The Frostreach Epilogue: Events of the Waning Cold

---

The Frostreach Epilogue, often informally referred to as The Waning Cold, is the sixth volume in the epic chronicle A Tapestry of Ice and Fire by R.R. Gemison. Continuing directly from the cliffhanger ending of A Dance with Dragons, The Frostreach Epilogue plunges readers into the heart of winter's icy grip, escalating the conflicts and intricate plots woven throughout the preceding books. The narrative expands upon the established storylines, bringing characters to critical junctures and setting the stage for the concluding chapters of the saga. The novel is structured around a shifting chorus of perspectives, primarily following the actions and experiences of key figures across the diverse landscapes of Westeros and Essos, as they grapple with political turmoil, warfare, and the looming threat of the supernatural.

Synopsis

The Northern Theater: Winter's Fury and Whispers of Resurrection

In the frigid North, the aftermath of the tumultuous events at the Wall reverberates throughout the region. Castle Black stands in disarray following the mutiny against Lord Commander Jon Snow. Ser Davos Seaworth, having returned from his mission to Skagos, finds himself navigating the precarious political landscape amidst the Night's Watch and the loyalists who remain. The fate of Jon Snow remains ambiguous, his body lying still in the ice, though whispers of arcane rituals and Melisandre's presence hint at the potential for resurrection or some other form of transformation.

Stannis Baratheon's campaign in the North, aimed at reclaiming the Iron Throne, faces dire straits. Beset by blizzards and dwindling supplies, his army is caught in a brutal stalemate outside Winterfell against the Bolton forces. The harsh winter conditions decimate his ranks, and morale plummets as the promised relief from the south fails to materialize. Roose Bolton, secure within the walls of Winterfell, employs ruthless tactics, sending out raiding parties to harass Stannis's supply lines and further weaken his already vulnerable army. Theon Greyjoy and his sister Asha, prisoners of Stannis, find themselves caught in the middle of this desperate struggle, their loyalties and survival hanging in the balance.

Beyond the Wall, Bran Stark continues his mystical apprenticeship under the tutelage of the enigmatic Three-Eyed Raven. His visions grow more potent and unsettling, offering glimpses into the ancient past and the encroaching threat of the Others, the spectral beings of ice and death. Bran's connection to the weirwood network deepens, allowing him to perceive events unfolding across vast distances, including the growing unrest in the Seven Kingdoms and the chilling advance of the White Walkers from the uttermost north. He learns more about the Children of the Forest and their ancient conflict with humanity, and the role they played in the creation of the Others.

King's Landing and the Crownlands: Faith, Fire, and Faction

In the capital city of King's Landing, the reign of young King Tommen Baratheon is increasingly overshadowed by the machinations of his mother, Queen Regent Cersei Lannister, and the ascendant power of the Faith Militant. Cersei, having confessed to some of the accusations against her in order to secure her release from the dungeons, awaits her trial by combat. However, the High Sparrow, the charismatic and austere leader of the Faith, subtly manipulates events to further consolidate his control over the city and the crown.

Margaery Tyrell, still held captive by the Faith, endures a period of forced piety and psychological pressure aimed at breaking her spirit and extracting a confession. Her grandmother, Olenna Tyrell, arrives in King's Landing, ostensibly to negotiate Margaery's release, but in truth to assess the situation and devise a strategy to counter the Faith's growing influence. Olenna, a master of courtly intrigue, recognizes the precariousness of the Tyrells' position and seeks to undermine the High Sparrow's authority through a combination of political maneuvering and strategic alliances.

The Small Council is fractured and ineffective, paralyzed by the power struggle between Cersei and the Faith. Kevan Lannister, the Lord Regent, attempts to restore order and stability to the realm, but his efforts are constantly undermined by Cersei's impulsive actions and the High Sparrow's unwavering grip on the city. Rumors of dragons in Essos and the potential return of Daenerys Targaryen begin to circulate, adding another layer of uncertainty to the already volatile political climate. The wildfire caches beneath King's Landing, a legacy of the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen, remain a latent threat, their existence known only to a few and capable of unleashing catastrophic destruction.

