Autumn has arrived, which means winter is imminent. The War of the Five Kings?now four, with the death of Renly?rages on, and though Robb Stark has won every battle so far, he still needs a major victory, for which he needs House Frey. The Lannisters grow in power and some strange alliances are in the works. King Stannis is nursing the wounds of defeat, but Melisandre still has plans for him. In the north, Jon Snow tries to infiltrate the wildling army. Meanwhile, others march. Arya trudges on, trying to find her family, encountering only enemies. Bran Stark finds company on his crossing of the frozen wastelands of the north. Brienne of Tarth escorts a maimed Jaime Lannister back to King?s Landing and the two form an uneasy bond.