Following a visit from the Lady Melisandre, two former Hands greet one another in a dank, warm prison. Beyond the Wall, Jon parts with an old friend, and grows even closer to Ygritte.

Among the dusty ranks of Astapor, Daenerys discovers her path. Far far away, huddled in a cave, Hodor and Bran are treated to a particularly fascinating Reed-spun tale.

Jaime seizes a quick opportunity to outsmart Brienne following poor cousin Frey’s descent from horseback, to be met only with more than he anticipates. Along the same countryside Arya travels further into the future, on the trail of elusive men without banners.

An assembly of King Joffrey's noble council discuss matters of the crown, and the will of Tywin Lannister. Meanwhile, treacherous murdering bannermen are placed before the King in the North.