stronger than Robert's normal wine so as to ensure he
was too drunk to hunt effectively (ACOK 4). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones - Jon VI

Sam comes up to Jon and says he is to be raised to the Night's Watch with
the others. He will assist Maester Aemon with the ravens and the library as
Jon had suggested. They join Todder, Pypar, Albett, Halder, Matthar, Grenn,
and Dareon in the sept, where Septon Cellador is preparing for the
ceremony. Soon Maester Aemon, leaning on Clydas, Jeor Mormont, Alliser
Thorne, Bowen Marsh, Othell Yarwyck, and Jaremy Rykker, who is acting
first ranger with Benjen missing, arrive. Jeor explains the ceremony and the
oath and asks if there are any who keep to the old gods. Jon speaks up, and
Sam decides to swear to them as well. Jeor explains that Castle Black has
no godswood, but that there is a grove on the edge of the haunted forest
where they may swear. Next, he gives out assignments. Halder and Albett
join the builders, Grenn, Pypar, Matthar, and Todder the rangers, and Sam,
Dareon, and Jon the stewards. Jon is shocked and hurt and figures this was
retribution by Ser Alliser. Bowen assigns Sam to Maester Aemon, replacing
Chett who will go to the kennels, and sends Dareon to Eastwatch to aid
Borcas, the head steward there, in dealing with traders. Jon is to be Lord
Commander Mormont's personal steward; the lord commander selected him
personally. Jon is furious, but Sam points out that he is probably being
groomed for command. Late in the afternoon, Sam and Jon set out with
Bowen Marsh and an escort, including Dywen, to the edge of the forest.
Ghost comes too. They kneel before a grove of nine weirwood trees and
take their vows. Afterwards, Ghost comes up to Jon with a rotted human
hand in his jaws.
CHARACTERS
POV: Jon Snow, 6th in AGOT, 6th overall
Previous Jon Chapter: Chapter 42
Next Jon Chapter: Chapter 53
Appearing: Aemon Targaryen, Albett, Bowen Marsh, Cellador, Clydas,
Dareon, Dywen, Grenn, Halder, Jeor Mormont, Jon Snow, Matthar, Othell
Yarwyck, Pypar, Samwell Tarly, Todder

A Game of Thrones - Eddard XIV

Eddard awakes to the sound of Lannister guardsmen drilling with Sandor in
the yard below. He takes breakfast with Septa Mordane, Arya, and Sansa.
Arya asks to have one more lesson with Syrio before leaving, and Eddard
gives his assent. Pycelle comes in after breakfast to report that Robert is
dead, and Eddard has him convene the small council in Eddard's solar. Ser
Barristan arrives first, followed by Petyr, who says all arrangements are
made, and then Varys. Varys reports that Renly and Loras left for the south
early in the morning. Eddard has Ser Barristan read Robert's will and asks
to be confirmed in his role as lord protector. Just then, Tomard arrives with
the king's steward, who asks that the small council attend Joffrey.
Eddard, the council, Tomard, and eight members of Eddard's guard walk to
the throne room. Janos Slynt meets the council at the door and escorts them
in. Joffrey sits on the throne with Tommen, Myrcella, and Cersei at the
base. Ser Mandon, Ser Meryn, Ser Arys, Ser Boros, and Ser Preston are
arrayed at the base of the throne in full armor. Sandor also guards the
prince. Twenty Lannister guardsmen stand behind the throne and city
watchmen are arrayed along both walls. Joffrey asks for the fealty of the
council, and Eddard produces the king's letter. Cersei rips it in half and tells
Eddard that if he swears fealty he will be allowed to go back to the North
and live in peace. Instead, Eddard denies Joffrey's claim to the throne and
declares Stannis to be the true heir. Cersei orders Ser Barristan to seize him,
and Eddard orders the City Watch to take Cersei into custody. Instead, they
turn on Eddard's men, killing all of them, including Tomard, Varly, and
Cayn. Petyr unsheathes Eddard's dagger and places it at his throat.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 14th in AGOT, 14th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 48
Next Eddard Chapter: Chapter 59
Appearing: Arya Stark, Arys Oakheart, Barristan Selmy, Boros Blount,
Cayn, Cersei Lannister, Eddard Stark, Janos Slynt, Joffrey Baratheon,
Mandon Moore, Meryn Trant, Mordane, Myrcella Baratheon, Petyr Baelish,
Preston Greenfield, Pycelle, Sandor Clegane, Sansa Stark, Tomard,
Tommen Baratheon, Varly, Varys

A Game of Thrones - Arya IV

Syrio gives Arya a lesson. He calls out where he will strike so that Arya can
counter, but he lies on the final thrust and gets through her defense. Arya is
upset, but Syrio points out that his whole body showed the point of attack
and only his words were lies. He then tells her a story about the importance
of seeing what is really there rather than what someone says is there. When
Syrio's predecessor as first sword died, the Sealord of Braavos began
conducting interviews with bravos from the city one at a time. When Syrio
was brought before him, the Sealord had a beast on his lap he said was
brought from a faraway land. Syrio recognized it as an immensely fat yet
otherwise ordinary cat and was given the job. All the other candidates had
seen an exotic beast because the Sealord said it was exotic, but Syrio saw
through the lie. The lesson learned, Syrio tells Arya he is pleased with her
progress and believes he might let her use Needle when they get to
Winterfell. Suddenly, Ser Meryn bursts into the room with five Lannister
guards. He says that Arya's father wants to see her, but Syrio sees through
the ruse, and Ser Meryn orders Arya taken. Syrio intercedes to give her time
to escape, and Ser Meryn orders him killed. Syrio takes on and defeats all
five guards, killing some of them, but cannot do much against the fully
armored Ser Meryn. He tells Arya to run and closes with his foe and almost
certain death.
Arya runs into an underground storeroom and then crawls out a window.
She sees the Tower of the Hand, with the doors bashed in and one of her
father's guards dead at the door. She hears the sounds of fighting from
within. She realizes she cannot go that way and heads to the stables instead.
She sees Hullen at the entrance; he has been stabbed many times. Hullen
tells her to warn her father and dies. Inside, there are more dead men: a
groom, three Stark guards, including Desmond, and one dead Lannister
guard. She sees her chest and searches through it for Needle. A stableboy
sees her and tries to turn her in, but she stabs and kills him. She realizes the
gates will be shut, but remembers the passage where she had seen the
strange men.1 It takes her a while, but she finds her way down and walks
towards freedom.
CHARACTERS
POV: Arya Stark, 4th in AGOT, 4th overall
Previous Arya Chapter: Chapter 33
Next Arya Chapter: Chapter 66
Appearing: Arya Stark, Desmond, Hullen, Meryn Trant, Syrio Forel
LOCATIONS
Braavos - Braavos is a major maritime trading power, and its ships travel to
many distant lands. There is a menagerie in the city containing animals
from all over the world. Braavos is ruled by the Sealord.
FOOTNOTES
1 - AGOT 33

A Game of Thrones - Sansa IV

Sansa has been held in her room for three days. On the first day, she had
gone to the queen and told her of Eddard's plan to send her away so that she
might get her or the king to stop it. Cersei then had her escorted back to a
secure room in Maegor's Holdfast, where she heard the fighting begin.
Jeyne was placed in the room with her and told her everybody was being
killed. On the second day, they heard all the bells in the city ringing to
announce the death of King Robert. On the third day, Ser Boros comes to
escort her to Cersei. They walk out of Maegor's Holdfast to the council
chambers, where Ser Mandon admits them to see the queen, who is with
Petyr, Pycelle, and Varys. Sansa asks after Jeyne's father, Vayon, and
Pycelle looks embarrassed, which seems to indicate he was killed. Cersei is
annoyed that Jeyne was placed with Sansa, and Petyr says that he will find a
place for her. Cersei tells Sansa that Eddard was a traitor who tried to steal
the throne and manipulates her through her "love" for Joffrey into writing a
letter telling her brother not to take up arms.
CHARACTERS
POV: Sansa Stark, 4th in AGOT, 4th overall
Previous Sansa Chapter: Chapter 45
Next Sansa Chapter: Chapter 58
Appearing: Boros Blount, Cersei Lannister, Jeyne Poole, Mandon Moore,
Petyr Baelish, Pycelle, Sansa Stark, Varys
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Boros Blount - He has a broad chest and short, bandy legs. His nose is flat
and his hair is gray and brittle.

