What if Jon Snow Saved Bran and Catelyn From The Assassin

The night [music] is dark and full of theories. [music] What if Jon Snow saved Bran and Catelyn from the assassination? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. Jon sits alone in the Great Hall, taking a sip from his drink as he tries to calm himself down. He should have gone to the wall by now. Should have traveled north with his uncle Benjen to join the Nights Watch. But all those plans were put on hold because of one fateful fall. The men at the Night's Watch were supposed to forsake all family, all ties to their old lives once they took their oaths. But how could he do that with Bran so close to the stranger's door? No, he couldn't leave. Not yet, and not without first making sure Bran lives or not. Lady Catelyn was not pleased with this, but Jon didn't find that he cared very much about her opinion. Meanwhile, Rob was far more cheerful. The event was trying for him, and having his brother close to his side proved more a relief than he cared to admit. He lifts his cup and prepares to drink, but catches movement from the corner of his eye. A figure darts between the doorway and swiftly disappears. Jon slowly lowers his drink and frowns. He recognizes that man. He was one of the free riders who sat near him during the feast. Yet the king's party had departed days ago and he knows his father didn't take any new men under his service. Jon is already on his feet before he even realizes. Knife in hand as he trails after the man and follows him through the halls. He is alone as he sees everyone else running towards another hall, shouting that there is a fire in the library. But this free rider doesn't seem all bothered. almost like he knew about it. His suspicions are only further heightened when he sees the man heading towards the tower Bran is in. His footsteps are already quickening and by the time he clears the first landing, he hears the cries of alarm from the chamber. Jon curses and hurries up the steps as he finds the man struggling with Catelyn who is bleeding from her hands as the free rider tries to drive his knife into her. Thinking quickly, Jon's own knife flashes and he drives it into his side. The cat's paw curses and stumbles before turning to Jon. Pulling his knife out, he holds it up, but sees the glint of Valyrian steel in the man's hand. This is no ordinary murderer. When their blades clash, there's a sickening glint, and Jon knows the man will overwhelm him, so he punches him in the gut and slashes his throat while he doubles over, preventing him from recovering. As the man falls, the room goes silent as Catelyn stares at him, fingers pressed over her bloody palm. But she realizes the same thing. If Jon wasn't here, then the assassin might have killed both of them. She doesn't say anything as Rob comes rushing in with Rodri Cassell and their guards. Jon walks over to the ground and picks up the dagger. Once the fire is out, the guards sweep across Winterfell to search for any signs of trouble. They find no more assassins, but see the Cat's Paw had hidden himself in the stables where they recover a bag of silver. Both that and the dagger make one thing clear. This was no ordinary criminal. Valyrian steel. How could such a blade have fallen into the hands of a man like this? And look at the hilt. It's dragon bone, too. This is a weapon unlike any other. Something that only H Highborn would use. >> And yet, this man looks no different than a common free rider. Thought unless he wasn't free and acting on the whims of someone else. But who? >> Whoever owns this dagger, it would seem. We find this weapon's owner. Then perhaps we might find a clue to who's responsible. Yet, there were hundreds of people in the royal party. >> Your father is in the capital. Perhaps he might know something. I can bring this weapon. And >> no, I will deliver the dagger to him. >> You? Ah, no one knows my face there. Most of the court barely even gave me a second look when I was here. I can blend right in and speak to Lord Stark without anyone being the wiser. Just provide me with the means to reach King's Landing, and I can bring it to him. Catelyn frowns, but cannot deny the points he's making. She also admits that getting rid of him is appealing. Rob and Jon share a look, though neither of them says it openly. Both recognize that Lady Stark is not in her right mind and is mentally exhausted. They are not sure if she's in the best state to make the trip. In the end, Jon decides to go alone, forgoing even a bodyguard to ensure that no one suspects a thing. All he is given is money for the trip and a note signed by Rob that orders any of his bannermanmen to assist them. The next day, Jon sets out alone with a sword, the note, and the dagger in question. He rides all the way to White Harbor, where Lord Wyman Manderly welcomes him and helps him find a ship to take him to King's Landing. Meanwhile, in the capital, Ned Stark finds himself in the middle of a larger mystery than he expected. He understood there was more to John Aaron's death than simple sickness and that the Lannisters