Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and the icy horrors beyond.
The Baratheon rivalry ends, driving Catelyn to flee and Littlefinger to act. At King’s Landing, Tyrion’s source alerts him to Joffrey’s defense plan – and a mysterious secret weapon. Theon sails to the Stony Shore to prove he’s worthy to be called Ironborn. At Harrenhal, Arya receives a promise from Jaqen H’ghar, one of the prisoners she saved from the Gold Cloaks. The Night’s Watch arrive at the Fist of the First Men, an ancient ringfort where they hope to stem the wildings’ advance.
The Night’s Watch attempts to defend Castle Black against Mance Rayder’s massive wildling army, who plan to siege the fortress from the north, while a secret garrison of wildlings, including Ygritte, are poised to launch a surprise attack from the south.
In Braavos, Arya sees the Many-Faced God; In King’s Landing, Queen Margaery enjoys her new husband; Tyrion and Varys walk the Long Bridge of Volantis.
House Lannister, Stark and Targaryen meet at the Dragonpit and negotiate the future of Westeros …
Joffrey punishes Sansa for Robb’s victories, and Tyrion scrambles to temper the king’s cruelty. Catelyn entreats Stannis and Renly to unite against the Lannisters. Dany and her khalasar arrive at the prosperous city of Qarth. Tyrion coerces a relative into being his eyes and ears. Arya and Gendry are taken to Harrenhal, where their lives are in the hands of Ser Gregor Clegane. Stannis orders Davos to smuggle Melisandre into a secret cove.
Unexpected visitors arrive in Mole’s Town. Sam questions his decision regarding Gilly. Littlefinger’s motives are questioned. Sansa is interrogated by Lord Royce. Arya and The Hound arrive at the Bloody Gate. Ramsay tries to prove himself to his father. Tyrion’s fate is decided.
Arya arrives in Braavos; Podrick and Brienne run into trouble on the road; Cersei fears for her daughter’s safety in Dorne as Ellaria Sand seeks revenge for Oberyn’s death. Stannis tempts Jon; an adviser tempts Daenerys.
Jon’s mission continues north of the wall, but the odds against his ragged band of misfits may be greater than he imagined.
At the Red Keep, Tyrion plots three alliances through the promise of marriage. Catelyn arrives in the Stormlands to forge an alliance of her own, but King Renly, his new wife Margaery, and her brother Loras Tyrell have other plans. At Winterfell, Luwin tries to decipher Bran’s dreams.
Tyrion gains an unlikely ally. Daario asks Daenerys to allow him to do what he does best. Jon’s warnings about the vulnerability of the Wall are ignored. Brienne follows a new lead. Arya and The Hound come across Rorge. Sansa discovers Littlefinger’s true intentions for The Eyrie.