A Game of Thrones - Jon VII

Lord Commander Mormont and Ser Jaremy have arrived to examine the
corpses Ghost discovered. Jon is there as well, and so are Chett, Sam, who
represents Maester Aemon, and a dozen rangers including Dywen, Hake,
and Ketter. Earlier, Bass, the kennelmaster, tried to get the dogs to take a
scent from the hand Ghost brought back, but they refused to do so. Chett is
handling the dogs now, and they are fighting him and refusing to go near
the corpses. Ser Jaremy recognizes the dead men as Othor and Jafer
Flowers, both of whom were part of Ben Stark's ranging. Ser Jaremy thinks
they must have been dead only a day, but Sam points out that the blood has
dried up and they must have been dead longer. It is strange though, because
there is no sign of rotting, or maggots, and no animals other than Ghost will
get close. Both corpses also have bright blue eyes, though neither one's eyes
were ever blue. Lord Commander Mormont orders the corpses returned to
Castle Black so Maester Aemon can examine them and orders Ser Jaremy
to scour the surrounding woods.
Bowen meets the group as they return to the Wall and tells Lord
Commander Mormont that a raven has come. As Jon returns to his quarters,
everyone from Ser Alliser to Donal Noye stares at him. He finds Pyp,
Grenn, and Todder and learns that Robert is dead. He returns to Lord
Commander Mormont's quarters, and the lord commander tells him about
Eddard being arrested and charged with treason. He is in a daze for the rest
of the day. Everyone knows what happened. He gets piteous looks, and
Hobb gives him an extra helping at dinner. Matthar, Pyp, Grenn, Todder,
and Sam try to comfort him. He hears Ser Alliser slandering Eddard and
attacks, leading to his being subdued and imprisoned.
After some time, Jon dozes off in his cell, and when he wakes up, it has
gotten very cold and Ghost is scrabbling at the door. He opens the door and
sees his guard dead with his head twisted around. He goes up to the Lord
Commander's chambers and sees a dark shape going in. When he follows,
he discovers it is the supposedly dead Othor.1 He hacks Othor's arm off as
well as half of his face, but Othor keeps coming and so does the severed
arm. Othor starts to strangle Jon, but Ghost saves him. Lord Commander
Mormont stumbles out with an oil lamp, and Jon grabs it, torches the
drapes, and throws the burning mass at Othor.
CHARACTERS
POV: Jon Snow, 7th in AGOT, 7th overall
Previous Jon Chapter: Chapter 49
Next Jon Chapter: Chapter 61
Appearing: Alliser Thorne, Bowen Marsh, Chett, Donal Noye, Dywen,
Grenn, Hake, Hobb, Jafer Flowers, Jaremy Rykker, Jeor Mormont, Jon
Snow, Ketter, Matthar, Othor, Pypar, Samwell Tarly, Todder
GROUPS
Wights - Wights have black hands and bright burning blue eyes. They are
relentless in their pursuit of killing, and cannot be killed save by burning.
They keep moving even if they have lost limbs or been split nearly in two,
and any parts hacked off continue to function on their own as well. No
animal will come near one.
FOOTNOTES
1 - He is a wight.
A Game of Thrones - Bran VI
Robb has called the banners. The Karstarks are the last to arrive with 300
horse and 2,000 foot from Karhold. Bran watches them arrive on Hodor's
shoulders with Maester Luwin. Hodor is carrying him around in a basket
that the maester devised. Bran has been confined to the castle for his safety
since the incident in the woods. Lord Rickard Karstark rides at the head of
his men accompanied by his sons, Harrion, Torrhen, and Eddard. Other
houses that have arrived in recent days include Glover, Mormont, Bolton,
Hornwood, Cerwyn, Tallhart, and Umber. Robb hosts them each in turn.
Maester Luwin tells Bran that the Karstarks bring the total to 12,000 men,
of which 3,000 are horse. The houses Manderly and Flint will join Robb on
the way south to the Riverlands. The castle and town are full to bursting,
and Robb must march soon.
Bran decides to go to the godswood. Hodor carries him in the wicker basket
on his shoulders. Some Karstark men stare at him, so he calls Summer to
unnerve them. As he passes the forge, Bran sees Mikken hard at work.
When he arrives, he gives a prayer for Robb, Catelyn, Arya, Sansa, Eddard,
and Rickon and thinks back over the events of the last few days. Rickon has
been wild since learning that Robb is leaving. He ran to the crypts with
Shaggydog and slashed at the people who came after him with a sword.
Shaggydog has been wild too, and they were forced to chain him up. Robb
has grown greatly recently. His bannermen tried to test him. Roose Bolton,
Robett Glover, and Maege Mormont all disputed his authority, while
Medger Cerwyn and Halys Hornwood both tried to flatter him with gifts.
Greatjon Umber was the worst, threatening to leave and then insulting Robb
and unsheathing his sword until Grey Wind tackled him and bit off two
fingers. After this incident, the Greatjon became Robb's staunchest
supporter. Sansa's note arrived, and Robb was incredulous and wonders
what is wrong with her. Bran says she lost her wolf, thinking back to when
Lady's bones arrived at Winterfell.
As Bran finishes his prayers, the leaves rustle in the wind, and Osha comes
in and says this means the old gods are listening, but are sad because they
cannot watch over those in the south due to a lack of weirwoods. She has
been working as a kitchen servant and comes to the godswood to pray from
time to time. She also says that the gods have no power in the south because
the weirwoods are gone. She has been trying to warn Robb that the Others
are coming, but is being ignored. That is the reason she fled south, unlike
Mance Rayder, who was resolved to stand and fight, which she considers a
stubborn and stupid move by a Night's Watch deserter from the Shadow
Tower. That evening, Bran hosts the Karstarks, and Rickard's sons mock his
handicap. Two days later, Robb marches south with Hallis Mollen, Theon
Greyjoy, and his lords bannermen.
CHARACTERS
POV: Brandon Stark, 6th in AGOT, 6th overall
Previous Brandon Chapter: Chapter 38
Next Brandon Chapter: Chapter 67
Appearing: Brandon Stark, Eddard Karstark, Hallis Mollen, Halys
Hornwood, Harrion Karstark, Hodor, Jon Umber, Luwin, Maege Mormont,
Medger Cerwyn, Mikken, Osha, Rickard Karstark, Robb Stark, Robett
Glover, Roose Bolton, Theon Greyjoy, Torrhen Karstark
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Jon Umber - He is huge.
GROUPS
Giants - Giants live in the far north and can grow as big as thirteen feet.
Men and women alike have beards. The women sometimes take human
men as lovers.
Knights - To be raised to knighthood, one must stand vigil in a sept and be
consecrated with the seven oils.
Wildlings - The wildlings worship the old gods.
LOCATIONS
The Dreadfort - The keep supposedly has a room where the Boltons hang
the skins of defeated enemies.
A Game of Thrones - Daenerys VI
Drogo tells Daenerys that he has no intention now to invade the Seven
Kingdoms and goes off to hunt. Daenerys summons Ser Jorah as Irri,
Jhiqui, and Doreah attend her and tells him that he must help convince
Drogo to march. He promises that they will go home, but they must be
patient. To cheer her up, he tells her that a caravan led by a merchant
captain named Byan Votyris has arrived, and Daenerys decides to go see it.
She is accompanied by Irri, Jhqui, Doreah, Aggo, Jhogo, Rakharo, Quaro,
and Ser Jorah. They wander about for awhile, and then Jorah goes off to see
if Illyrio has sent any messages.
Eventually, Daenerys comes across a wineseller hawking his wares. When
he learns Daenerys's identity, he offers her a special cask of wine from the
Arbor. Just then, Jorah returns and orders the merchant to open the cask and
drink from it. The wine is poisoned, and the seller bolts instead, but is
caught. Byan arrives and orders the man seized for the khal and gives the
man's stock to Daenerys. They return to her quarters, and Jorah explains
that a letter arrived from Illyrio warning that Robert had offered a lordship
for her death and that of her son. She suddenly eyes her dragon eggs and
gets a strange idea. She has Jorah light the brazier and take his leave. When
he is gone, she thrusts the eggs into the fire, but nothing happens. When
Drogo returns and learns about the assassination attempt, he vows to take
the Seven Kingdoms for his unborn son.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 6th in AGOT, 6th overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 47
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 62
Appearing: Aggo, Byan Votyris, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Drogo, Irri,
Jhiqui, Jhogo, Jorah Mormont, Quaro, Rakharo
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Byan Votyris - He is a small and leathery Norvoshi with blue mustachios
that curve up to his ears.
GROUPS
Asshai'i - The people of Asshai. They are dark and solemn.
Jogos Nhai - The Jogos Nhai are a people from an unspecified region in the
east.
Qartheen - The people of Qarth and the surrounding region. They are tall
and pale.
LOCATIONS
Bayasabhad - A land somewhere in the east known for fierce warrior maids
that pierce their nipples.
Kayakayanaya - A land somewhere in the east known for fierce warrior
maids that pierce their nipples.
Lannisport - Lannisport is known for its fine goldwork.
Lys - Lys is famous for its perfumes.
Myr - Myrish lace is among the most intricate in the world.
Shamyriana - A land somewhere in the east known for fierce warrior maids
that pierce their nipples.
The Arbor - The Arbor produces some of the finest red wine in the world.
The Shadow Lands - The people of the Shadow Lands cover their arms,
legs, and chests with tattoos and their faces with masks.
Vaes Dothrak - Vaes Dothrak has two giant market squares, one for eastern
traders and one for western traders. The traders come more to trade with
each other than with the Dothraki.
Yi Ti - The people of Yi Ti are bright-eyed and commonly wear monkey-
tail hats.