might have a hand in it. But over time, he came to see that they are slowly sinking their claws into the realm financially in the government and even into the king. But as he tries to piece together John Aaron's research over the last few months, his guards announce that he is a visitor. A boy bearing a letter with his son's signature and the house of dark seal appeared outside the Red Keep. Frowning, Ned orders them to let him in. But to his surprise, this boy turns out to be Jon. The two share an embrace, but he looks at the boy in shock, still unable to comprehend why he is there. John, what are you doing here? I thought you had intended to join the Night's Watch. I was, but there were complications. Before I could leave, someone broke into the castle and tried to sneak into Bran's room to kill him. I managed to stop him, but I don't think it was an ordinary assassin. He holds up the dagger, and Ned's eyes widen at the blade. Seeing the design, it's no common killer's weapon, and he feels his blood run cold. to attack a boy while he was in a coma. All of this leaves the mystery he was trying to uncover to grow bigger. As far as he knew, Bran was simply had fallen while climbing a tower. But if someone is willing to take the effort to try and murder him, then maybe there [music] is more to it. Taking the dagger in his hands, he holds it close and decides to bring it to Robert directly. He is perhaps the only person whom he trusts in the Red Keep, and he can trust Robert's discretion once he explains the situation. Ned orders Jon to come with him as they soon get a private audience with Robert. When they explain everything, the king's smile vanishes, and he looks at Ned in shock, sympathy and anger wore within his face as he takes the dagger, his fingers tightening around it. Unfortunately, I do recognize this blade. It belonged to me. I took it with me when I was hunting Boore, but I misplaced it after the hunt. I thought I might have dropped it when we were in the forest, but it seems like someone had taken it from me. The question is who and why? As to why? Perhaps to frame the king. After all, the king's dagger was used to murder the son of a high lord. You would be obligated to respond, father. It would be one step closer to war. I had not considered that. As to who? I have my suspicions, but I dare not say them out loud. Damn it, Ned. We're already long past the point of dancing around this issue. If you have someone you think is responsible, let them out, and I will see to their heads on spikes by morning. The Lannisters. You see, before you arrived, I received a secret letter from Lysa Aaron. She said she suspected her husband was poisoned, that someone had wished to get rid of him. She named the Lannisters as their suspects. The Lannisters? Why would they want that? John Aaron was the one who pushed for this bloody alliance in the first place. He is, and now they have it. He might not have been any further use for them. But his death would have leave the office of the hand open, giving room for one of theirs to take the position. But I didn't, and I'm bloody well grateful I didn't now more than ever. It seems like these lions are closer to snakes than I thought. Ned is pleased to see Robert on his side. Now they begin to consider their next move. With the dagger, they still have no evidence. All of this is simple hearsay and theories. Unless they find something they can actually pin the Lannisters on, they will not be able to arrest them. So, they agree that Ned must continue his investigation to find out whatever he can, while Robert will keep an eye out for the Lannisters for anything suspicious. Lastly, Jon will travel to the Veil to speak with Lysa Aaron about what she knows. But before he can depart, he must also gather Sansa and Arya in order to take them home. Ned charters a ship, and Rob provides Jon with letters that assure the Veil Lords he is acting in a royal capacity. When the time comes to depart, Jon speaks with both his sisters and tells them about it. Arya is happy to see Jon and is pleased to hear that she will be allowed to keep serial forel. But Sansa is shocked and can't believe what she's hearing. She protests this entire thing, but Jon calms her down, though he tries to avoid mentioning what happened. >> Father can't do this. I'm supposed to wedge Joffrey. It was agreed to by the king. >> The king is requesting this as well. He suspects that the capital might not be safe. This is what is best for you. >> No, I won't do it. The king doesn't know what he's talking about. Joffrey, he will protect me. >> Sansa, this isn't a game. We're not doing this to spite you. >> Yes, you are. I'm happy here. You two are simply jealous. >> Sansa, someone tried to kill our brother. >> What? >> Yes, we believe that someone pushed Bran out of that tower because after he fell, a man tried to come into his chamber and murder him while he was unconscious. >> That's awful. Who would do such a thing? >> That is what father wishes to figure out. But they suspect that the one who hired him is in the royal court. If someone is prepared to