Jon Snow is caught between two kings after Stanis Baratheon arrives at Castle Black, while Cersei and Jaime consider their future in King's Landing. Daenerys faces a new threat from a secret cult, and Varys presents a new option to the refugee Tyrion.

Arya arrives in Braavos, but finds less than a warm welcome at the mysterious House of Black and White. Jaime agrees to undertake a dangerous mission for his family, and Brienne and Pod encounter Sansa and Littlefinger on the road. The Night's Watch elects their new leader, and Daenerys must decide whether to execute one of her own advisors.

Arya finds that her new life isn't what she had expected, while Jon Snow must decide what sort of leader he is going to be. Queen Margaery skillfully manipulates her eager new husband, and Sansa returns to Winterfell under uncomfortable circumstances. In Volantis, Tyrion insists on stretching his legs.

As Jaime and Bronn arrive in Dorne, Ellaria Sand rallies her daughters in a plan to seize Myrcella. Jon Snow is tempted by Melisandre, and Tyrion discovers what his captor plans to do with him. In King's Landing, the new religious order is given broad power to enforce the moral code.

Jon tries to convince the Free Folk to make peace, as Stannis prepares to ride to Winterfell -- where Sansa comes face-to-face with the thing that was once Theon Greyjoy. Daenerys makes a crucial decision to secure her place among Mereen's largest families, and Mormont and Tyrion encounter trouble on their journey.

Jaime and Bronn find Myrcella just as the Sand Snakes attack, and Jorah and Tyrion have a run-in with slavers. Arya continues her training with the Faceless Men, and Cersei uses her religious fanatics against the Tyrells.

Lady Olenna and the King find they can do little to rescue their loved ones from the dungeons of the Red Keep, as Cersei basks in a momentary triumph. Sam must defend Gilly from the brothers of the Night's Watch, while at Winterfell Sansa appeals to Theon for help. Stannis defies wise council to march his army south, and Jorah enters the arena to gain an audience with Daenerys.

Arya takes the next step in her service to the Many Faced God, while Cersei struggles in her imprisonment. Sansa confronts Theon, and Tyrion attempts to convince Daenerys to let him live. And in the distant Wildling colony of Hardhome, Jon Snow and Tormund attempt to convince the Free Folk to make peace with the Night's Watch.

With his army in the snow-covered void between Castle Black and Winterfell, Stannis makes a fateful decision to hold the favor of the Lord of Lights. Jon leads the Wildlings to the Wall, while Arya recognizes a visitor to Bravos. Daenerys reluctantly presides over Meereen's bloodsport, only to discover that Ser Jorah is among those who are fighting for her ... to the death.

Stannis marches his army on Winterfell, despite significant setbacks. Cersei seeks forgiveness to escape her situation, while Arya seeks revenge on Ser Meryn. Dany finds herself on her own for the first time, and Jon faces a new challenge from the Night's Watch.