What if Cersei Was Fostered in The North With The Starks

The night is dark and full of theories. What if Cersei Lannister was warded in the north? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. Cersei lies awake on her bed, her new bedchamber feeling much smaller than the last. She shared that room with Jaime. Ever since a servant caught them together, she had been regulated to a different part of the castle. She often finds herself awake late at into the night thinking about her brother as she stares at the carefully carved stone ceiling. These thoughts usually turn to the anger she feels toward that stupid servant and her mother for separating them. Candlelight from the hall suddenly illuminates the opening of her chamber door to reveal her mother, Joanna, and a few guards entering. Cersei pretends she is sleeping hoping they will leave her alone. Instead, her mother gives her a gentle shake to wake her up. Joanna escorts Cersei through the dark halls of Casterly Rock to her father, Tywin Lannister's study. The Hand of the King, the Lord of the Casterly Rock and Warden to the West, sits in his chair reading a letter. Gold decorates every surface of the room and is woven into every tapestry. Joanna walks around the table and stands at his side. Once Tywin finishes, he hands the letter to his maester who leaves the room to deliver it. Only then does he address his daughter. Your mother has expressed some concern that we have not yet secured a suitable marriage for you. While I originally hoped to find you a royal match, that will never be possible as long as a Targaryen remains on the throne. >> But we have found you the next best thing. Lord Rickard Stark of Winterfell is more than open to marrying you to his eldest son and heir, Brandon. >> There you will stay, Lord Stark's ward, until you come of age and have time to learn what is expected of you as the future lady of Winterfell. >> You're sending me away? You can't do that. Please don't. >> Can't? Every lord's daughter in the Seven Kingdoms is sent off to be married, and you aren't just any lord's daughter. You will do your duty and go. If that is all, I'll be in my bed chambers. I have a long ride back to King's Landing tomorrow. >> This is for your own good, Cersei. >> Please don't send me away. I can't leave. I can't leave Jaime. I love him. >> You should love him, but as a brother, not whatever this is. One day you will understand why this has to be done. Go back to bed, dear. You will be leaving tomorrow as well. >> Before sunrise the next morning, Cersei leaves Casterly Rock with an escort of a dozen guards. Her sudden departure prevents her from seeing Jaime before she leaves, something she cries about in her caravan. After weeks of travel, Cersei reaches Winterfell and meets Lord Rickard and his children. Brandon is tall and strong, even for a boy just entering his teens. Lyanna, a few years younger and near Cersei's age, is a dark-haired beauty with deep brown eyes. Benjen, the youngest, looks like a miniature version of Brandon. The children are welcoming to Cersei, but that doesn't help the young girl's mood. She is glad that her husband-to-be is at least handsome. For the first few weeks, Cersei doesn't interact or say much to anyone. She remains in her chambers, except for lessons and meals. To the servants and guardsmen, she is demanding and rude, giving anyone who isn't Lord Rickard or his children dirty looks. Accustomed to the fine paintings and luxurious decorations that filled the walls and halls of Casterly Rock, Cersei finds Winterfell dreary and bare. She wishes nothing more than to be back home with Jaime. Brandon Stark is aware of Cersei's spoiled behavior and isn't pleased with his intended bride-to-be, either. Yet, he doesn't voice his concerns. Prior to Cersei's arrival, he had taken a fancy to Lady Barbary Ryswell, but was brought back to Winterfell after his father arranged his marriage. He sees Cersei as spoiled and lazy, and when he catches her ranting about pricking herself with a needle during a lesson, he happily corrects her by reminding her that if she paid attention to her work instead of whining all the time, she might not make so many mistakes. With fire in her belly, Cersei storms off to her room. Brandon is happy to see her go. When he asks why he has to marry someone he doesn't know, he is lectured on the importance of marriage alliances by his father for nearly an hour. Lord Rickard grows tired of Brandon's treatment of his bride-to-be and orders him to invite Cersei to watch him in the yard, which he begrudgingly does. Cersei, in one of her better moods and with nothing better to do, decides to join him. After watching Brandon run through drills and duel with some of the guards, she grows bored and starts criticizing his technique. After a long bout with a stronger guard, he is knocked to the ground by a blow to his helmet. >> Aren't you supposed to block attacks to your head? >> It's not as easy as I