kill Bran while he slept, what is to stop them from trying to harm you here? Those words send a chill down both girls spines. For the first time, Sansa sees the royal court differently. So far, she had only seen the banners and colors, the silk dresses and the gleaming armor of the noble knights. But now she begins to see what was hidden underneath those smiles. Her face pales as she gives a slow nod. that this is enough to satisfy Jon and they agree to pack their things and depart. They leave in the dead of night, quiet and while most of the castle sleeps. However, not everyone is asleep as spies watch them from the battlements and report this to their master. In his chambers, Littlefinger smiles to himself as he considers what this might mean. Something has spooked Lord Stark, and over the next few days, he begins to notice subtle differences. Robert grows even more distant from his wife and her family. While they were never close, he now seems more comfortable with them, challenging them and questioning their eyes when they bring them forward. While the king has always been blunt and never shy of speaking his mind, he almost seems to go out of his way to humiliate them. And Littlefinger notices this because Robert now spends more time in the small council. In the past, it would have been a good year if the king attended two meetings, but now he's attended four in a single week. Then there is Ned Stark, still going through his investigation, but with more boldness. Something is going on. And while he does not have all the pieces, Littlefinger has a good idea. One thing is clear, though. The Lannister and Stark feud is only going to grow in the coming weeks. With that comes opportunity. Soon, the ship departs King's Landing, bearing Sansa, Arya, and Jon, and any of the household that Ned deems unnecessary. While they are bound for the north, they make a stop in Gtown, where Jon gets off to confront Aaron. As he travels across the veil, Jon finds the place far from the idyllic valley paradise his father described. It is breathtaking to be sure, and the land remains rugged and beautiful with fertile farms and stunning mountain castles. Yet, there also remains an aura of tension in the place. The lords are weary, sometimes disconnected from each other. Few travelers are able to arrive unless they come by ship. When he meets with some, they are not shy about expressing their worries. They talk about how the mountain clans are growing bolder, how they do not think Robin Aaron is fit enough to be a ruler to take up the mantle left by his father. In particular, they are worried by Lady Lysa, who grows increasingly isolationist. She has already limited the veil's support to the rest of the seven kingdoms, undoing her husband's plans for greater interconnection. But she now even started to shun her own bannerman. She largely keeps to herself, spending all her time taking care of her boy while ignoring the advice and counsel of those around her. Though she does not say it out loud, they worry she is getting paranoid and seeing [music] enemies everywhere. There are even fears she might cut off access from the rest of the seven kingdoms entirely. The most vocal of these are Yon Royce and Lady Waywood, who both wish to help Jon in his investigation. They promise to provide whatever support they can. Yet, when Jon arrives in the eerie, he is greeted with the familiar cool courtesy and barely concealed disdain that he has gotten used to from Lady Stark. Seems these sisters are not too different after all. >> When he asks about John Aaron, Lysa is aloof and dismissive. She reiterates what the official story is that the late hand fell sick and died. However, Jon Snow is not about to simply accept that answer and continues to press her. Hang on a moment. You sent a secret letter to my father and Lady Stark that you believed your husband was poisoned. Why are you now saying that he died of illness? >> Silence, you fool. How do you know of such things? I sent that letter to warn them so they may avoid the danger my husband found himself in. >> Yes. Well, that was before my father was offered the position of hand of the king. He now needs the bale's support if he is to get justice for Lord John Erin. He requires your support. That is why I'm here. >> My support? Did you hear nothing, boy? I didn't want them anywhere near the capital. But now that they have thrown themselves into the fire, they expect me to come rushing to their aid? I think not. But this is your sister. And what about justice for Lord Eric? >> Justice will not come from me blindly rushing forward and throwing the lives of my knights away. And who are you to reproach me, bastard? What gives you the right to interrogate me like this? >> My lady, I have letters from >> Yes. Yes. from the king. I'm aware of that and I have answered your questions. Do not start to believe that just because you have been given this responsibility that you forget your station. I am still the lady of this castle and I can just as easily have you sent to the sky sales if I find you have insulted me. Is that clear? >> Yes, my