Dorne and the Southern Marches: Serpents, Schemes, and Sunspear

In the sun-drenched realm of Dorne, Prince Doran Martell continues his long game, patiently plotting his revenge for the deaths of his sister Elia and nephew Aegon during the Sack of King's Landing. His apparent passivity masks a cunning mind and a web of carefully laid plans that extend across continents. Arianne Martell, Doran's heir, chafes at her father's secrecy and longs for more direct action against the Lannisters. She becomes increasingly entangled in her father's schemes, tasked with a perilous mission that could alter the balance of power in Westeros.

The Sand Snakes, the fierce and vengeful daughters of Oberyn Martell, remain a volatile force within Dorne. Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene Sand, each driven by their own motivations, pursue their individual vendettas against those they deem responsible for Oberyn's death. Their actions, while intended to avenge their father, threaten to destabilize Dorne and complicate Doran's intricate plans. Areo Hotah, the captain of Doran's guard, struggles to maintain order and control over the Sand Snakes, whose thirst for vengeance often overrides caution and prudence.

A secret pact between Doran Martell and Illyrio Mopatis, the magister of Pentos, is further revealed, suggesting a long-term strategy to restore House Targaryen to the Iron Throne. The true identity and intentions of Young Griff, the purported Aegon Targaryen, remain shrouded in mystery, with some in Dorne questioning his legitimacy and others embracing him as a potential liberator from Lannister rule. Dorne's allegiance, and the resources it commands, become increasingly crucial as the political landscape of Westeros shifts and new contenders for the throne emerge.

Essos: Dragons, Dothraki, and Deserts of Fire

Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen finds herself in a precarious situation amidst the vast expanse of the Dothraki Sea. Having flown away from Meereen on the back of her dragon Drogon, she encounters a massive khalasar, a horde of Dothraki warriors. Initially held captive, Daenerys must navigate the complex social customs and power dynamics of the Dothraki to earn their respect and ultimately bend them to her will. Her dragon, Drogon, becomes a symbol of her power and a key factor in her efforts to unite the disparate khalasars under her banner.

In Meereen, Tyrion Lannister and his unlikely alliance with Varys, Missandei, and Grey Worm struggle to maintain order and stability in Daenerys's absence. The city is besieged by Yunkai'i slavers and their allies, who seek to reclaim Meereen and restore the institution of slavery. Tyrion, drawing upon his political acumen and strategic mind, devises a plan to defend the city and negotiate a truce with the besiegers. However, internal factions within Meereen, including the Sons of the Harpy, continue to pose a threat to the fragile peace.

Jorah Mormont and Daario Naharis, sent by Tyrion to find Daenerys, embark on a perilous journey into the Dothraki Sea. Their quest leads them through treacherous landscapes and encounters with hostile tribes, testing their skills and resilience. Their paths eventually converge with Daenerys, but not before they face significant challenges and make difficult choices that will impact their future loyalties and destinies.

Victarion Greyjoy, commanding the Iron Fleet, continues his voyage towards Meereen, intending to offer his hand and the Iron Fleet to Daenerys in exchange for her hand in marriage and the promise of conquering Westeros. His journey is fraught with peril, facing storms, enemy ships, and the growing madness that plagues his crew. Victarion's fanatical devotion to the Drowned God and his increasingly erratic behavior make him a dangerous and unpredictable force in the unfolding events.

Quentyn Martell's ill-fated mission to tame and ride one of Daenerys's dragons ends in tragedy. His attempt to steal a dragon from its lair results in his fiery demise, further straining relations between Dorne and Daenerys and complicating the already convoluted political landscape of Essos. The dragons, Viserion and Rhaegal, remain free in Meereen, a source of both power and danger, their unpredictable nature adding to the chaos and uncertainty of the situation.

Detailed Plot Developments

The Wall and Beyond: The Frozen Shore and the Citadel of Night

The narrative in the North opens with a palpable sense of dread and uncertainty. Castle Black is in disarray following the assassination of Jon Snow. The Night's Watch is fractured, with loyalists to Jon and those complicit in the mutiny vying for control. Ser Davos Seaworth, having returned from Skagos with news of Rickon Stark's possible location, finds himself a key figure in the emerging power struggle. Melisandre, shaken by her misinterpretation of visions and the death of Stannis's daughter Shireen, becomes increasingly enigmatic and withdrawn, yet her presence continues to exert a powerful influence within Castle Black.

