Ned Stark faces a difficult choice between his familial obligations and his duty to his king. Viserys Targaryen makes plans to take back the throne, even if it means selling his sister for an army.
As Bran's life hangs in the balance, Catelyn is pushed to the brink. An incident between Arya and Joffrey raises the tension between the Lannisters and the Starks.
Daenerys adapts to her role as Khaleesi, finding strength in her new position to stand up to Viserys. Ned learns of the sorry state Robert has left Westeros in.
Ned makes a surprising discovery while looking into Jon Arryn's murder. Catelyn resorts to drastic measures after a chance encounter threatens to reveal her trip. Jon makes a new friend at the Wall.
Things come to head between Jaime and Ned in the wake of Tyrion's arrest. Ned clashes with Robert over the latter's wish to assassinate Daenerys.
Tyrion makes a dangerous gamble in an attempt to prove his innocence. Ned makes a startling discovery about Robert's children. Viserys provokes Drogo into a violent reaction by threatening Daenerys and her baby.
Ned confronts Cersei about the children's real paternity. An unforeseen accident leaves Ned in a perilous position in King's Landing. Benjen disappears beyond the Wall.
In the wake of Ned's arrest, Arya is forced to fight for her freedom as Robb declares war on the Lannisters. Jon faces an unnatural foe at the Wall.
Ned is forced to make a confession in Joffrey's favor, but Joffrey reneges on a promise, leaving Sansa and Arya devastated. Daenerys takes extreme measures to save Drogo's life.
Jon is forced to choose between keeping his post and joining Robb to avenge their father. A familiar face helps Arya escape King's Landing. At Drogo's funeral, Daenerys encounters a magical event.