<P> Critics praised the show's production values and cast . Viewership rose compared to the previous season . The second season won six of the eleven Emmy Awards for which it was nominated . It received a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (Peter Dinklage) and Outstanding Drama Series . U.S. viewership rose by approximately 8% over the course of the season, from 3.9 million to 4.2 million by the season finale . </P> <P> The execution of Ned leads the Starks to declare war on the Lannisters . After winning three victories, Robb Stark offers the Lannisters peace in exchange for the North's independence, sending Theon Greyjoy to gain Balon Greyjoy's support and Catelyn Stark to seek Renly Baratheon's . Cersei Lannister rejects Robb's terms . Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister exiles Janos Slynt, head of the Gold Cloaks, to the Wall, promoting Bronn to commander of the watch . </P> <P> Catelyn arrives at King Renly's camp to negotiate an alliance, and Brienne of Tarth wins the right to join Renly's kings guard . Catelyn and Brienne witness Renly's murder at the hands of dark magic sent by the' Red Lady' Melisandre, an emissary of Renly's brother and rival claimant to the Iron Throne Stannis Baratheon . Catelyn and Brienne flee Renly's camp and rejoin Robb's army as Renly's supporters switch their allegiance to Stannis . Meanwhile, Theon betrays the Starks by siding with his father and seizing Winterfell by force . Robb receives news of Theon's plans and sends men to retake Winterfell, while inside the city the Starks' allies form plans to sneak Bran and Rickon Stark out . </P> <P> Robb learns that his mother Catelyn has secretly freed Jaime Lannister, now escorted by Brienne of Tarth, in order to ransom her daughters Sansa and Arya; he also enters into a romantic relationship with Volantene healer Talisa Maegyr . Yara Greyjoy arrives at Winterfell to bring Theon back to the Iron Islands, after his botched attempt to recapture the Stark boys . </P>

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