A Game of Thrones - Catelyn VIII

Catelyn and Ser Brynden are with Ser Wendel and Ser Wylis Manderly and
their 1,500 levies, which include twenty knights and two hundred mounted
lances. Their father, Lord Wyman Manderly, has stayed behind in White
Harbor to see to the defenses, largely because he has grown too fat to sit a
horse. Robb's host is just coming into view. She rides through to Moat
Cailin with Ser Wendel and Ser Brynden and finds Robb with Grey Wind
surrounded by his lords bannermen, including Ser Helman Tallhart,
Greatjon Umber, Robett and Galbart Glover, Roose Bolton, Halys
Hornwood, Rickard Karstark, and Theon Greyjoy. She informs him that Ser
Rodrik is on his way north to serve as castellan of Winterfell while Robb is
in the south. Catelyn sends the bannermen away to speak to Robb alone.
Catelyn fears for Robb's safety and wants to send him back to Winterfell,
but knows she cannot without causing him to lose face. Robb informs her
that a letter arrived from Sansa telling him not to fight. Catelyn realizes
right away that Sansa is now a hostage. Robb has eighteen thousand men,
but is afraid about what might happen to Eddard and Sansa. Catelyn assures
him that victory in the field is now the only option. Robb tells Catelyn of
what has transpired in the riverlands. Jaime marched up the Golden Tooth
and smashed a force led by Lord Vance and Lord Clement Piper. Lord
Vance was slain, and Lord Clement fell back to Riverrun. Meanwhile, Lord
Tywin came up from the south with an even larger army, which ambushed
Lord Beric's men from King's Landing. Ser Raymun Darry and most of the
men from Winterfell were killed. Lord Beric may have escaped, but no one
knows for sure.
Robb has ordered Howland Reed to bleed any Lannister host that comes
north, but knows that Lord Tywin is too smart to try and will stay in the
riverlands taking castles one by one to isolate Riverrun. Therefore, Robb
has no choice but to ride south to meet him. Robb's plan is to split his horse
and foot. The foot will march on Tywin and draw him in while the horse
races to Riverrun to surprise Jaime. He plans to give the Greatjon the foot
while he commands the horse, but Catelyn points out that the Greatjon is
too brash and Robb decides to give Roose Bolton the command instead.
Robb tells Catelyn he will prepare an escort to take her back to Winterfell,
but Catelyn says that with her father dying and her brother surrounded, she
must go to them.
CHARACTERS
POV: Catelyn Tully, 8th in AGOT, 8th overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter:Chapter 41
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 60
Appearing: Brynden Tully, Catelyn Tully, Galbart Glover, Halys
Hornwood, Helman Tallhart, Jon Umber, Rickard Karstark, Robb Stark,
Robett Glover, Roose Bolton, Theon Greyjoy, Wendel Manderly, Wylis
Manderly
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Roose Bolton - He has pale, nearly colorless eyes.
Wendel Manderly - He is fat and bald with a walrus mustache.
Wylis Manderly - He is fat and bald with a walrus mustache.
Wyman Manderly - He is almost sixty and too stout to sit a horse.
LOCATIONS
Moat Cailin - Moat Cailin was a great fortress of the First Men with a
wooden keep and a curtain wall of basalt. It is said to have had twenty
towers, but is now in ruins and only three remain standing: the Gatehouse
Tower, the Drunkard's Tower, and the Children's Tower, where legend said
the children of the forest called upon their gods to create a flood. It is still a
formidable defensive position because the causeway passes between the
towers and is surrounded by impenetrable bogs.

A Game of Thrones - Tyrion VII

Tyrion approaches a Lannister camp of 20,000 men with Bronn and 300
clansmen of the Stone Crows, Moon Brothers, Black Ears, and Burned
Men. Gunthor stayed in the mountains to rally the other clans to Tyrion's
cause. Tyrion decides to ride ahead with Shagga, Conn, Chella, Ulf, and
Timett, representatives from each of the mountain clans with Tyrion. They
reach a checkpoint and are escorted to the main camp of Lord Tywin's army.
Ser Flement Brax greets them and takes them to Tywin. Lord Tywin has
taken as his headquarters the very inn from which Tyrion was abducted, and
Tyrion sees Masha's corpse hanging from a gibbet.
Tyrion enters the common room to find Lord Tywin sharing a pitcher of ale
with his brother, Ser Kevan. Tywin greets Tyrion coldly and treats him with
disdain throughout their conversation. Tyrion learns that Tywin has
destroyed the small parties that Edmure sent to stop Gregor's raids while
Jaime met Edmure before the walls of Riverrun and defeated and captured
him. Lord Tytos Blackwood managed to extricate the remains of Edmure's
force and get inside Riverrun, which is now under siege. Lord Tywin took
Lord Tytos's seat of Raventree and Lady Shella Whent yielded Harrenhal
for want of men to defend it. Gregor has burned out the Pipers and the
Brackens. In addition to Riverrun, only the Mallisters in Seagard and
Walder Frey at the Twins remain to resist the Lannisters. Marq Piper and
Karyl Vance are loose in the Lannister rear, raiding. Tyrion learns of
Robert's death and Eddard's imprisonment. Lord Beric and Thoros are also
still alive and harassing the rear. Just then, the clansmen burst in on the
meeting. Tyrion introduces them and begins to explain why they are there
when a messenger arrives from Ser Addam Marbrand stating that Robb is
moving south. Lord Tywin decides to meet him and finish him quickly so
that he can deal with Stannis. He tells the clansmen that if they ride with
him, all his son promised and more will be theirs.
CHARACTERS
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 7th in AGOT, 7th overall
Previous Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 43
Next Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 63
Appearing: Bronn, Chella, Conn, Flement Brax, Kevan Lannister, Shagga,
Timett, Tyrion Lannister, Tywin Lannister, Ulf
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Kevan Lannister - He is portly and balding with a close-cropped yellow
beard.
Timett - A war chief of the Burned Men. He put out his own left eye with a
knife upon reaching manhood and was immediately named a war chief in
awe of his sacrifice.
Tywin Lannister - He is tall, thin, and wiry with broad shoulders and a flat
stomach. He has kept his head shaved since he began going bald, but still
keeps his thick golden cheek whiskers. His green eyes are flecked with
gold. He is in his mid-fifties.
GROUPS
Burned Men - The Burned Men are feared by all of the other mountain
clans because they deliberately mortify their flesh with fire in a coming of
age ceremony.
Mountain Clans - The clans believe in a primitive form of democracy in
which each man and woman has a say in clan affairs.

A Game of Thrones - Sansa V

Sansa arrives for the first court of King Joffrey's reign. She has been given
free rein of the castle, but is always "escorted." The walls of the throne
room have been stripped of Robert's hunting tapestries. Three Kingsguard,
Ser Mandon, Ser Meryn, and Ser Preston, stand at the foot of the throne and
twenty or so lords wait for Joffrey to arrive, including Lord Gyles Rosby.
Other attendees include Jalabhar Xho, Horas and Hobber Redwyne, Ser
Aron Santagar, Ser Balon Swann, and Ser Dontos Hollard. Grand Maester
Pycelle, Varys, and Petyr assume their seats on the small council and then
Joffrey enters with Cersei, Ser Barristan, Ser Boros, and Ser Arys.
Joffrey has Grand Maester Pycelle read off a long list of those who must
come to King's Landing to swear fealty to Joffrey or be named traitors.
These include Stannis Baratheon and his wife and daughter;1 Renly
Baratheon; Nestor Royce and his son Albar; Yohn Royce and his sons
Andar and Robar; Lysa and Robert Arryn; Mace Tyrell and his brothers,
uncles, and sons;2 Hoster, Brynden, and Edmure Tully; Beric Dondarrion
and Thoros of Myr; Doran Martell; Bryce Caron; the great lords of the
riverlands, Jonos Bracken, Karyl Vance, Tytos Blackwood, Shella Whent,
Walder Frey and his heir Ser Stevron, and Jason Mallister; and Robb,
Catelyn, Brandon, Arya, and Rickon Stark. He names Lord Tywin the new
Hand of the King and names Cersei to the small council as queen regent.
Furthermore, he elevates Janos Slynt to Lord of Harrenhal and to the small
council. Lord Janos comes in at that point with his sons3 and takes his seat
on the council.
Next, the queen relieves Ser Barristan as Lord Commander of the
Kingsguard and names Jaime to the post. Barristan is stunned, as the oath is
for life. He talks of how he had always dreamed to be a Kingsguard and
joined in his twenty-third year. Ser Gerold Hightower heard his vows, and
he served alongside the likes of Prince Lewyn Martell and Arthur Dayne,
protecting three kings, Robert, Aerys II, and Aerys's father Jaehaerys II.
Cersei offers him land near Lannisport, but Barristan refuses, saying he will
die a knight and walks out after insulting the other Kingsguard and Joffrey.
Joffrey orders Barristan seized for questioning after he leaves, and Lord
Janos says he will see it done. Cersei names Sandor Clegane to replace Ser
Barristan on the Kingsguard. He accepts, but refuses to take a knight's
vows, becoming the first member not to be a knight. When the
pronouncements are over, Sansa comes forward and begs for mercy for
Eddard. Joffrey and Cersei relent and say his life may be spared if he
confesses his crimes.
CHARACTERS
POV: Sansa Stark, 5th in AGOT, 5th overall
Previous Sansa Chapter: Chapter 52
Next Sansa Chapter: Chapter 68
Appearing: Aron Santagar, Arys Oakheart, Balon Swann, Barristan Selmy,
Boros Blount, Cersei Lannister, Danos Slynt, Dontos Hollard, Gyles Rosby,
Hobber Redwyne, Horas Redwyne, Jalabhar Xho, Janos Slynt, Joffrey
Baratheon, Jothos Slynt, Mandon Moore, Meryn Trant, Morros Slynt, Petyr
Baelish, Preston Greenfield, Pycelle, Sandor Clegane, Sansa Stark, Varys
FOOTNOTES
1 - Lady Selyse Baratheon and Shireen
2 - His sons are Willas, Garlan, and Loras. His brothers(-in-law) are Paxter
Redwyne and Jon Fossoway. His uncles are Garth, Moryn, and Maester
Gormon.
3 - Morros, Jothos, and Danos