make it look. I don't think you could do any better. >> I bet I could. You aren't as good as you think. >> Cersei marches across the yard, dragging her dress and shoes through the mud, and grabs a training sword from one of the guards. It's too heavy for her, but she swings it sluggishly at Brandon, who blocks easily. He laughs and lightly attacks her. Even slow attacks nearly knock the blade to the ground as Cersei tries to block them. Eventually, Brandon knocks her to the ground, but but as he offers her a hand to get back up, she pulls him down and starts laughing, too. They practice together for a while until Lord Rickard comes and stops them. He holds a letter from her father. Her mother had died in childbirth, leaving behind only a baby dwarf in her place. Cersei can't decide whether to cry or celebrate, but as the weight of her mother's death sets in, tears follow. That night, Cersei gets ready to go to bed. She hears a knock at the door. When she opens it, she finds Lyanna and Benjen, who ask to come inside. She allows them in, rubbing her swollen eyes to try and look as though tears weren't digging trenches in her face. The Stark siblings give Cersei their condolences before their inquiries take a sharp turn. >> We heard you fought Brandon in the yard, that you knocked him down, too. >> Perhaps. What is it to you? >> Well, Benjen and I like to practice training sometimes, too. We were going to go down to the Godswood and we were wondering if you wanted to join us. >> That actually doesn't sound too awful, but aside from the fact that it's pitch black outside, I don't have anything to wear. My dress is covered in mud. >> We're the same size. You can wear some of my clothes. >> The children sneak through the yard and grab sticks around the length of swords. In the corner of the Godswood, Lyanna and Benjen show Cersei the basics of sword fighting, which she picks up quickly. While she still isn't very good, for the first time she's enjoying her time in the north. Soon Cersei begins to dress like a northerner, so she is able to do more physical activity and begins to spend more time with all three of the Stark siblings. She gets especially close to Lyanna, who drags Cersei along with her everywhere she goes. Cersei also begins to notice how the Starks interact with their household, speaking to them more casually than Tywin would do with any guard or servant at Casterly Rock. She makes an attempt to be more respectful to the Stark household as well and begins to find herself enjoying the north more than she ever thought she would. One day, as the Stark children and Cersei finish breakfast, news arrives that a group of wildlings have been captured while raiding Wintertown. The leader is brought before Lord Rickard and sentenced to death. The guards bring the seized wildling leader to the Godswood. Brandon brings Cersei to watch the execution, something she is very against, until they reach the foot of the weirwood. She had been to the Godswood at night before with Lyanna and Benjen, but during the day, the sullen face of the weirwood haunts the place with its presence. She feels as though the tree is almost conscious, staring down at them, but those thoughts leave her mind as the wildling is placed before Lord Rickard. >> Why do I have to see this? I really don't enjoy this kind of brutality. >> Because it's important for you to experience our customs. This is the most important one. >> How are executions important and where is your executioner? >> We don't have one. The man who passes the sentence swings the sword. >> Lord Rickard unsheathes Ice and asks the wildling to speak his final words. The wildling spits on the ground and Lord Rickard severs his head with a clean swing. Cersei doesn't look away. As time passes, Cersei adopts northern honor for herself and when Rickard is away, she sits in the main hall and helps advise Brandon as he hears the plights of his subjects. 10 years have passed since Cersei first arrived in the north and for the first time she leaves to attend the tourney at Harrenhal. She meets her soon-to-be brother-in-law, Ned, for the first time who has been fostered in the veil since before she was sent to Winterfell. She also reunites with Jamie who was there for his induction into the Kingsguard. Jamie and Cersei talk for hours. Cersei reminisces about her time in Casterly Rock and expresses her grief over how she fought with her mother and how she hates that she remembers her mother most for the actions she took to send her away. Jamie tells Cersei about Tyrion and that despite his birth taking their mother from them, he is a good child who cares deeply for his family. The mad king sends Jamie back to the capital soon after their talk. Cersei hugs her brother and promises to write him. She tells him he'll make an excellent Kingsguard. When Cersei returns to the Stark tent, Lyanna introduces her to Howland Reed who sits with the Starks at the feast set to mark the start of the