(Spoiler alert: Do not keep reading if you are not caught up on the HBO series “Game of Thrones”)
George R.R. Martin has released a new chapter from his long-awaited book “Winds of Winter,” which serves as the basis for Season 6 of the hit HBO series “Game of Thrones.”
The chapter is told from the perspective of Arianne Martell, daughter of Dornish prince Doran Martell. In it, Arianne travels to the Storm Lands to discuss a possible alliance with Jon Connington, a Westerosi lord who was loyal to the Targaryens, and “Young Griff,” who himself claims to be a Targaryen.
The chapter shows that the series has already diverged a great deal from the book. Stannis is still alive in the book, as is Prince Doran.
The chapter also teases more action for the Sand Snakes, two of whom have been dispatched to King’s Landing, as seen in the passage below.
“Nyrn and Tyene may have reached King’s Landing by now, she mused, as she settled down crosslegged by the mouth of the cave to watch the falling rain. If not they ought to be there soon. Three hundred seasoned spears had gone with them, over the Boneway, past the ruins of Summerhall, and up the kingsroad. If the Lannisters had tried to spring their little trap in the kingswood, Lady Nym would have seen that it ended in disaster.”
There is still no official release date for “Winds of Winter,” which Martin has been working on since 2011. “Game of Thrones” Season 6 is currently airing on HBO.