lady. He turns and stalks off. It is clear he will get nothing from Lady Liza. Rather than press her, he instead gives up on that front as it is clear that she is not keen on cooperating. Jon turns his attention to other members of Lord Aaron's household, trying to see if they know anything. Most of them prove to be equally ignorant or unwilling to speak. Some decline out of pride over Jon Snow's station. others for fear. There are even rumors that Lady Lysa has confined some members of her household to the sky cells for asking too many questions. But finally, he finds someone willing to cooperate as Maester Coleman agrees to speak regarding this matter. He was the man who had initially diagnosed and treated John Aaron when he fell ill. He explains that he is not certain whether there was poison or not, but it was clear John Aaron ingested something dangerous. So, he begin began to purge him. He continued this for several days, and the late hand's condition actually began to improve after a while. Before he could finish the process, he was sent away by Grandmaster Pel. The young man would say more, but he is too frightened. Jon lets him go and immediately releases a raven. At long last, they have a name they can use. While Ned is initially shocked, he then recalls how Pyel was quick to deny any possibility of poison. When he hears this, he and Robert decide to confront the Grand Maester. Yet, before they do, Littlefinger is already acting. He sends Sir Lothar Brun to speak to the old man, promising the Veil support in the coming conflict if he follows exactly what he says. Seeing the potential in their military might, Pyel agrees. The hammer falls after another small council meeting. This one runs later than usual, and many of the members are eager to depart. As Renley, Varys, and Littlefinger depart, the latter winking at the old man, Robert clears his throat and pins Pyel down to his seat with a look. A moment, Grand Maester. I know the hour is late, but I require a service from you. >> By all means, to your grace. It is never a bad time to be of service to you, s Grand Maester, because I must ask you about Lord John Erin's passing once more. You say that you personally treated him. Yet, I hear claims that Maester Coleman was responsible for taking care of him. >> Yes, that is quite true. Mr. Coleman was indeed charged with this task initially. However, he was too inexperienced. So, I I sent him off. >> And yet, he died under your watch. I >> I am afraid the to the Lord Aaron's body was quite severe. >> Quite severe. It must have been a serious illness. One that you failed to detect. Or was there something more? Do you think me a fool? My hand dies of some strange disease that all my best maesters cannot treat. Maest you were charged with >> your grace. The human body is a a delicate. >> You assured me there was no poison. You could at least identify what caused that illness. Unless you were lying. >> Or better yet, save your breath and answer me the truth. I know that you sent Ma Coen away and stopped his purgings. You wish to keep whatever was killing him, John Aaron inside of. Now tell me who put you up to it or I will assume you were acting on your own. Meaning that the punishment will be yours alone. I >> I have always been your most humble and lord. >> Or better yet, Lord Hand, have Pyel sent to the dreadfought. I hear Lord Bolton has a maester who specializes in keeping prisoners alive. >> No, no, no, no, no, no. Please, Doler. He was a radical, a dangerous man. He He was looking for for for slander, for heresy. >> Tell us. The man begins to weep and blubers for mercy, but they get the story out of him. John Aaron was investigating the lineages and appearances of Baratheon children as he suspected that Robert's children may not be his own. To help him, Stannis offered his support, which is why he returned to Dragonstone when the Hand died. Pycel insists that John Aaron did this because he grew wary of Lannister influence and did not like how it overshadowed his own power. He feared there would be civil war and [clears throat] thought allowing the hand to die would be the only way to ensure stability. Robert responds by slamming his fist into the table with enough force to crack the wood. When Py claims he was acting alone, the king threatens to pull him on the rack. He demands to know who ordered him to do it and exclaims that it was Cersei. She feared Robert would believe these lies over him. Roaring, Robert orders Pyel to be dragged off to the black cells. Now they have the names and the motivation, but now it comes the time to act. The two of them begin to gather their swords and allies. Robert calls upon Renley and sends word to Stannis, urging him to return to the capital and promising their support for him. Other high lords of the Seven Kingdom, like Reachmen and Riverlords who are in the capital, are urged to act, claiming that the Lannister influence remains too strong. It is easy to convince them, as many have grown jealous and distrustful of the Lions of the West. They pledge their knights and men at arms to their cause. The