A Game of Thrones - Eddard XV

Eddard lies in the dungeon for days, delirious with pain and infection. He
thinks of events past and present and ponders the future and his own
foolishness. Eventually, his mind wanders to the year of the false spring
when he was eighteen and down from the Eyrie for the great tournament at
Harrenhal. He remembers Brandon, Robert going wild in the melee, and
Jaime Lannister kneeling in front of the king's pavilion and taking the vows
of the Kingsguard with all six if his new brothers in attendance.1 Prince
Rhaegar Targaryen owned the field that day, unhorsing all comers,
including Brandon, Yohn Royce, and Arthur Dayne. Eddard remembers the
moment when all the smiles died as Rhaegar rode past his own wife, Elia,
to name Lyanna queen of love and beauty and give her a crown of winter
roses. Thoughts of Lyanna once again make Eddard consider the promise he
made her as she lay dying.
After many days, Varys comes down to see him disguised as a gaoler. He
informs Eddard that Cersei will come down to see him the next day and ask
him to confess his crimes and order his son to lay down his arms. If Eddard
does so, he will be permitted to join the Night's Watch rather than be
executed. Eddard at first refuses, but Varys lets him know that Sansa may
pay the price in that case. Eddard realizes he has no choice.
CHARACTERS
POV: Eddard Stark, 15th in AGOT, 15th overall
Previous Eddard Chapter: Chapter 50
Appearing: Eddard Stark, Varys
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Varys - He was an actor in a mummer's troupe before he became a eunuch.
FOOTNOTES
1 - Lord Commander Ser Gerold Hightower, Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Oswell
Whent, Prince Lewyn Martell, Ser Jonothor Darry, and Ser Barristan Selmy

A Game of Thrones - Catelyn IX

Robb's host moves south. He is heading for the Twins, where Lord Walder
Frey has amassed a force of 4,000 men. Every day, Robb meets with a
different lord and listens to his input. Catelyn discusses Lord Walder with
Robb as he meets with Robett and tells him that she fears he will be
unfaithful to his oaths. Ser Brynden is commanding the outriders. Theon
rides up to report that Brynden has crossed swords with Ser Addam's
outriders and killed a dozen. He promises the Lannisters will not know
when the army splits. He has surrounded the Twins with bowmen to bring
down any ravens. Lord Walder has killed some Lannister scouts that
wandered onto his land, but he is holding back his main strength. There is
no other place to cross north of Lord Tywin but the Twins, and Robb must
have them. The next day, Ser Brynden personally reports on the battle at
Riverrun.1 Robb is angry at Lord Walder and does not know what to do;
Catelyn tells him he must negotiate.
Robb arrives at the Twins with his army flanked by Galbart, the Greatjon,
Lord Rickard, Lord Roose, Ser Helman, Ser Wendel, and Ser Wylis. The
gates are barred. Robb's bannermen concur that neither assault nor siege
will break the fortress. Four of Walder's sons led by Ser Stevron come out
to greet them. Ser Stevron reports that Lord Walder wants to speak with
Robb inside. The northern lords are outraged and make their displeasure
known. Catelyn seizes the moment and says she will go. Ser Perwyn Frey
remains behind as a hostage while Stevron and the others take Catelyn
inside. She is greeted by Lord Walder, surrounded by his entire family
(minus Ser Perwyn of course), bastards and all.2 Two of his sons, Danwell
and Whalen help him to his chair and his new wife of sixteen, Joyeuse,
stands by his side.
Lord Walder is rude to Catelyn, much to the chagrin of both Ser Stevron
and Walder's bastard son Ryger, and insults her father and brother too, but
she endures his insults. Walder is bitter with Lord Tywin for not asking for
his help, Lord Hoster for not coming to his last two weddings and not
having Edmure marry one of his daughters, and Jon Arryn for not taking
any of his grandsons to foster and sending Robert to foster with Stannis
instead of him. Catelyn is surprised by this, as she thought he was going to
be fostered with Lord Tywin, but Walder assures her it was Stannis.3 They
finally get down to business and work out an agreement, which Catelyn
brings back to Robb, escorted by Ser Jared, Ser Hosteen, Ser Danwell, and
Ronel Rivers. By the terms, Robb may cross and Walder's men will join
him, less four hundred that will stay to hold the Twins. In return, Catelyn
will foster two of his grandsons, Walder and Walder, Robb will take Olyvar
Frey as his squire, Elmar Frey is to wed Arya if she is alive, and Robb is to
marry one of Walder's daughters after the fighting. Robb decides to leave
Ser Helman at the Twins with four hundred men to insure Walder's loyalty.
That evening, Robb crosses with the majority of his horse while Lord Roose
stays on the other bank and marches south to confront Tywin.
CHARACTERS
POV: Catelyn Tully, 9th in AGOT, 9th overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 56
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 64
Appearing: Brynden Tully, Danwell Frey, Galbart Glover, Helman Tallhart,
Hosteen Frey, Jared Frey, Jon Umber, Joyeuse Erenford, Perwyn Frey,
Rickard Karstark, Robb Stark, Robett Glover, Ronel Rivers, Roose Bolton,
Ryger Rivers, Stevron Frey, Theon Greyjoy, Walder Frey, Wendel
Manderly, Whalen Frey, Wylis Manderly
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Stevron Frey - He is past sixty with grey eyes and a weaselly face.
Walder Frey - He is over ninety, small, and weaselly with a bald, spotted
head. He has terrible gout and cannot stand unassisted.
HOUSES
House Frey of the Twins - The Freys have controlled the crossing at the
Twins for six hundred years.
LOCATIONS
The Twins - The Twins are a set of castles that guard the only crossing of
the Green Fork of the Trident. The bridge is built of gray stone and wide
enough for two wagons. The Water Tower rises from the center to guard it.
The twin keeps are built at either end. The originals were made of wood,
but they were replaced by the current massive stone fortifications centuries
ago. They are squat, with high curtain walls, deep moats, and heavy oak-
and-iron gates. As the name implies, they are identical.
FOOTNOTES
1 - AGOT 57
2 - There are far too many to be worth mentioning here; just check out the
page of House Frey.
3 - This is the second time that Catelyn has been shocked to hear this
(AGOT 41). [ SPOILER for A Clash of Kings >> It is the truth, however
(ACOK 1). << END SPOILER ] [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >>
Jon's plan was the primary reason why Lysa decided to kill him (ASOS 81).
<< END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones – Jon VIII

