The Lannister's barely hold on to the throne after a savage naval onslaught from Stannis Baratheon, while stirrings in the north threaten to alter the overall balance of power. Robb Stark, King in the North, faces major calamity in his efforts to build on his victories over the Lannister's while beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder and his huge army of wildlings continue their inexorable march south. Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen--reunited with her three fast-maturing dragons--attempts to raise an army to sail with her from Essos, in hopes of eventually claiming the Iron Throne.