George R.R. Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series
George R.R. Martin, author of the "Song of Ice and Fire" fantasy series that is the basis of the television series "Game of Thrones", gestures during his masterclass at the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) in Neuchatel July 10, 2014. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse Reuters/Denis Balibouse

With the release date of "Winds of Winter" nowhere in sight, fans of the book series continue to speculate on what to expect. Two characters from the book series that are of particular interest are Theon Greyjoy and Stannis Baratheon.

Theon Greyjoy has managed to escape the clutches of Ramsay Bolton but is currently a prisoner of Stannis Baratheon, who plans to execute him to garner some support from the people of the north. Will this be the end of Theon in "Winds of Winter"?

Some of the fans of the series do not expect that to happen so soon. Theon still has a trick up his sleeve. According to some of the members of Westeros forum, Theon will use his knowledge about the Stark children to save his neck at the crucial moment.

The people in the north hate Theon because he betrayed Robb Stark, but mostly because they believe that he is responsible for the deaths of Bran and Rickon Stark. The two Stark children had however escaped at that time.

Another leverage Theon has is the knowledge that the girl he rescued from Ramsay was not Arya Stark. Fans of the book series point out that this information at this time is of little use to Stannis Baratheon.

Stannis is currently keeping Theon alive with the hope of getting some valuable information in the upcoming battle with Ramsay's forces in "Winds of Winter." He is known for delivering a very severe form of justice. He had demanded Davos to part with his fingers for his past indiscretions.

Theon's sister Asha tried to rescue him from Stannis, but failed. She later requested Stannis to execute her brother himself, like Ned Stark would have, in front of a heart tree. People in the north believe that no one can lie in front of the heart tree and if Theon reveals the secret about the Stark children in front of the heart tree then the people of the north may rather want the children found.

Will Theon finally disclose his secret about the Stark children in "Winds of Winter"? The revelation could have far reaching consequences around the realm. There are many people hoping to rule the northern kingdom, The Boltons and Petyr Baelish chief among them.

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