Lord Commander Mormont checks on Jon, who's hand was seriously
burned in the fire from killing the wight. It will scar, but should heal well.
Another ranging has returned, performed by Dywen and Hake, and once
again found no sign of Benjen. A message arrived the night before stating
that Ser Barristan had been removed from the Kingsguard and charged with
treason. He slew two gold cloaks that came for him and left King's Landing.
A message arrived before that telling of Robb's march to war, but Mormont
did not tell Jon about that; Sam did. Jon is having a hard time dealing with
that news and feels a coward for not going south to help despite his vows to
the Watch.
The Lord Commander presents Jon with a gift for saving his life, his
ancestral blade, Longclaw. It had passed to Jorah when Jeor took the black,
but Jorah left it behind when he went into exile and Jeor put it away and
largely forgot about it until he rediscovered it after the fire. The hilt had
burned in the fire, but the Valyrian steel blade survived and a new hilt was
crafted with a stone wolf replacing the original silver bear. Mormont has
sent Ser Alliser to King's Landing with the hand of the wight Jafer Flowers
to plead the case of the Night's Watch for more men. Ser Endrew Tarth will
come from the Shadow Tower to replace him as master-at-arms. Mormont
sends Jon for wine.
As Jon leaves the tower, Pyp, Todder, Grenn, Halder, and Matthar, surround
him to see the sword, which they know about because Halder helped Pate
carve the pommel, Sam bought the garnets for the hilt in Mole's Town, and
Rudge helped Donal Noye reform the sword in the forge. As his friends
jest, Jon thinks of the other wight, Jafer, who killed five men including Ser
Jaremy before it was hacked to pieces. Ser Jaremy had cut off his head, but
the headless corpse responded by killing him. Jon is melancholy because of
his injury and the fighting in the riverlands and soon takes leave of his
friends. He goes back to his room and shows Longclaw to Ghost. Sam
comes to tell Jon that Maester Aemon wants to see him. Sam told the
maester about telling Jon about Robb.
Jon finds the maester feeding the ravens with the help of Clydas, whom the
maester sends away. Aemon talks of the vows of the Night's Watch and how
important it is to place honor before love. When Aegon the Conqueror slew
King Harren and conquered his kingdom, the Lord Commander of the
Watch was his brother. Although Lord Commander Hoare had ten thousand
swords, he did not march. When the Seven Kingdoms actually were seven
and there was hardly a time three or four were not at war, the Watch did not
take part. When the Andals came across the sea to destroy the kingdoms of
the First Men, the Watch remained neutral. He tells Jon that he knows how
he feels and how hard it is to keep the vows when tested, but Jon does not
believe this, so Aemon tells his story. He was tested three times, but he
chose his vows. Maesters give up their house names when they don the
collar, but he was once Aemon Targaryen.
CHARACTERS
POV: Jon Snow, 8th in AGOT, 8th overall
Previous Jon Chapter: Chapter 53
Next Jon Chapter: Chapter 71
Appearing: Clydas, Grenn, Halder, Jeor Mormont, Jon Snow, Matthar,
Pypar, Samwell Tarly, Todder
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Jeor Mormont - His beard was singed by the fire that killed the wight, and
he shaved it off and started regrowing it from scratch.
GROUPS
The Night's Watch - When Aegon I conquered Westeros, the Night's Watch
had a strength of ten thousand men.
The Night's Watch - The wildlings call the members of the Watch crows.
ITEMS
Longclaw - The ancestral sword of House Mormont. It is made of Valyrian
steel. It has been in the Mormont family for five hundred years. The
original hilt, capped by a worn silver bear's head pommel, was destroyed in
the fire that killed the wight, but Jeor had a new hilt made with a stone
direwolf pommel.

A Game of Thrones – Daenerys VII

Daenerys rides her silver through a town of the Lhazareen newly taken by
Drogo. Khal Ogo had arrived first to loot the town, but Drogo killed him
and his son, Fogo, and integrated most of Ogo's khalasar into his own.
Drogo plans to take the slaves to Meereen and sell them to buy ships to
cross the sea to Westeros. Daenerys rides with Ser Jorah, Irri, Jhiqui,
Doreah, Aggo, Jhogo, Quaro, and Rakharo to find Drogo. On the way, she
sees a girl her age being raped1 and cannot stand the sight, telling Jorah and
her khas to make it stop, which they do. Ser Jorah comments that she is
truly like her brother Rhaegar. Daenerys leaves Doreah to tend to the girl
and continues on, claiming every woman she sees being raped as she passes
by.
Daenerys finally finds Drogo with his bloodriders, Cohollo, Haggo, and
Qotho before a giant mud building with an onion dome. Drogo has an arrow
in his arm and a cut on his chest. One of his riders, Mago, is complaining
about Daenerys stopping him from raping the first girl that she claimed, but
Drogo does not care. Daenerys soon realizes that Drogo's wounds are more
serious than she was led to believe. She learns that Drogo has refused the
healers and is about to send for them when one of the Lhazareen women
she saved speaks up, saying she can help Drogo. She is Mirri Maz Duur, the
godswife of the town's temple, which is dedicated to the Great Shepherd.
Haggo names her maegi, a woman who lies with demons and practices the
dark arts, but Mirri says she is a healer. Her mother was godswife before
her and taught her of healing and she also traveled the East to learn the
ways of the Dothraki, Jogos Nhai, and Asshai'i. She even studied with a
maester of Westeros named Marwyn, who opened a body for her to
examine. Daenerys convinces Drogo to let her heal him, and Mirri takes
him inside the temple. She pulls out the arrow, stitches up his wounds, and
applies a poultice which she says he must wear for ten days and nights.
Afterwards, Daenerys asks her to be midwife when she gives birth.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 7th in AGOT, 7th overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 55
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 65
Appearing: Aggo, Cohollo, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Drogo, Eroeh,
Haggo, Irri, Jhiqui, Jhogo, Jorah Mormont, Mago, Mirri Maz Duur, Qotho,
Quaro, Rakharo
GROUPS
Dothraki - After a battle, the jaqqa rhan, or mercy men, go out amongst the
dying and take their heads with heavy axes. The Dothraki keep two kinds of
healers: barren women, who deal in herbs, potions, and spells; and eunuch
slaves, who deal in knife, needle, and fire.
Jogos Nhai - The Jogos Nhai have mystical healers called moonsingers who
know songs that aid in birthing.
Lhazareen - The Lhazareen are a people that live to the south of the
Dothraki sea. They have copper skin and squat flat faces. Their eyes are
almond shaped and their hair is cropped short. They are primarily shepherds
and are called the haesh rakhi, or Lamb Men, by the Dothraki. They
worship the Great Shepherd and believe that all of humanity is one flock.
LOCATIONS
Meereen - The city had a plague last year and is paying high prices for new
slaves.
FOOTNOTES
1 - Her name is Eroeh.

A Game of Thrones – Tyrion VIII

Tyrion arrives late for dinner with Tywin and his commanders. Lord Leo
Lefford, in charge of supplies, questions the use of arming Tyrion's
clansmen. Ser Kevan states that Tywin wants to place them in the vanguard
under Ser Gregor. Tyrion is not pleased, but sees no choice. He loses his
appetite and leaves. He returns to his tent, where his new servants, a groom,
a bodyservant, and his squire, Podrick Payne, have just finished eating.
Bronn is also waiting with a camp follower named Shae. Tyrion had sent
Bronn to bring him a likely whore. He takes Shae into his tent. She has a
smart mouth, which Tyrion likes. He tells her that she will be his servant
and companion for as long as he has use for her and will take no other men
while in his service. She agrees, and they have sex, which Tyrion realizes he
has missed greatly.
Early the next morning, trumpets sound as the men are called to form ranks
for battle. He sends Podrick scurrying to get his armor. Bronn rides up and
reports that the Stark army marched through the night and is now forming
battle lines. Tyrion dons a mismatched suit of armor, as his personal armor
is back at Casterly Rock, and rides off to join his men. Ser Kevan
commands the center of the army, consisting largely of foot, and Ser Addam
Marbrand has the right, with the main horse. Tyrion is on the left,
commanded by Gregor. Lord Tywin commands the reserves, as he always
does. Gregor positions Tyrion on the far left of the line. The left is
composed of ill-disciplined freeriders and hedge knights with little infantry
support. The Stark army advances, and Gregor orders a charge. The battle
becomes a personal struggle. Tyrion kills one knight, causes another to
yield, and takes a wound to the right arm before the battle moves past him.
Kevan brings up the center in support and Tywin brings the reserve crashing
through the Stark line, breaking it.
With the battle over, Tyrion gathers his men. Shagga was wounded, but
survives, Chella and Timett are unharmed, and Conn and Ulf are dead. In
all, about half of the three hundred clansmen survived. Tyrion goes to find
his father, furious because he knows now that he was placed on the left to
die. Tywin confirms that the left was supposed to collapse and draw the
Stark army in so that Kevan could flank them. Ser Addam rides up and
reports that several battle commanders were captured, including Medger
Cerwyn, Wylis Manderly, Harrion Karstark, and four Freys.1 Lord Halys
Hornwood was killed. He also reports that Robb was not with the army and
moved on Riverrun with his horse.
CHARACTERS
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 8th in AGOT, 8th overall
Previous Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 57
Next Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 70
Appearing: Addam Marbrand, Bronn, Chella, Conn, Gregor Clegane,
Kevan Lannister, Leo Lefford, Podrick Payne, Shae, Shagga, Timett, Tyrion
Lannister, Tywin Lannister, Ulf
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Addam Marbrand - He is rangy with copper-colored hair that falls to his
shoulders.
FOOTNOTES
1 - Ser Donnel Locke was also captured (ACOK 26).
A Game of Thrones – Catelyn X
Catelyn sits on her horse surrounded by thirty men led by Hallis Mollen
who are to take her back to Winterfell if the coming battle goes ill. Robb
moves among the men preparing for battle. Ser Brynden has reported that
Jaime does not know they are there. Jaime has twelve thousand foot and
two or three thousand horse in three separate camps besieging Riverrun.
Lord Jason Mallister has joined his strength to Robb, and remnants of
Edmure's host that retreated after the battle before Riverrun have also
augmented his force. Robb mounts as Olyvar holds his horse. He rides
down the line with Grey Wind and his thirty battle companions, including
the sons of several great lords, Torrhen and Eddard Karstark, Patrek
Mallister, Smalljon Umber, Daryn Hornwood, Theon Greyjoy, Wendel
Manderly, Robin Flint, and five Freys. Also with him is Dacey Mormont,
Lady Maege's eldest daughter who has been trained as a warrior. They hear
Jaime ride out on one of his frequent raids and Robb prepares his trap.
Catelyn watches Robb ride off and then listens to the battle unfold. At its
conclusion, Robb rides back to her with Theon, Galbart, and the Greatjon to
present Jaime Lannister, his new prisoner. Jaime killed Eddard, Torrhen,
and Daryn trying to reach Robb before he was captured. In addition to
Jaime, Robb's forces captured Lord Gawen Westerling, Lord Quenten
Banefort, Lord Regenard Estren, Willem Lannister, Ser Garth Greenfield,
Ser Tytos Brax, Mallor the Dornishman, and Cleos and Tion Frey.1
CHARACTERS
POV: Catelyn Tully, 10th in AGOT, 10th overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 60
Next Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 72
Appearing: Catelyn Tully, Dacey Mormont, Daryn Hornwood, Eddard
Karstark, Galbart Glover, Hallis Mollen, Jaime Lannister, Jon Umber, Jon
Umber, Olyvar Frey, Patrek Mallister, Robb Stark, Robin Flint, Theon
Greyjoy, Torrhen Karstark, Wendel Manderly
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Olyvar Frey - He is seventeen.
FOOTNOTES
1 - They were fighting on the side of the Lannisters despite Robb's
agreement with Lord Walder because their mother, Genna, is sister to Lord
Tywin.

