We already know that ‘The Winds of Winter‘ won’t be released this year but author George R.R. Martin is taking pity on us by releasing another chapter of the novel!

Most likely set for a 2016 release, this is the latest chapter that Martin has shared with readers since 2011.  Just as the previous chapter “Mercy” pushed off the chapters before it (Barristan Selmy, Tyrion Lannister, Victarion Greyjoy, Theon Greyjoy, Aeron Greyjoy, and Arianne Martell) this one has shoved Mercy right out of the loop.

Pro-tip folks, if you want to read the chapters in advanced read them while you can!

The current chapter is called ‘Alayne’ for Alayne Stone, or the Stark formally known as Sansa before she went on the run with Petyr Baelish. No longer a girl, she’s blossomed into a woman who is using her looks to her advantage. Well, her and Baelish’s advantage who is posing as her father.

Here’s a snippet:

The tourney, the prizes, the winged knights, it had all be her own notion. Lord Robert’s mother had filled him full of fears, but he always took courage from the tales she read him of Ser Artys Arryn, the Winged Knight of legend, founder of his line. Why not surround him with Winged Knights? She had thought one night, after Sweetrobin had finally drifted off to sleep. His own Kingsguard, to keep him safe and make him brave. And no sooner did she tell Petyr her idea than he went out and made it happen.

Far from the Sansa that you’ll see in HBO’s version of ‘Game of Thrones,’ this is one character who has come quite a way since originally introduced. You can read the entire chapter of “Alayne” on George R.R. Martin’s Website which should help whet your whistle that much more.

Winter is coming, but probably not until 2016.

Source: Blastr