It concerns the aftermath of a battle for the Iron Throne and begins in the final months of 299 in the land of the Seven Kingdoms. Because the person who holds the Iron Throne is in charge of the kingdom, little battles are raging to decide who will reap the benefits of the war.
Chett is a soldier who works for the Night's Watch, which protects the Wall. They set up camp in an old fort called Fist of the First Men. Chett discusses a plan to kill the officers with his friends. The Watch intends to attack the Wildings via horseback. The Others attack the camp before either plan can take effect.
Davos learns that Stannis Baratheon has few devoted followers. Davos tells Salladhor that he wants to kill Stannis' advisor Melisandre. Davos is taken into custody when they land at Dragonstone. When Jaime Lannister, Brienne, and Ser Cleos arrive at an inn, the proprietor instructs them to follow a specific route to avoid hostile territories.
Stannis Baratheon and Davos Seaworth get together. When he asks Davos why he wanted to kill Melisandre, Davos responds that he believes she started the fires that caused his ship to sink. According to Stannis, Melisandre is devoted. Davos is chosen by him as his Hand.
The slave city of Yunkai is conquered by Daenerys Targaryen. Daario, one of the city's sellsword company captains, joins her army with his group. Slaves of the Yunkai are now free. Sandor Clegane snatches Arya from the outlaws as she tries to escape. In a dream, Jaime is returning to King's Landing and thinking about Brienne. Brienne will be saved by Jaime. He arrives and discovers that Vargo Hoat has thrown her into the bear pit.
Sam attempts to persuade Ser Denys and Cotter to concede in the Lord Commander election. He persuades them to back Jon Snow. Jon is nominated and elected as Lord Commander at the election. Lysa Arryn's house, the Eryie, is where Sansa Stark is. She is being kissed by Petyr. In her rage, Lysa calls Sansa, declaring that Petyr is hers.
Merrett Frey is going to Oldstones to kidnap Petyr Pimple, his relative. He is shown that Petyr Pimple has been hanged, and the outlaws are getting ready to hang Merrett. He asserts that he was not involved in the Red Wedding. According to the brotherhood, they have a witness. Even though Catelyn Stark was killed at the wedding, Merrett is aware of her presence. Merrett will be hanged.