A Game of Thrones – Daenerys VIII

Drogo has not been following Mirri's instructions, and he is slowly dying.
He ripped off the poultice she gave him because it itched. The herbwomen
made him a new one with mud that was more soothing, but it has not been
helping. Daenerys tries to get his attention as they ride, and he falls off his
horse. Cohollo, Haggo, and Qotho ride up. Daenerys tells them they must
halt and camp and sends Qotho to fetch Mirri, which he does only
reluctantly. Irri and Doreah help Daenerys carry Drogo into his tent and
Eroeh lights the braziers. Doreah and Jhiqui get him undressed. Aggo,
Jhogo, Quaro, and Rakharo guard the entrance to the tent so no one will see
him in his weak state. Jorah arrives and tells Daenerys to send her maids
away. He peels the poultice and sees that the wound has festered terribly.
He tells Daenerys that Drogo is as good as dead and they must flee before
he dies. He says that Jhaqo and Pono and the other kos of the khalasar will
fight to lead the khalasar and the winner will kill her child to eliminate a
future rival.
Mirri arrives and tells Daenerys that Drogo will be dead by morning.
Daenerys begs Mirri to save him, and Mirri says there is a way, a
bloodmagic ritual, but there will be a price to pay: death. Daenerys tells her
to do it. Mirri sends everybody out and tells Daenerys no one may enter
once she begins. After Daenerys leaves, Mirri begins singing and dancing,
and she does not seem to be dancing alone. Drogo's bloodriders return and
are horrified. Qotho makes for the tent. Quaro tries to stop him, but Qotho
kills him. Jorah moves against him. Qotho wounds him in several places,
but Jorah gets a good blow in and kills him. Rakharo and Jhogo take down
Haggo. Cohollo grabs Daenerys, but Aggo kills him with an arrow.
Daenerys has gone into labor. Jorah screams for the birthing women, but
they will not come. Seeing no other choice, he takes her into Drogo's tent.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 8th in AGOT, 8th overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 62
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 69
Appearing: Aggo, Cohollo, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Drogo, Eroeh,
Haggo, Irri, Jhiqui, Jhogo, Jorah Mormont, Mirri Maz Duur, Qotho, Quaro,
Rakharo
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Jhogo - He is sixteen.

A Game of Thrones – Arya V

Arya has been hiding in King's Landing since her escape from the castle.
She catches pigeons and trades them for soup in the Flea Bottom
neighborhood of the city. She has checked the gates, but they are all
guarded. All of her possessions have been stolen save for the clothes on her
back, her wooden sword, and Needle. She goes to the docks one day and
sees that the Wind Witch is still in port with Stark guardsmen on deck. She
almost goes to them, but realizes at the last moment that none of the guards
are her father's men, and it is a trap. As she returns to Flea Bottom from the
docks, she hears a bell begin to ring. It is a summoning to the Great Sept,
where Eddard is going to make an appearance.
Arya goes to the sept with the rest of the city. She climbs a statue and sees
Eddard with the High Septon standing behind him. Many high lords are
present, as well as Joffrey and Cersei flanked by five Kingsguard including
Sandor; Varys; Petyr; and Sansa. Eddard confesses to plotting to dethrone
Joffrey and take the throne, and he proclaims Joffrey the true king. Joffrey
then says that his mother wants Eddard to be allowed to join the Night's
Watch, but he will take Eddard's head. Sansa screams, and Ser Ilyn comes
forward to see it done with Ice as a man in black and red armor holds him
down.1 Arya desperately tries to reach him, but the crowd is too thick.
Suddenly, a man grabs her and a voice tells her not to look. When it is done,
she looks up and sees that the man is Yoren. He shoves her into a doorway
and pulls a knife.
CHARACTERS
POV: Arya Stark, 5th in AGOT, 5th overall
Previous Arya Chapter: Chapter 51
Next Arya Chapter: ACOK Chapter 2
Appearing: Arya Stark, Cersei Lannister, Eddard Stark, High Septon, Janos
Slynt, Joffrey Baratheon, Petyr Baelish, Sandor Clegane, Sansa Stark,
Varys, Yoren
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
High Septon - He is squat, fat, old, and gray.
LOCATIONS
King's Landing - There are seven gates leading into the city, the Dragon
Gate, the Gate of the Gods, the Iron Gate, the King's Gate, the Lion Gate,
the Mud Gate, and the Old Gate.
FOOTNOTES
1 - This footnote contains details from AGOT 68. Click to show.

