In the aftermath of war, the Seven Kingdoms struggle to rebuild. Cersei Lannister rules as Queen Regent, her paranoia and political misjudgements creating new crises faster than old ones can be resolved. Brienne of Tarth searches the Riverlands for Sansa Stark. In the Iron Islands, the death of Balon Greyjoy triggers a succession crisis. Across the Narrow Sea, Arya Stark arrives in Braavos and begins a strange apprenticeship. Martin originally intended to follow A Storm of Swords with a five-year gap, but abandoned the plan when he found he needed to convey too much through flashbacks. The resulting manuscript grew so large that it was split by geography and character - A Feast for Crows covers events in King's Landing, the Riverlands, Dorne, and the Iron Islands, while the remaining storylines were moved to the next volume.