Jon Snow's body lies in state within an ice cell, preserved by the cold. Ghost, his direwolf, remains by his side, exhibiting an unusual agitation and protectiveness. Melisandre, guided by cryptic visions and a desperate hope, begins to perform ancient rituals, invoking the power of the Lord of Light to attempt to resurrect Jon. These rituals, described in detail, involve arcane chants, the application of mystical unguents, and the sacrifice of a wildling captive, highlighting the grim and morally ambiguous nature of Melisandre's faith. The process is fraught with uncertainty, and the outcome remains ambiguous for a significant portion of the narrative, building suspense and raising questions about the nature of life, death, and resurrection in this world.

Stannis Baratheon's army, encamped outside Winterfell, faces a relentless onslaught of winter storms and Bolton harassment. The narrative vividly depicts the suffering of Stannis's soldiers, plagued by frostbite, starvation, and despair. Stannis, though unwavering in his resolve, is forced to confront the grim reality of his situation. His advisors, including Ser Davos and Melisandre, offer conflicting counsel, further highlighting the internal tensions within his camp. Melisandre urges Stannis to embrace more drastic measures, potentially involving blood magic, while Davos pleads for pragmatism and a focus on securing alliances and supplies.

Theon and Asha Greyjoy, prisoners of Stannis, become increasingly disillusioned with their captor's cause as they witness the disintegration of his army. Theon, still grappling with the psychological trauma inflicted by Ramsay Bolton, begins to experience fragmented memories of his past and a flicker of his former identity. Asha, ever pragmatic and resourceful, seeks an opportunity to escape and return to the Iron Islands, recognizing the futility of Stannis's campaign and the growing threat from Euron Greyjoy, who has seized power in the Iron Islands.

Bran Stark's storyline delves deeper into the mystical realms beyond the Wall. His training under the Three-Eyed Raven intensifies, expanding his warging abilities and his understanding of the weirwood network. Bran witnesses historical events through the weirwood trees, including scenes from the Age of Heroes, the Long Night, and the creation of the White Walkers by the Children of the Forest as a weapon against the First Men. These visions reveal the complex and tragic history of Westeros and the cyclical nature of conflict between humans and the supernatural. Bran also learns about the weakness of the Others – their vulnerability to dragonglass and potentially to dragonfire – knowledge that could prove crucial in the coming war.

King's Landing and the Crownlands: The Queen's Trial and the Sparrow's Web

In King's Landing, Cersei Lannister navigates the treacherous political landscape as she awaits her trial by combat. Her release from the dungeons is conditional, and the High Sparrow continues to exert considerable control over her movements and actions. Cersei, consumed by paranoia and a thirst for revenge, plots to eliminate the High Sparrow and reclaim her power. She seeks to manipulate the situation to her advantage, using her remaining allies within the court and the city's underbelly to undermine the Faith Militant.

Margaery Tyrell, held within the Sept of Baelor, endures a period of intense religious indoctrination and psychological manipulation by the septas. The High Sparrow aims to break her spirit and force a confession of adultery, thereby discrediting House Tyrell and further consolidating the Faith's power. Margaery, however, proves to be more resilient than anticipated. She feigns piety and compliance, subtly playing along with the High Sparrow's expectations while secretly plotting her escape and the downfall of the Faith.

Olenna Tyrell's arrival in King's Landing injects a new element of intrigue into the capital. The Queen of Thorns, with her sharp wit and political acumen, immediately recognizes the danger posed by the Faith Militant. She engages in a series of clandestine meetings with key figures within the court, including Varys's "little birds" and members of the Small Council who are wary of the High Sparrow's growing influence. Olenna seeks to forge alliances and devise a strategy to expose the High Sparrow's hypocrisy and undermine his authority, potentially through the discovery of incriminating secrets or the manipulation of public opinion.

Kevan Lannister, the Lord Regent, struggles to maintain order and stability amidst the escalating tensions in King's Landing. He attempts to reconcile with Cersei and restore a semblance of Lannister authority, but his efforts are constantly thwarted by Cersei's impulsive actions and the High Sparrow's unwavering grip on the city. Kevan recognizes the danger posed by the wildfire caches beneath King's Landing, a secret known only to a select few, and takes measures to secure them, fearing that they could be used as a weapon in the escalating power struggle.