A Game of Thrones – Bran VII

Bran, Summer, and Maester Luwin watch Ser Rodrik train new recruits.
Bran says that if he were trained to use a poleaxe, he could fight using
Hodor as his legs. Luwin replies that a man's arms, legs, and thoughts must
be one in battle. Bran brings up Symeon Star-Eyes, a knight who
supposedly fought blind and replaced his eyes with sapphires, but Luwin
says that Symeon, like Florian the Fool and countless others, is merely a
legend from the Age of Heroes. Bran tells the maester that he had the crow
dream again, in which he went down to the crypts and talked to Eddard.
Eddard seemed sad; it had something to do with Jon. Bran tried to go down
to the crypts when he awoke, but Hodor would not enter. Maester Luwin
summons Osha to carry Bran and goes down to the crypts with him.
As they proceed through the crypts, Maester Luwin has Bran tell Osha
about the people whose graves they pass. Jon Stark defeated the sea raiders
when they landed in the east and built the castle at White Harbor. His son,
Rickard, took the Neck from the Marsh King and married the king's
daughter. Theon Stark was called the Hungry Wolf because he was always
at war. Brandon the Shipwright loved the sea and was lost sailing far to the
west. His son, Brandon the Burner, burnt all his father's ships in his grief.
Rodrik Stark won Bear Island in a wrestling match and granted it to House
Mormont. Torrhen Stark is known as the King Who Knelt for yielding to
Aegon the Conqueror. Cregan Stark was considered a fine swordsman and
once fought Prince Aemon the Dragonknight. Lord Rickard Stark was
executed by King Aerys II. Brandon and Lyanna also have statues, even
though by tradition only the kings and lords get them, because Eddard loved
them so much. They finally arrive at Eddard's grave, and Shaggydog
suddenly leaps at Maester Luwin and savages his arm before Summer
intervenes and Rickon calls him off. Rickon is here because he had the
same dream as Bran. They convince him to come back to Maester Luwin's
tower with them, where Osha bandages the maester's wound.
Osha brings up the children of the forest and Maester Luwin brings out a jar
of dragonglass arrowheads to show Bran and Rickon. He says that the
children worked no metal and wore clothes made of leaves and bark and
wielded weapons made of dragonglass. Bran asks the maester to tell him all
about the children. Maester Luwin says no one knows how long they lived
in Westeros, but their domination ended with the arrival of the First Men
twelve thousand years ago, who began to clear away the trees for fields.
After years of war, a pact was forged on the Isle of Faces in which the First
Men agreed to chop down no more trees and live in peace. This is
considered the end of the Dawn Age and the beginning of the Age of
Heroes. The pact endured through the Age of Heroes, the Long Night, and
the founding of the Seven Kingdoms until the Andals arrived in Westeros
four thousand years later. Before Maester Luwin can finish the story, he is
interrupted by Summer howling. A raven arrives at the window with a
message reporting Eddard's death.
CHARACTERS
POV: Brandon Stark, 7th in AGOT, 7th overall
Previous Brandon Chapter: Chapter 54
Next Brandon Chapter: ACOK Chapter 5
Appearing: Brandon Stark, Luwin, Osha, Rickon Stark, Rodrik Cassel
HOUSES
House Mormont of Bear Island - House Mormont gained hegemony over
Bear Island when King Rodrik Stark granted the island to them after
supposedly winning it in a wrestling match.
GROUPS
Andals - The Andals crossed over to Westeros by sea thousands of years
ago and conquered the six southern kingdoms in the name of the Seven.
They cut down weirwoods and drove the children of the forest and the First
Men north.
Children of the Forest - The children were small, dark and beautiful. They
wore clothes of leaves and bark, hunted with weirwood bows, and used
blades and arrowheads made of dragonglass. Their wise men were called
greenseers, and they carved faces into the weirwoods to keep watch over
the forest. Their gods were the nameless gods of nature that are now called
the old gods. They are the oldest known inhabitants of Westeros. When the
First Men crossed the Arm of Dorne and began to settle the land, they
chopped down the weirwoods, which led to open war. The children used
magic to shatter the Arm, but they could not prevail against the invaders.
Finally, the two peoples came to a peace agreement in a meeting on the Isle
of Faces, in which the children retained the forests and the First Men agreed
to halt the cutting down of weirwoods. This peace lasted for four thousand
years until the Andals came and began chopping down the trees again.
Under persecution, the children retreated to the far north, where some claim
they still live today.
The First Men - The First Men came to Westeros twelve thousand years
ago, according to their own traditions, by crossing over the Arm of Dorne.
They began carving out settlements, but soon came into conflict with the
children of the forest when they cut down weirwoods. The First Men, with
their bronze swords, large leather shields, and horses, soon gained the upper
hand despite the children's shattering of the Arm, preventing reinforcements
from arriving. Eventually, the First Men made peace with the children and
agreed to leave them the forests and not cut down any more weirwoods.
Over the next four thousand years they lived in peace with the children,
adopted the old gods as their own, and established hundreds of kingdoms
that eventually consolidated into seven. The subsequent invasion by the
Andals drove the First Men out of the southern lands, leaving them only the
north.
ITEMS
Dragonglass - This is the common name of the volcanic rock obsidian. The
children of the forest used it to make weapons.
LOCATIONS
The Broken Arm - The First Men crossed over into Westeros using the
Arm. After the war against the children of the forest began, the children
used their magic to shatter it.
EVENTS
The Conquest - The conquest of the north was accomplished without
bloodshed when King Torrhen Stark swore fealty to Aegon the Conqueror
rather than fight him after he learned of Aegon's victories in the south. In
return, Aegon allowed Torrhen to continue as lord paramount of the north.

A Game of Thrones – Sansa VI

Sansa stays in her room for days weeping and shivering in grief and reliving
the moment when Janos Slynt held her father down and Ser Ilyn chopped
off his head. Finally, Joffrey comes for her with Sandor, Ser Arys and Ser
Meryn to tell her she will attend him. She refuses initially, and Joffrey
makes Sandor get her dressed. She says she wants to go home, and Joffrey
says they are still to be married. She says she hates him, and Joffrey has Ser
Meryn hit her. He leaves then, and Sansa bathes and dresses. Ser Meryn
comes back to escort her to Joffrey. She tells him he is no true knight, but
he simply does not care.
Sansa attends court, where Joffrey sits in judgment with Cersei, Varys,
Petyr, and Janos. He lets them handle most of the cases, but when he
intervenes, it is always to give out bloody punishments. When it is over, he
comes to her with Ser Meryn and Sandor and takes her to the battlements to
see the traitors' heads. On the way, he says he will get her with child as soon
as she is able, and if the child is stupid he will kill them both and get a new
wife. Eddard's head is up there, as is Septa Mordane's and several others.
There are two empty spikes for Renly and Stannis. Joffrey tells Sansa of
Jaime's capture and tells her he will raise a host and bring her Robb's head.
Sansa retorts that Robb may bring her Joffrey's head, and he has Ser Meryn
beat her again. She considers pushing Joffrey off the battlements, but
Sandor kneels before her and delicately wipes the blood from her face, and
the moment passes.
CHARACTERS
POV: Sansa Stark, 6th in AGOT, 6th overall
Previous Sansa Chapter: Chapter 58
Next Sansa Chapter: ACOK Chapter 3
Appearing: Arys Oakheart, Cersei Lannister, Janos Slynt, Joffrey
Baratheon, Meryn Trant, Petyr Baelish, Sandor Clegane, Sansa Stark, Varys

A Game of Thrones – Daenerys IX

Daenerys sleeps and has strange dreams of Drogo having sex with her, of
Viserys talking of waking dragons, of her son, tall and proud with bronze
skin and white hair, consumed in flame, and of Rhaegar, yet when she
opens his visor she sees her own face. She awakens very weak and tries to
reach her dragon eggs. Irri, Jhiqui, and Doreah are there, as are Rakharo and
Mirri Maz Duur. Jorah comes and takes her back to her bed. She sleeps
again, and when she wakes she asks to hold an egg before going back to
sleep. The third time she stays awake and asks for Jorah. Her egg is warm
to the touch, but when Jorah arrives with Mirri and Daenerys asks him to
feel it, he only feels cold stone. She feels different, all her fear gone.
Daenerys learns her son is dead; he came out of the womb twisted and
seeming to have died years ago. Entering the tent killed her son; it was the
price for Drogo's life. She tells Mirri to show her Drogo. When they get
outside, they see Aggo, Jhogo, Rakharo, and about a hundred old men,
women, and children. The rest are gone. Pono declared himself a khal first
and left with many others; next Jhaqo did the same with twenty thousand
men. Nearly a dozen new khalasars were formed in all. They took the
livestock and the slaves. Mago, now a bloodrider to Jhaqo, and several
others took Eroeh and raped her then slit her throat. Daenerys says he will
pay. Mirri takes her to Drogo. He is blind and does not respond to anything.
Daenerys is furious at Mirri, and Mirri explains that she did it for revenge
and to rid the world of the stallion that mounts the world. Daenerys orders
her bound hand and foot and carried away. That night, she takes Drogo out
into the grass and uses every sexual trick she knows to try and revive him.
When all fails, she smothers him.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 9th in AGOT, 9th overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 65
Next Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 73
Appearing: Aggo, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Drogo, Irri, Jhiqui, Jhogo,
Jorah Mormont, Mirri Maz Duur, Rakharo

A Game of Thrones – Tyrion IX

Lord Tywin and his lords bannermen and retainers, including Ser Kevan,
Ser Addam, Ser Flement, Ser Harys Swyft, Ser Gregor, Lord Leo, and
Tyrion receive a messenger from Riverrun. Tywin has been marching south
at a relentless pace, leaving many wounded along the side of the road to die,
trying to reach Riverrun. The messenger reports that Jaime has been
captured and his army destroyed. The north camp fell first. It started with
Ser Brynden leading the van, taking out the sentries, and clearing the
palisades. Then, Robb personally led the main force and the Greatjon fired
the siege engines. Lord Tytos completed the trap by leading a sortie from
Riverrun to take the Lannisters in the rear. Ser Edmure was freed, along
with many other captives. At the west camp, Lord Andros Brax was killed
trying to cross the river as his camp was surrounded. Ser Forley Prester was
able to extricate his men from the south camp, but the Tyroshi sellsword
leading his freeriders changed sides.
Tywin's lords are horrified. Ser Addam wants to march against Robb, but
Ser Harys and Lord Leo think that peace must be forged. Tyrion points out
that killing Eddard eliminated any chance of that. Finally, Lord Tywin
speaks up and commands everyone to leave save Tyrion and Kevan. Tywin
reveals that Renly has married Margaery Tyrell and claimed the throne with
the might of Highgarden at his back. Stannis continues to sit at
Dragonstone, but Varys hears rumors of various sorts, including that he is
building ships, that he is hiring sellswords, and even that he brought in a
shadowbinder from Asshai.1 Tywin's army is now in a precarious position.
Robb holds the Twins and Moat Cailin and blocks the route back to
Lannisport. With Renly massing in the south and Stannis at Dragonstone,
there is a risk of being caught between three armies.
Tywin decides he must deal with Robb before Renly can march. He decides
to regroup at Harrenhal. Ser Addam will screen the army, while Ser Gregor,
Ser Amory Lorch, and Vargo Hoat set the Riverlands aflame. Meanwhile,
Tyrion will go to King's Landing to rule. Tywin is disgusted with the recent
activities of Joffrey such as elevating Janos to a lordship and dismissing Ser
Barristan. He orders Tyrion to take Joffrey in hand and deal with the small
council. When Tyrion asks why Tywin is suddenly giving him such
responsibility, he replies that Tyrion is his son. At that point Tyrion realizes
that Tywin has given up Jaime for lost and hates him for it. Tywin orders
him not to bring Shae to court and then dismisses him. He returns to his
room and Shae and tells her they are going to King's Landing.
CHARACTERS
POV: Tyrion Lannister, 9th in AGOT, 9th overall
Previous Tyrion Chapter: Chapter 63
Next Tyrion Chapter: ACOK Chapter 4
Appearing: Addam Marbrand, Flement Brax, Gregor Clegane, Harys
Swyft, Kevan Lannister, Leo Lefford, Tyrion Lannister, Tywin Lannister
FOOTNOTES
1 – Melisandre

