A Storm of Swords

How it opens

Catelyn Stark has freed Jaime Lannister from the dungeons of Riverrun, and he travels down the Red Fork in chains, in a skiff with Brienne and his cousin Ser Cleos Frey. When a river galley from Riverrun gives chase, Brienne climbs the bluff above the channel, and a boulder from the top smashes down onto the galley. At Riverrun, Catelyn is confined to the chambers of her dying father for freeing Jaime. Her brother Edmure comes home angry and tells her he has sent ravens offering a thousand dragons for Jaime's recapture.

Who you meet early

• Jaime LannisterJaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, was Robb Stark's captive at Riverrun until Catelyn Stark freed him in return for his oaths. He travels toward King's Landing in chains, his head shaved so he will not be recognized.
• Brienne TarthBrienne, daughter of Selwyn of Tarth, was one of Renly Baratheon's Rainbow Guard and now serves Lady Catelyn. She has sworn to bring Jaime safe to King's Landing, and she says she will return with Catelyn's daughters or not at all.
• Cleos FreySer Cleos Frey, Jaime's cousin, travels with Jaime and Brienne toward King's Landing. Lady Catelyn declared she was sending him back with new terms for the queen, and she has promised him release if he delivers her message to Tyrion.
• Catelyn StarkCatelyn Stark, mother of King Robb, is confined at Riverrun for freeing Jaime Lannister in the hope of getting Arya and Sansa back. She grieves for Bran and Rickon, whom she believes Theon Greyjoy killed.
• Edmure TullyEdmure Tully, Catelyn's brother, rides back into Riverrun from his battle against Lord Tywin. He is angry that Jaime was freed and has sent ravens offering a thousand dragons for his recapture.
• Hoster TullyLord Hoster Tully lies dying at Riverrun on milk of the poppy, often taking Catelyn for her mother or her sister Lysa.
• Robin RygerSer Robin Ryger, Riverrun's captain of guards, leads the river galley sent after Jaime, commanded to bring him back alive if possible.
• Desmond GrellSer Desmond Grell, who has served House Tully all his life, was named castellan of Riverrun when Edmure rode off to battle. He confines Catelyn to her father's chambers and sends Ser Robin Ryger after Jaime.