Dorne and the Southern Marches: Vengeance and Viper's Plots

Dorne remains a hotbed of simmering resentment and secret plotting. Prince Doran Martell, seemingly passive and infirm, is revealed to be a master strategist, orchestrating a complex web of schemes aimed at avenging his family and restoring House Targaryen. His long-term plan, years in the making, is finally set in motion, involving alliances with key figures across Westeros and Essos.

Arianne Martell, eager to play a more active role in Dorne's schemes, is entrusted by her father with a perilous mission to Storm's End. Doran reveals to Arianne the existence of Young Griff, the purported Aegon Targaryen, and tasks her with assessing his legitimacy and securing an alliance with him. Arianne's journey to Storm's End is fraught with danger, as she travels through war-torn lands and encounters hostile forces loyal to the Lannisters. Her interactions with Young Griff and his advisors reveal the complexities of his claim and the political ramifications of his potential return to Westeros.

The Sand Snakes, driven by their individual thirst for vengeance, pursue their own agendas. Obara Sand travels to Oldtown, seeking to infiltrate the Citadel and assassinate Maester Marwyn, whom she blames for Oberyn's death due to his association with the Citadel's supposed role in poisoning Oberyn during his time there. Nymeria Sand operates in King's Landing, using her beauty and cunning to infiltrate the court and gather intelligence, seeking opportunities to strike at Cersei and other Lannister targets. Tyene Sand remains in Dorne, stirring up unrest and rallying support for a more aggressive stance against the Lannisters, potentially undermining Doran's carefully laid plans.

Areo Hotah, tasked with controlling the Sand Snakes, finds his loyalty and skills tested to their limits. He struggles to maintain order and prevent the Sand Snakes from derailing Doran's larger strategy, while also grappling with his own sense of duty and honor. Hotah's internal conflict highlights the moral complexities of Dorne's quest for vengeance and the potential for their actions to spiral out of control.

Essos: The Khaleesi's Ascent and the Siege of Meereen

Daenerys Targaryen's storyline in Essos takes a dramatic turn as she is thrust into the heart of Dothraki society. Captured by a massive khalasar, she is initially treated as a captive but quickly begins to assert her authority and dragon-queen status. Daenerys, drawing upon her Targaryen heritage and her innate charisma, gradually gains the respect and allegiance of the Dothraki khalasar. She learns to speak Dothraki fluently and masters their customs and traditions, becoming a formidable leader in her own right.

Drogon's presence becomes a pivotal factor in Daenerys's rise to power among the Dothraki. The dragon, seen as a godlike creature by the Dothraki, inspires awe and fear, solidifying Daenerys's claim to leadership. She uses Drogon's power strategically, demonstrating her control over the beast and establishing herself as a powerful and supernatural figure in Dothraki culture. Daenerys begins to forge a vast Dothraki horde, uniting disparate khalasars under her banner and transforming them into a formidable army poised to cross the Narrow Sea and reclaim Westeros.

In Meereen, Tyrion Lannister faces the daunting task of governing a besieged city in Daenerys's absence. Yunkai'i slavers and their allies, funded by the slaver cities of Astapor and Volantis, lay siege to Meereen, seeking to overthrow Daenerys's rule and restore slavery. Tyrion, with the help of Varys, Missandei, and Grey Worm, organizes the city's defenses and implements a series of strategic measures to withstand the siege. He forms alliances with some of the Meereenese noble families and attempts to negotiate with the besiegers, seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Jorah Mormont and Daario Naharis's quest to find Daenerys leads them through the treacherous landscapes of the Dothraki Sea. Their journey is filled with peril, as they encounter hostile tribes, face starvation and thirst, and navigate the vast and unforgiving terrain. They eventually track Daenerys to the Dothraki capital of Vaes Dothrak, where they witness her growing influence and the formation of her Dothraki army. Their reunion with Daenerys is bittersweet, as they are forced to confront their past actions and reconcile with their changed circumstances.

Victarion Greyjoy's voyage to Meereen continues to descend into madness and brutality. His crew, increasingly influenced by the dark magic of the Drowned God, become more savage and unpredictable. Victarion himself succumbs further to religious fanaticism and a warped sense of destiny, convinced that he is destined to marry Daenerys and conquer Westeros in her name. His arrival at Meereen is imminent, posing a significant threat to Tyrion's efforts to defend the city and adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation in Essos.