A Game of Thrones – Jon IX

Jon prepares a horse to leave Castle Black as Sam tries to stop him.
Preparations complete, he calls Ghost and gallops past Sam into the night,
nearly running Sam down before he jumps out of the way. Jon has chosen
the life of an outcast for the chance to avenge his father at Robb's side.
Ghost keeps pace with him for awhile and then goes off on his own and
does not come when Jon calls for him. He stops to eat and hears horses
coming. He gets off the road just before Grenn, Halder, Pyp, Matthar, and
Todder ride up. Sam must have told them what he was doing. Ghost betrays
his position to them, and they coerce him into coming back.
The next morning, Jon fetches Lord Commander Mormont's breakfast from
Hobb and takes it to him. Jeor chastises him for running, saying he knew it
would happen, and he had been observed leaving. He tells Jon that the war
affects everyone, and he is not special. He also tells him of darker tidings.
Cotter Pyke reports elk and mammoths fleeing south. Ser Denys Mallister
reports abandoned wildling villages and seeing huge fires in the night, and
Qhorin Halfhand has caught a wildling who states that Mance Rayder is
gathering all his people at a new stronghold. Many rangers have gone
missing in the past year and now the dead have been seen to walk. Lord
Commander Mormont is personally going to lead a large expedition beyond
the Wall to find Benjen Stark and discover what is going on. By tradition,
the Lord Commander's steward is also his squire, but he says he will not
take Jon if he just plans to run off again. Jon reluctantly lets go of his father
and siblings and promises not to run again.
CHARACTERS
POV: Jon Snow, 9th in AGOT, 9th overall
Previous Jon Chapter: Chapter 61
Next Jon Chapter: ACOK Chapter 7
Appearing: Grenn, Halder, Jeor Mormont, Jon Snow, Matthar, Pypar,
Samwell Tarly, Todder
LOCATIONS
Mole's Town - A town close to Castle Black that largely consists of
underground cellars and tunnels. One of these cellars is a whorehouse
frequented by members of the Night's Watch despite their vows of celibacy.

A Game of Thrones – Catelyn XI

Robb and Catelyn prepare to enter Riverrun by boat. Theon and Grey Wind
are in the boat with them, and the Greatjon, Lord Rickard, and Ser Brynden
are in the next boat. They are greeted by Ser Edmure, Lord Tytos, and
Utherydes Wayn who offer condolences to Catelyn for Eddard's death.
Edmure takes Catelyn to see Hoster, who is dying. He is happy to see her,
but seems extremely disappointed that Lysa did not come too.1 He also asks
if Brynden has wed yet, as his refusal to marry Bethany Redwyne at
Hoster's order is the main cause of their quarrel. She goes looking for Robb
and finds him praying in the godswood, so she waits. When he is done, he
comes and tells her that Renly has declared himself king and he must call a
council to decide what to do.
The great lords all gather. Hoster is too sick, so Edmure is there for him
with Ser Brynden at his side. Arrayed around him are Lord Jonos, Lord
Tytos, Lord Jason, Ser Marq, Ser Stevron, Karyl Vance, now a lord with the
death of his father, and Lyman Darry, son of the late Ser Raymun. All the
lords of the north are there too, Robb, Theon, Rickard, Maege, Galbart, and
the Greatjon. Roose has reported that he has reformed his army at the
causeway before Moat Cailin, while Lord Tywin has crossed the Trident
and is making for Harrenhal. There is great disagreement over what to do
next. Ser Marq urges a strike at Casterly Rock, while Lord Tytos wants to
finish Tywin at Harrenhal. Lord Jonos feels they should declare for Renly
and squeeze Tywin between them, and Lord Jason says they should bide
their time since they are blocking Tywin's line of supply. Ser Stevron thinks
they should make peace and see who wins between Joffrey and Renly, but is
shouted down. Robb is undecided. Joffrey is the true king, but he cannot
bow to the Lannisters with his father executed. Renly has the might of the
Reach and the Stormlands, but Stannis has the better claim. Catelyn makes
an impassioned plea for peace, but she is shouted down. Finally, the
Greatjon jumps up and says he has had his fill of these kings; he will bow to
Robb as the King in the North. Soon, all the lords of the north and the
riverlands alike are rising to their feet and offering fealty to Robb.
CHARACTERS
POV: Catelyn Tully, 11th in AGOT, 11th overall
Previous Catelyn Chapter: Chapter 64
Next Catelyn Chapter: ACOK Chapter 8
Appearing: Catelyn Tully, Edmure Tully, Galbart Glover, Hoster Tully,
Jason Mallister, Jon Umber, Jonos Bracken, Karyl Vance, Lyman Darry,
Maege Mormont, Marq Piper, Rickard Karstark, Robb Stark, Stevron Frey,
Theon Greyjoy, Tytos Blackwood, Utherydes Wayn
ACTIVE CHARACTERS
Edmure Tully - He is stocky with shaggy auburn hair and beard and blue
eyes.
Hoster Tully - He used to be a stout man with brown hair and beard
streaked with gray. Now he is thin and shrunken with snow white hair.
Lyman Darry - He is eight.
Tytos Blackwood - He is slender with close-cropped salt-and-pepper
whiskers and a hooked nose.

LOCATIONS
Stone Hedge - Stone Hedge is now a smoking ruin thanks to Gregor
Clegane.
FOOTNOTES
1 - [ SPOILER for A Storm of Swords >> Hoster wants to apologize for
making Lysa have an abortion (ASOS 81). << END SPOILER ]

A Game of Thrones – Daenerys X

Daenerys sends her people to find wood for a pyre. She has Aggo slay one
of the best horses remaining and add it to the wood. She then lays Drogo on
the pyre with all his most prized possessions. Ser Jorah comes to her and
tells her not to sacrifice herself, but she assures him that is not her intent.
She names the remaining Dothraki her khalasar and frees those that are
slaves. She next gives Jhogo the whip that was her bridal gift and names
him ko and asks him to be her bloodrider. He refuses because she is a
woman, but she presses on, gifting Aggo the bow and Rakharo the arakh
and asking the same, but they both also refuse. She next turns to Ser Jorah,
who swears an oath of fealty to her as queen, and names him the first of her
Queensguard. Next, she has Irri, Jhiqui, and Doreah bathe her and dress her
before bathing and dressing Drogo's corpse. She has him placed on the pyre
and then has her dragon eggs arrayed around him. Mirri Maz Duur, still
bound, says she is mad, but Daenerys disagrees and then has the woman
placed on the pyre too. A red comet appears in the sky right before she
gives the order to light the pyre. As Drogo burns and Mirri dies, Daenerys
walks into the fire, yet is not burned by it. Three large cracks are heard as
her dragon eggs hatch. When it is over, Daenerys's clothes and hair have
been entirely burned away, but she is unhurt and suckling her dragons1 at
her breasts. Aggo, Jhogo, and Rakharo quickly swear themselves to her as
for the first time in hundreds of years, the night comes alive with the song
of dragons.
CHARACTERS
POV: Daenerys Targaryen, 10th in AGOT, 10th overall
Previous Daenerys Chapter: Chapter 69
Next Daenerys Chapter: ACOK Chapter 13
Appearing: Aggo, Daenerys Targaryen, Doreah, Irri, Jhiqui, Jhogo, Jorah
Mormont, Mirri Maz Duur, Rakharo
GROUPS
Dothraki - When a khal dies, his horse is slain with him so he may ride it
into the afterlife. Both bodies are burned beneath an open sky so the fire
may send the khal on his way to the stars.
FOOTNOTES
1 - She will name them Rhaegal, Viserion, and Drogon.