ADWD's POVs

[TK-421]

I quote from GRRM's Not a Blog from May 13th (which he sternly recommended in his most recent update that we read):

"I finished the revisions on the Jon Snow chapters that I was talking about last month, and moved on to Tyrion for a while, but just now I am working on a new viewpoint character, and a chapter set in steamy harbor of Old Volantis. Where I shall be returning, first thing tomorrow."

What does the reference to the chapter set in "Old Volantis" mean? I see 3 possibilities:

1) An existing character, perhaps Tyrion, Dany or Arya will find themselves in Volantis.

2) The new POV could be set there or have its beginnings there if it were say Quentyn.

3) This may be a "flashback" POV to explain to us more of old Valyria, the Doom, the origins of something...

I personally would like to see the third option as a way to maybe change things up in the upcoming book.

 

[Winters_Sorrow]

It may be Tyrion (if you've read the latest sample chapter).
I am a little unclear where Magister Illyrio is based, but it may be in Volantis?
Otherwise it could be someone like Quentyn trying to get to Dany. Surely he wouldn't hang around for long in Volantis though - it's not like she's exactly hiding at the moment.

 

[TK-421]

Illyrio is based in Pentos, very much north of Volantis from my recollection. I think GRRM is including a new map of the Free Cities in ADWD.

 

[Werthead]

Volantis is possibly the oldest of the Free Cities, since it lies closer to Valyria than any of the others and retains many Valyrian customs today (including the slave trade), so it may be that the city has an 'Old City' located around the harbour and a newer 'New City' sprawling beyond the walls. Guess we'll find out next year!