"Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin may have given a mild leakage about his next novel "Winds of Winter" by confirming that Stannis is alive in the book.
Martin hinted that Stannis is alive when he responded to a fan in the comments section in his Not a Blog. A fan asked whether Stannis is alive or dead, to which the author replied, "In my books? Alive, beyond a doubt."
The spoiler may not appear to be a major detail especially when fans are preoccupied with "A Song of Ice and Fire," but it triggers memories when aligned to another "Game of Thrones" theory concerning the "Pink Letter" that was sent to Jon Snow. A passage in "A Dance with Dragons" claimed otherwise, Winter is Coming unveiled.
The letter read, "Your false King is dead, bastard. He and his entire host were smashed in seven days of battle. I have his magic sword. Tell his red whore."
The Pink Letter triggered mixed feelings and perceptions among readers. While some believed the "Pink Letter" came from Ramsay Bolton wanting to reveal Snow for assisting Stannis, others had a contrary believe - they saw no reason for Ramsay to send a letter to Snow especially if Stannis is alive.
It is likely that Stannis was linked to the note that made Snow to ride south. However, Mance Rayder may have personal reasons for writing the note that triggered Snow to Stannis. Snow was stabbed by the Night's Watch before doing anything, and his decision to ride south is the one that cost him the reverence of the Night's Watch, iDigital Times noted.
After Martin hinted that Stannis is alive, readers should expect that he will play a central role. Therefore, the Pink Letter has no other implication apart from getting Snow enraged and murdered.