time to strike comes on the next moon's turn as the Baratheon fleet arrives from Dragonstone. When Robert sees them, he signals the men to act. All across the capital, over a hundred knights and men at arms, plus several hundred goldc cloaks rush into the Red Keep, warming the castle as the royal family slumbers. Half of the king's guard follow Robert's league as Sir Mandan, Barristan, and Aries follow him, but the rest remain loyal to the Lannisters. Fighting is fiercest in the lower Bailey as amidst the chaos, Sir Jaime tries to escort Cersei and Joffrey to safety. However, they are intercepted by Sir Barristan and half a dozen elite knights. The Hound and Sir Jaime roar and leap upon them, their blades flashing. Sir Jaime cuts through the first man who comes at him, then advances on his Lord Commander. Their swords rattle as they meet each other, but the old knight kicks Sir Jaime back and rushes at him while the Hound fends off two knights at the same time. Sir Barristan takes a deep breath and slashes at Jaime<unk>s head. He turns this blow and elbows the knight across the stomach. The Lord Commander gasps and doubles over, but then comes at him again, letting his momentum carry him as he slashes his younger opponent across his side. Jaime doesn't have time to dawn armor, leaving him vulnerable to these attacks. As the older man takes the initiative, he is forced to fight defensively, blocking each strike as Barriston advances. That is until the sword flashes and takes him across the back. Though his armor takes most of the blow, Barristan is sent reeling and feels blood dripping from that wound. He turns and finds the hound learing at him as he twirls his sword. The two of them circle the old knight and explode into action. Despite his injury, the knight continues to fight fiercely, whirling and twisting to fight against two opponents at once. He does not give ground, but his age begins to show as the longer the fight drags on, the more he begins to tire until he can barely stand. And then Jaime<unk>'s sword strikes against his neck. It doesn't kill him, but leaves Barristin gaping as he tries to close the wound before falling over. As he tumbles to the ground, Jaime urges his family to hurry out. The hound strides over to the knight while the children and Cersei follow. But as Jaime is about to leave, he feels a hand grabbing onto his shirt. Barristin clings onto him and then seizes a knife from his belt as he drives it into the knight's thigh. Jaime gasps as his leg gives way beneath him. Cersei screams and approaches her brother. >> Leave him. We've got to go. However, it is too late as the fighting draws closer and the knights suddenly pour into the room as Robert and men at- arms from the Starks, Baratheonss, Tyrells, and a dozen other houses fill the courtyard and surround him. The situation is dire and there's only one course of action moving forward. The Hound throws his sword down and spits. Cersei and her children are all taken captive and escorted to their tower, accompanied by a fresh compliment of their guards. By the time that morning comes, the Red Keep is fully under Baratheon control. The Lannisters are kept in captivity and interrogated every day about their activities and their role in John Aaron's death. But they remain stubbornly defiant, refusing to confess anything. Meanwhile, Tywin Lannister is furious and calls for the immediate release of his children, claiming this is an abuse of power and that all of this is a plot for the Starks to gain more power. The notion is laughable, as Ned Stark had much to lose as his own daughter was to be made queen. Still, Tywin is not prepared to surrender and threatens war rather than heeding commands that present themselves in the capital. He begins to call his banners and sends out ravens in search of allies. Unfortunately, he does not find many of those as the houses remain wary of him given his precarious situation. The only exception to this is Littlefinger, who secretly offers aid. While he cannot bring the Knights of the Veil, he does provide Tywin connections to hire more Cell Sword companies and promises to keep the Knights of the Veil bottled up. He accomplishes this by using his influence to urge Liza to remain inside her keep. Lord Beish plays on her fears of the Lannisters and how the royalists are dragging her people into war, leaving little Robin Aaron at risk. They already failed to protect his father, what more her little boy. This works like a charm, and Lysa refuses to send any men out to to aid the crown, much to Robert's annoyance. She even fails to confess to sending that letter to Catelyn, which complicates things. Their case hinges on this warning, but without it there is doubt. The uncertainty convinces Robert and Ned to send Lord Beish back to the Veil where he can talk some sense into the mad lady. Once he is out of their grasp, the Lord instead begins to flex his influence directly, prompting lords who are loyal to him and to strengthen his hold while adding further chaos into the realm. His first step is to order Jon Snow to be detained as he wants