What a difference 6 numbers make. 31. 03. 13. This week HBO has annonced in form of a teaser trailer and poster that the Emmy and Golden Globe winning spectacle that is Game of Thrones‘ return to the screen is inching into the foreseeable future.

And March 31st is a date to look forward to. Those who have not read the books will have to wait just a little longer now to join the Starks and Baratheons and to escape back into the world of dragons, kings, love and betrayal.

As per usual, it is to be expected that the Americans will be indulging slightly earlier than us, with the UK airing date yet to be publicised.

This third season will be based on parts of the third of the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ novels by George R. R. Martin. The familiar faces of Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke will continue to star in the series, created by D.B.Weiss and David Benioff. There are plenty of rumours about this season, but confirmed new arrivals include the likes of Thomas Sangster (Love Actually) and the brilliant Ciarán Hinds (There Will Be Blood, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy).

After waiting for what seemed like eternity, the release of this teaser poster (see below) is subtly dramatic. Basic, yet effective – displaying the date alone is enough to get the GOT die-hards’ blood pumping. The photo was immediately shared, liked and retweeted like there is no tomorrow – no doubt there will be plenty of teasers, trailers and posters to follow and sweeten the wait.

Did I mention this show has dragons? Take me back to Westeros right now.

[yframe url=’www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsmUpYIA99o’]