The War of Five Kings has already begun to shape the future of Westeros. Robb Stark marches on Lannister holdings, even as Tywin Lannister menaces the Riverlands from Harrenhal. To the south, Stannis Baratheon lays siege to Storm's End and Renly Baratheon calls upon the might of Highgarden to break his brother's armies. Yet in the midst of these kingly conflicts, another drama unfolds far to the north. From Castle Black, the Night's Watch rides forth in a great ranging and ventures beyond the Wall to confront Mance Rayder and brave the fury of the wild. If they fail to defend the realms of men, the consequences could reach far beyond the icy heights of the Wall.