to ride out and join his father. However, Littlefinger convinces Lysa that the bastard of Winterfell is the cause of this war and he had obtained information illegally. He plays on Cat's existing distrust of Jon Snow, and at last, Lysa orders him confined to his quarters. Littlefinger also tries to paint himself [music] as the victim, as his allies in the Veil sent secret messages claiming that Lysa has taken him prisoner as well and refuses to let him go. And then the raid begins. The clansmen of the Veil begin to ride out of their mountains fasts and strike at the Riverlands. Yet, these are not the poorly armed warriors in boiled [music] leather and wielding rusty spears. Instead, these men are given mail and fresh steel swords. No one knows where they get these weapons, but it makes them twice as dangerous. Little does anyone know that Peter Beish secretly arms them to attack. The clansmen are wild and unpredictable, uninterested in capturing territory only to carry off women and plunder gold. This leaves the small folk suffering horribly as they have little incentive to show mercy. Rather than allow this to suffer, Sir Admir Tully organizes his men and rides out to confront them. This is just as Littlefinger promised, [music] allowing Tywin to begin his offensive. His main army advances from the Golden Tooth, striking at the Riverlords, whose defenses are weakened and tears through the defenses. Robert hurries to gather his own men from the Crownlands and Stormlands, while Rob and Mace are ordered to gather their own forces and join up with them. But Tywin is not idle. With the Cell Swords, he's recruited. and Gregor Clegane. A second smaller host begins to advance from the south under the command of Kevin Lannister. This one crosses Krakall and attacks the Reach, forcing Mace to turn his attention to confront them. Littlefinger's other great boon is to use all the debts and favors he's gathered from other houses, reminding them of what they owe him. Across the riverlands, Stormlands, and the Reach, he orders many to remain neutral, or to at least limit the number of men they send out to aid them. This leaves Robert and Stannis advancing with a force smaller than expected. By the time they do arrive, Tywin has already captured most land west of the Fort Redfork, which he uses as a buffer zone against any invasion. The war soon settles into a slow, grinding rhythm. Smoke stains the skies above the Riverlands, where the banners of [music] Lion and Stag crash and burn, then rise again. Every field of and Ford becomes a battlefield, every ruined holdfast, a desperate refuge. Robert commands from the front lines like he used to, even if he cannot fight as he used to. His Warhammer caked with mud and blood as he [music] stands close to his bodyguards, a unit selected by Ned. He rides through the ranks each morning, laughing and cursing in equal measure, rallying tired men with his booming voice and reckless courage. Stannis remains the opposite, cold and calculating, his tents filled with maps and inkstained fingers. Though Robert acts as a risk taker, in truth, every risk is carefully planned and every route is scouted twice by him. Ned gets the army moving through exhaustion and hunger alike. The men trust him more than any other lord, and Renley rides among the knights, spreading cheer where fear fers. He also meets with the wayward lords and coaxes them into sending more men in funds. But for all their strength, the war crawls. Tywin has turned the lands between the Golden Tooth and Riverrun into a fortress of ash and stone. He burns what he cannot hold and poisons what he cannot burn. His armies fight behind barricades, on high ground, in narrow valleys where Robert's numbers mean nothing. Every victory costs the royalists dearly, [music] and with an army already smaller than predicted, it is difficult. Yet, seeing Robert personally lending his men from the front continues to inspire them. While clever strategies by Stannis and Ned ensure casualties remain concerning, but not catastrophic. Clansmen from the Veil and Cell sword companies strike from the hills like wolves. They raid supply lines, slaughter [music] scouts, and vanish before dawn. Still, the royal host refuses to yield. When the cell swords strike again [music] at dawn, they find Stannis waiting for them. His archers are hidden behind ridges and hedges until a thousand arrows scream through the mist. Renley leads the countercharge, his green cloak flashing through the smoke. Robert laughs as he joins the melee, hammer swinging wide enough to shatter shields and bone alike. By nightfall, the field is theirs, but Tywin [music] retreats in good order, and they are unable to smash him. Far away in the heights of the veil, Jon Snow remains locked in a chamber beneath the eerie. Though Lysa insists he's a guest in truth, he's a prisoner and he knows that. Soon others begin to notice. The bannerman of the veil question this. Houses Royce, Waynewood, and Templeton demand to speak to Jon as Lysa plates them with excuses. The boy is ill. He requires more time to gather information, and