How we cite our quotes: (Absolute Chapter, Character Name, Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
He would have to remember that he was no longer in Winterfell, where only the king stood higher; here, he was but first among equals. (21 Eddard 4.49)
The system of nobility may be hard to understand, but here's a helpful hint from Eddard Stark: in his own area, he's the number two guy, second to the king. But once he's in politics in King's Landing, he's just another politician. Funny what a little change of scenery can do for a person's power.
Quote #5
"No," Ned said. He saw no use in lying to her. "Yet someday he may be the lord of a great holdfast and sit on the king's council. He might raise castles like Brandon the Builder, or sail a ship across the Sunset Sea, or enter your mother's Faith and become the High Septon." (26 Eddard 5.51)
Bran can't be powerful in the traditional way of knights and lords, Ned explains to Arya. So, no riding, no jousting, no fighting. But there are lots of other things that someone can do with power. In a book that's focused a lot on killing and murder, it's nice to be reminded that some people use their power for, you know, building things.
Quote #6
She did not know what was more satisfying: the sound of a dozen swords drawn as one or the look on Tyrion Lannister's face. (29 Catelyn 5.73)
Catelyn Stark is a woman (not a powerful status in this book), but she sure has power through her families. Here, even though she's no longer a Tully, she gets all these servants to acknowledge their allegiance to her family – and suddenly she has enough men under her command to take Tyrion Lannister hostage.