Another week, another round of speculation has begun on whether or not "A Song of Ice and Fire" writer George R.R. Martin will have the much-anticipated "Winds of Winter" out before HBO's "Game of Thrones" resumes.

The renowned writer was at Spokane, Washington last week, attending the Sasquan science-fiction convention. While there, the American novelist answered some questions from fans about his popular novel "A Game of Thrones."

One fan asked a very direct question about Stannis' fate. In response to the query of "is Stannis alive or dead?" the writer said "In my books? Alive, beyond a doubt." The response undoubtedly surprised those who assumed that Stannis met his end at the hands (or sword) of Brienne of Tarth.

Of course, the inevitable question of when "The Winds of Winter" will be released cropped up.

"Don't ask me when the book is going to be done - I'll ask my minions to lop your head off," Martin jokingly answered.

However, the writer did mention in a previous interview that he's doing everything he can to finish the book before the series picks up again.

Since the 66-year-old Martin has admitted that there's no release date set yet for "The Winds of Winter," fans would just have to content themselves with the chapter he shared during the convention. The chapter from the upcoming novel is from the point of view of Arianne Martell, the eldest daughter of Prince Doran Martell of Dorne. Arianne is next in line to the throne and was allegedly betrothed to Viserys Targaryen before House Targaryen fell in the aftermath of Robert's rebellion.

The short excerpt was about Arianne leaving her home to search for answers regarding the fate of Prince Rhaegar's son, Aegon Targaryen. She is accompanied by her cousin, Elia Sand and Ser Daemon Sand, her sworn shield.

Fans of the TV series who are unfamiliar with the novels would probably be confused as to who Princess Arianne is since she doesn't appear in the show. Prince Aegon Targaryen is also one character that's not present in the show due to the liberties that the showrunners have taken. But it has worked out for everyone as Martin reading the chapter didn't reveal any important details about season six.

While Martin still can't give a release date for "The Winds of Winter," season six of "Game of Thrones" is set to return in the spring of 2016.