he is negotiating with her. Yet, this only delays the inevitable as they needle her to ask why they cannot meet the king's envoy. Littlefinger does what he can, coaxing and charming the bannermanmen he can into rallying to his side and defending their decision. But the six greatest houses refuse to be swayed and soon begin to blockade the eerie. For the first time, this causes Liza to waver. It was one thing to challenge her bannerman, but now they are threatening her son and that overcomes her love of Littlefinger as she is forced to come to terms. Eventually, Lysa Aaron agrees to parlay with them. >> You have made your points, my lords. Now end this foolish blockade before you enter to the point of no return. >> You are not in a position to make demands, Lady Lizer, while my heart bleeds for your boy. You have brought this upon yourself. We have given you ample opportunity to discuss this matter. Now you come here and give us orders. I think not. >> So you would disobey the word of your lady? >> You are not my lady. Robin Aaron is my lord. You are his mother and married into his family. More importantly, you caused trouble by defying the crown and still expect to command obedience. If you wish for this blockade to end, then release Jon Snow. >> As I have told you, Lord Rice, Jon Snow is my guest, and he remains in the eerie on important business. >> Business you have failed to tell us about, I wish to speak to him, and if I find this answer unsatisfying, I will be forced to take him and young Lord Aaron from your custody. >> You would not dare. >> I would dare, my lady. After all, it is time he learned about the veil from its lords. This time, Lysa cannot defy them. Not when more and more lords are growing uncertain about this. Not when they threaten her boy. At long last, she explains that Jon Snow had obtained all his information illegally. As expected, this answer does not satisfy the Veil Lords, who all demand his immediate release. But Lady Lysa stubbornly refuses until at long last, Jon suggests a compromise, a trial by combat. Lysa, trembling but [music] defiant, agrees. She thinks no bastard from the north could stand against one of her finest [music] swords, Sir Lin Corbre. The duel is held in the high hall, opened to the mountain winds. Jon steps forward, lean but unyielding, wearing a borrowed breastplate and holding a long sword that once belonged to a knight of the veil. Corbrade grins as he draws Lady Forl, the blade gleaming in the light. Just as the septum finishes his sermon, the two knights come at each other. Sir Corbre moves like lightning, his sword flashing and forcing Jon to defend. The blow sends him reeling and the man continues to press him. Lynn chuckles and advances on him, reigning attacks, enforcing Jon back step by step as they circle one of the garden statues. Jon tries to stab at him from behind the statue, but the knight dances through this attack and comes out swinging. Jon rolls back as the blade bites into the dirt. He slashes his sword against the knight's neck while his Gorget absorbs the attack. It does anger Sir Corbre, who rushes at Jon, whose armor is not as protective. He feels the blade graze his cheek. >> Say your prayers, bastard. Corbre presses hard, faster, and faster until Jon is nearly forced to his knees. But then Jon shifts his leg, kicking Lynn at the shin and unsteadying him. He doesn't give the man a chance to recover as he lunges forward and tackles the knight to the ground. When Lynn tries to leap back at him, Jon grips his blade and drives his pummel into the knight's face. Corbre stumbles. Jon slashes across his thigh, then the back of his arm until the older knight drops to the ground in defeat. >> Yield. I yield by the god's judgment. I am proven innocent. My investigation was sound. Now I demand truth. Who ordered the death of Lord Eron? >> The murmurss grow into shouts. The gathered lords press Lady Lys of her answers. Her lips tremble. Her eyes flicker toward Peter Beish standing at the edge of the hall. >> Lord Erin was a terrible husband. He never loved me and I never loved him. He was always distant. And he was so old. >> Who woman? >> My love Lord Beish. >> Beish smiles faintly. Even as knights close in around him. He insists he was taken prisoner too, claiming that Lysa had held him in the eerie as well. But compared to Jon, his treatment was far gentler, and that is enough to convince them that he is lying. For the first time, Jon Snow realizes the war outside is nothing compared to the one that's about to begin within these very walls. But this war is over quickly. Littlefinger was never a respected man in the veil. And even now, those few allies has aband have abandoned him. And soon the master of coin is thrown out of the moon door where Robin Aaron watches to see if he can fly. It turns out he can't. When the trial is over, Jon is released and given the heartfelt apology of the veil lords for how he was treated. I thank you for your kind words, Lord Royce. However, if you wish to make things up, then our allies, King Robert and my father, need help. Then we shall ride with you, my boy. The Knights of the Veil shall not sit out this war. >> By morning, the ravens fly in every direction. Orders are shouted through the courtyards. Steel rings against steel as armor is strapped in, helm secure, and lances prepared. For the first time since John Erin's death, the veil marches. 