Lady Catelyn, flanked by Ser Wendel and Hallis, arrives at an empty field, the chosen meeting place for a parley between Stannis and Renly. Storm's End looms in the distance. It was built in the Age of Heroes by the legendary first Storm King, Durran, who is said to have married the daughter of the sea god and wind goddess, Elenei, and needed a strong fortress to protect him from their wrath since the marriage doomed her to a mortal lifespan. The gods are said to have destroyed his keep and his first seven attempts at rebuilding with storms before he finally built a fortress that could withstand their rage. Lord Stannis arrives with Melisandre. Renly arrives soon after with Brienne. The brothers exchange taunts and threats with each other. Lady Catelyn tries to get them to cooperate, but they will not listen. Stannis even tells her that Robb is a traitor and will have his day too. Renly tells Stannis that if he surrenders, he can have Storm's End. Stannis refuses to receive what is his by right. Catelyn points out that Stannis is not the rightful king either and learns about Cersei's incest. It was Lord Stannis who first became suspicious, and he went to Lord Jon because he felt that the accusation coming from his own mouth would not be believed. Catelyn is inclined to believe him, but Renly continues to think it but a story. Renly pulls out a peach and eats it, threatening and mocking Stannis as he does. Stannis draws out Lightbringer, which glows brightly. He tells Renly he will give him until the morning to strike his banners. If he does, he will keep Storm's End and his small council seat and be named heir. If he does not, he will die. Renly is unbelieving, as he has Stannis greatly outnumbered and flaunts his power by naming many of the great houses that have joined him, including Rowan, Tarly, Caron, Tarth, Penrose, Fossoway, Cuy, Mullendore, Estermont, Selmy, Hightower, Oakheart, Crane, Caswell, Blackbar, Morrigen, Beesbury, Shermer, Dunn, Footly, and Florent. Melisandre tells him to look to his sins as they depart.

Renly and Catelyn return to Renly's camp. It is smaller now, because he left his foot at Bitterbridge and dashed to Storm's End with his horse. They return to his tent, where his bannermen wait. Lord Mathis councils leaving Stannis to his siege, as Ser Cortnay Penrose is strongly provisioned and the castle to strong to storm. Lord Randyll counters that Stannis is a danger that should be dealt with before he grows stronger. The others agree, and Renly decides to face him on the morrow. Catelyn asks leave to return to Riverrun, but Renly refuses. He wants her to observe the coming battle and report to Robb first hand what happens to those who oppose him. Lord Mathis will command the center, Lord Bryce the left, and Renly himself the right. Lord Estermont will lead the reserve. Lord Randyll, Ser Jon, Ser Guyard, and several others clamor for the honor of leading the van, but Renly gives the honor to Loras. Brienne will carry Renly's banner beside him. She protests being sent from Renly's side and asks the honor of at least dressing him for battle. Catelyn realizes that she loves him. Catelyn asks leave to pray at a nearby sept, and Renly grants that request, telling Ser Robar the Red of his Rainbow Guard to escort her. They pass through her camp on the way, where Hallis, Shadd, and Lucas are resting. She tells them there will be a battle. Lucas asks whether they will fight or flee, and Catelyn answers that they will pray.