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  == Characters ==
  The story is narrated  from the point of view  of 12 characters and a one-off prologue point of view. Unlike its predecessors, the fourth novel follows numerous minor characters as well.
  * Prologue: Pate, a novice of the Citadel in Oldtown
  * Cersei Lannister, The Queen Regent
  * Ser Jaime Lannister, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
  * Brienne, Maid of Tarth, a young warrior woman searching for Sansa and Arya Stark
  * Sansa Stark, pretending to be Petyr Baelish's  daughter "Alayne Stone" (her later chapters are titled as such)
  * Arya Stark, later referred to as "Cat of the Canals", beginning her training at the Temple of Him of Many Faces in the free city of Braavos
  * Samwell Tarly, a sworn brother of the Night's Watch
  ** The Prophet, The Drowned Man: Aeron "Damphair" Greyjoy, Self-proclaimed servant of the Drowned god, youngest of Late King Balon's three surviving brothers
  ** The Kraken's Daughter: Princess Asha Greyjoy, daughter of  Late King Balon of the Iron Islands
  ** The Iron Captain, The Reaver: Prince Victarion Greyjoy, Captain of the Iron Fleet, one of Late King Balon's three surviving brothers
  ** The Captain of Guards: Areo Hotah, Captain of the Guards to Prince Doran Martell of Dorne
  ** The Soiled Knight: Ser Arys Oakheart of the Kingsguard
  ** The Queenmaker, The Princess in the Tower: Arianne Martell, daughter of Prince Doran and heir to Dorne