15,000 fresh troopers emerge from the gates of the moon. Houses Waywood, and Templeton ride beside them, and even the smaller houses like Redford, Hunter, and Coldwater muster their knights and men at arms. Jon Snow rides with Lord Royce's vanguard, leading the lightly armored archers and crossbow men to drive back the mountain clans, while Yon Royce takes command of the heavy horse. They meet up with King Robert and Ned, who are relieved to see the numbers replenished. Ned is especially pleased to see his boy alive and well. He greets him with a warm embrace while Robert claps him on the back and thanks him for the army. With these forces, they begin to advance yet again, finding a smaller crossing where Jon personally leads the army. The real challenge waits further west. Gregorane and a host of Lannister outriders block the mountain road, forming a shield wall across the river crossing. Gregor roars and charges. The mountain hits the front ranks like a boulder rolling down a hill, but the veil lords do not shatter. Yon Royce orders his men further, meeting their steel with steel. While Jon and the archers fire arrows upon him, supporting their advancing cavalry. Hundreds of heavy horses smash into the Clegane host with the force of an avalanche. Gregor's line buckles, shields snapping under the weight of the charge after already being weakened by those bowmen. In the chaos, Jon sees an opening. He spurs his horse forward, sweeping in behind Royce to cut off the retreat. The mountain retreats under the hail of arrows, but Jon's men falter and continue to chase him down until the arrow wounds become too much, and he tumbles off his horse. The veil roars in triumph. News of the veil of reinforcements spread through the riverland like wildfire. Houses Bracken, Derry, Mutin, and Frey, [music] restrained by Littlefinger's influ interference for weeks now march and forced to join out their overlords. Kevin Lannister's southern host collapses under the combined pressure of the Reach and the Stormlands. The Cell Sword Company's Turncloak or Scatter after hearing their employer is now gone. Caught between two armies, Tywin is forced to retreat all the way to the Golden Tooth, and the Royalist main host seizes its moment. But even there, the walls cannot save him. The Veil Host arrives first, scaling the mountain passes. The Lannisters thought impassible with shields raised over their heads and braving the arrow storm while Baratheon forces counter with their own longwell men. The heavy infantry slams into the fortifications while Northmen scale the wall. Within an hour, the golden tooth falls. Tywin Lannister watches from the final ridge above the pass as his bannerman burn. He knows what comes next. With the pass lost, nothing stands between the royalist host and the Westerlands themselves. Casterly Rock included. Three days later, under the shadow of the broken golden tooth, Tywin Lannister arrives under a banner of truce. His armor is polished, his expression carved from ice, but his jaw is tight, his breath thin. He kneels grudgingly before the king. He offers to bend the knee and pay all reparations, but only if Cersei is spared execution. Unfortunately for him, he has no bargaining power in that regard. Robert will send her to the Silent Sisters, if only to prolong her suffering. However, Tywin must forgive all the crown's debts and accept being sent to the wall. If he refuses, Robert will invade. Even his own bannerman plead with him to accept such terms, especially when the king threatens to have House Lannister extinguished if he refuses. Suddenly, these terms become much harsher as Tywin must now consider the very survival of his house. Jon watches Tywin lower his eyes and knows the realm has changed forever and accepts the terms. With that, Jon is offered a place in Robert's King's Guard. However, Ned privately speaks to Robert after the battle and explains everything regarding his birth. The king can only gape, anger and confusion warring in his face. At first, he looks tempted to decline this offer, refusing to acknowledge Jon as a legitimate claimment. Ned would have been fine with that. Yet, at the same time, he also knows this. The only reason he has a crown now is [music] thanks to Jon. In the end, Robert decides to acknowledge Jon as his heir, making his lineage public, while Ned presents septum documents and testimony. Robert will then adopt Jon as his heir and legitimize him as Jon Targaryen. He will then marry Shireen, ensuring the smooth transition as their houses are united. That's our theory. Westeros is a land filled with exciting stories and possibilities, and we love exploring them. If you want to accompany us on this journey across the seven kingdoms and beyond, then please like, share, and subscribe to our channel.