Summary

In the Seven Kingdoms, the story picks up with one fourteen year old boy king and four “self-declared” kings: Joffrey Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, Robb Stark, and Balon Greyjoy. Although Catelyn attempts to forge an alliance between Renly and Stannis against Joffrey, the two brothers instead leave the meeting promising each other battle. Before it takes place, a mysterious shadow kills Renly and the majority of his men end up swearing fealty to Stannis. Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister acting as the Hand of the King improves the city defenses in preparation for Stannis’ attack. In the North, Theon Greyjoy captures Winterfell as Robb is out campaigning in order to impress his father Balon Greyjoy. Both Prince Bran and Rickon are assumed dead, yet a much needed plot twist later proves otherwise. Arya Stark still finds herself far from home after escaping from King’s Landing in A Game of Thrones. She continues to successfully hide her identity while using her wits to keep herself alive. While all this happening, 300 of the Night’s Watch venture beyond the wall, searching for gathering wildings. Lastly, in the East, Daenerys travels to Qarth following the blood red comet with her dragons as she continues to seek funds and soldiers to secure the Westeros throne.