Characters

• Jon Snow: Lord Commander of the Night's Watch (status uncertain, potentially resurrected).
• Daenerys Targaryen: Queen of Meereen, now among the Dothraki.
• Tyrion Lannister: Acting ruler of Meereen.
• Cersei Lannister: Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.
• Jaime Lannister: Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
• Bran Stark: Apprentice to the Three-Eyed Raven.
• Arya Stark: Faceless Man in training in Braavos.
• Sansa Stark: In the Vale, under the protection of Littlefinger.
• Stannis Baratheon: Claimant to the Iron Throne, campaigning in the North.
• Davos Seaworth: Advisor to Stannis Baratheon.
• Melisandre: Red priestess, advisor to Stannis Baratheon (later at Castle Black).
• Theon Greyjoy: Prisoner of Stannis Baratheon.
• Asha Greyjoy: Prisoner of Stannis Baratheon.
• Victarion Greyjoy: Captain of the Iron Fleet, sailing to Meereen.
• Euron Greyjoy: King of the Iron Islands.
• Doran Martell: Prince of Dorne.
• Arianne Martell: Heir to Dorne.
• Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene Sand: The Sand Snakes.
• High Sparrow: Leader of the Faith Militant.
• Margaery Tyrell: Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, imprisoned by the Faith Militant.
• Olenna Tyrell: Queen of Thorns, matriarch of House Tyrell.
• Kevan Lannister: Lord Regent of the Seven Kingdoms.
• Varys: Master of Whisperers in Meereen.
• Missandei: Advisor to Daenerys Targaryen in Meereen.
• Grey Worm: Commander of the Unsullied in Meereen.
• Jorah Mormont: Exiled knight, seeking Daenerys.
• Daario Naharis: Captain of the Stormcrows, seeking Daenerys.
• Young Griff (Aegon Targaryen?): Claimant to the Iron Throne, in the Stormlands.

Themes

• The Nature of Winter: The harshness and unforgiving aspects of winter, both literally and metaphorically, mirroring the coldness and brutality of human conflict and the supernatural threat.
• Resurrection and Transformation: Exploring the themes of death and rebirth, both in the potential resurrection of Jon Snow and in the metaphorical transformations undergone by various characters through trials and tribulations.
• Faith and Fanaticism: Examining the dangers of religious extremism and the manipulation of faith for political power, as exemplified by the Faith Militant and Victarion Greyjoy's Drowned God worship.
• Vengeance and Justice: Delving into the complex motivations for revenge and the blurred lines between justice and retribution, particularly in Dorne and among the Sand Snakes.
• Leadership and Power: Exploring different forms of leadership, from Stannis's rigid adherence to duty to Daenerys's charismatic dragon-queen persona, and the corrupting influence of power.
• Identity and Memory: Theon Greyjoy's fragmented identity and struggle to reclaim his past, and Bran Stark's journey into the depths of history through the weirwood network, highlighting the importance of memory and self-discovery.
• The Supernatural and the Mundane: The constant interplay between the mundane realities of political intrigue and warfare and the encroaching threat of the supernatural, blurring the lines between the natural and the otherworldly.

Reception and Analysis

While The Frostreach Epilogue is a work of fiction, in a real-world context a novel of this magnitude within a highly anticipated series would be subject to extensive critical analysis and fan reception. Literary critics might analyze Gemison's continued exploration of complex themes, his intricate character development, and his masterful world-building. The novel's pacing, structure, and resolution of long-standing plot threads would be scrutinized, as would its thematic resonance with contemporary societal issues.

Fan reception would likely be equally intense and varied. Long-awaited answers to lingering questions, such as the fate of Jon Snow and the true identity of Young Griff, would be met with both excitement and debate. Character arcs and plot twists would be dissected in online forums and fan communities, generating extensive discussions and theories about the series' ultimate trajectory. The novel's tone, particularly its grim and often brutal depiction of warfare and political maneuvering, would likely continue to be a defining characteristic, polarizing some readers while attracting others who appreciate the series' unflinching realism. The integration of magical and supernatural elements, and their impact on the narrative, would also be a key point of discussion and analysis among readers and critics alike.