Getting More Mya

So, the stuff with Sansa. It's been alright, but I've not really been that moved by it.

It's more of the Dornish intrigue, but with one of the original "main characters" - the Starks - thrown in. Of course, there's also Littlefinger, but my impression is that this plot arc is still in its infancy.

Nothing seems to work quite right for anyone in Martin's world, so even Baelish's schemes are sure to be upended one way or another. But even if they aren't, there's still no sense of urgency about this plot arc. Perhaps that's a credit to the characterization of Baelish as such a weaselly schemer, or to the overall atmosphere of the chapters as things told from the perspective of someone out of her element.

However, I definitely appreciate Mya Stone's playing a bit more of a role in things, though the way that Martin's characters in this series seem to have nothing but a revolving door between them and death, it's hard to say whether or not she'll play some further role in the series or simply be the one who ferries people around the mountain.

This chapter also does do something that every other chapter fails to - it reminds us all that winter is slowly beginning. It's not the focus of this chapter by any means, but it's definitely a large part of it, even if it's only mentioned in passing and indirectly. It works as an undercurrent sort of reminder that the natural world is as much a foe as a rival house or claimant to the iron throne.