Beyond a vast wall of ice in the north of Westeros something cold stirs. The Starks of Winterfell receive the visit of the royal family while the exiled Targaryen prince forges a new alliance to regain the Iron Throne.

The Lannister twins have a lot on their minds at Winterfell after a certain feat goes awry. Jon and Tyrion head off to the Wall in the north whilst Ned Stark faces a family crisis en route to King's Landing.

At King's Landing, Ned is shocked to learn of the Crown's profligacy. Jon Snow starts his training to become a man of the Night's Watch and wary of the Lannisters hand in Bran's fall, Catelyn covertly follows Ned.

Ned probes Arryn's death and uncovers one of King Robert's bastards. Jon takes measures to protect Sam from further abuse at Castle Black while Tyrion finds himself caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Incensed over Daenerys' alliance with the Dothrakis, Robert orders a pre-emptive strike on the Targaryens, undermining his relationship with Ned. Tyrion escapes one perilous encounter, only to find himself in another.

Ned issues a decree that could have long-term consequences throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Meanwhile, Tyrion confesses to his crimes and demands a trial by combat whilst Viserys receives his final payment for Daenerys.

Ned confronts Cersei about the secrets that killed Jon Arryn. Jon takes his Night's Watch vows, though not with the assignment he coveted and an enraged Drogo vows to lead the Dothraki to King's Landing.

In the aftermath of Ned's capture, Syrio and Arya face off against Lannister guards while Cersei uses Sansa to her own ends. Robb rallies his father's northern allies against Tywin Lannister and heads south to war.

With Sansa's life in danger, Ned makes a fateful decision. Robb wins his first major victory and captures a prized prisoner. As Drogo's wound festers, Dany defies Qotho and puts her trust in the witch Mirri Maz Duur.

As tragic news spreads across the Seven Kingdoms, Bran and Rickon share a prophetic dream, Catelyn interrogates Jaime about her son's fall, Robb's destiny is forever changed and a new king rises.