[Summary: Jeff reports his enjoyment of A Storm of Swords. He specifically mentions the epilogue and its final twist.]

The twist was fun, yes, and I like some of the dialogue... though while I was writing it I almost began to feel sorry for poor, hapless Merrett Muttonhead, who never did have any luck, just as he complained...

But thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you liked the book.

Second, when Ned Stark and Howland Reed returned North from Dorne after the events at the Tower of Joy, etc. were they completely alone during that journey, or were they accompanied by some household guards, etc. for security?

You'll likely learn more about Ned's homecoming in future books. It's a long way from Dorne to Winterfell, a journey of months. More than that I'd rather not reveal just now.