tourney. She dances with Brandon deep into the night only being interrupted by Ned who begs Brandon to introduce him to Ashara Dayne. During the joust, the mysterious knight challenges three of the newly made champions and defeats them all. The knight carrying a distinct shield of a weirwood with a bloody smiling face disappears soon after when the mad king in his paranoia determines the unknown knight to be an enemy of the crown. The next day, Lyanna leads Cersei deep into the forest. She explains that she is the mystery knight from the previous day and only entered the joust to defeat the lords of three squires who had beaten Howland. She shows Cersei the hastily put together armor she used and the shield she made herself. Just then, a man approaches them. >> When my father sent me to find the man who threatened him, I didn't expect to find a man as pretty as you. >> Prince Rhaegar, how did you find me here? >> I found your shield and armor last night. I just had to wait for its owner to return. >> What do you plan to do? >> I could tell my father who you are. I'm sure he'd enjoy burning you at the stake. But I'd rather walk with you, Lyanna Stark. I'd like to hear the story of how a woman from the north became such a formidable tourney knight. >> Lyanna gives Cersei a look that says she will be all right and leaves with Rhaegar. At the end of the tourney, Rhaegar names Lyanna his Queen of Love and Beauty instead of his own wife. Cersei approaches Lyanna after the tourney celebration dies down and asks her about what was going on with her and Rhaegar, but Lyanna brushes off the inquiries by saying that Rhaegar must have just been impressed with her skill with a lance. Cersei decides not to pursue the topic further, but feels as if Lyanna is hiding something. Months later, word reaches Winterfell that Lyanna has been kidnapped by Rhaegar. Cersei can't help but wonder how this could be related to the tourney. She tells Brandon that something's wrong, trying to hide the truth about Lyanna and Rhaegar's meeting at the tourney, but Brandon tells her that it doesn't matter what his motivations are and swears to have his head. Lord Rickard and Brandon begin to make preparations to march to King's Landing. Brandon asks Cersei to stay in Winterfell to help advise Benjen in governing. He promises he will return to her and he'll have Lyanna with him. Cersei pleads with him to let her go, too, but Brandon insists on leaving her behind. Upon reaching King's Landing, Brandon and Rickard confront the Mad King. They demand Rhaegar's head, but the Mad King responds by burning them alive and demands the lives of Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon as well. Robert rides from the Vale to the Stormlands to rally his men, while Jon Arryn calls the banners of the Vale. He also negotiates an alliance with the Riverlands by marrying Catelyn Tully. When Ned arrives in the north to call his banners, a grieving Cersei meets him in the courtyard. >> Ned, I can't believe he's gone. I've already written to my father. I've convinced him to send aid to our cause on the condition that our marriage alliance continues. It's a lot to ask and I don't know if I'm ready myself. >> It's all right. I'll marry you and not just for your father's swords. I'll do it to honor Brandon. I know how much you cared for each other. The North remembers, too. >> Thank you. I have one more thing to ask you. Can you bring me with you? I let Brandon go to the capital alone. I won't sit by and watch another Stark risk their life while I sit here in Winterfell. >> Cersei, war is no place for a lady. >> Please, Ned. I can help keep my father in line. You need me with you. I'm not useless in a war council, either. I can't stay here alone again. >> I've never been any good at saying no to a beautiful woman. >> Ned, keep talking to me like that and we'll have a wonderful marriage. >> They laugh together before Ned goes to begin calling his banners. Before the host departs Winterfell, Ned and Cersei are wed in the Winterfell godswood, and the ancient weirwood continues to stare down at them as they say their vows. Word of Robert's victories at Summerhall and defeat at Ashford spread through the Seven Kingdoms. When the northern host arrives at Riverrun, they bolster the rebel forces to just over 30,000 men. The combined forces ride out immediately to aid Robert at Stony Sept, where the royalist army, led by Jon Connington, has trapped Robert. Upon reaching Stony Sept, the rebels find that the battle has started without them, as the banner of House Lannister is seen clashing in the streets with the royalist forces. A Lannister rider delivers instructions to the rebel host, asking them to ride around the Sept and prevent the retreat of the royalists. The battle quickly turns to the rebels' favor after Robert emerges from the Sept and duels with Jon Connington, besting the Hand in the night and nearly killing him. Connington signals the royalist host to retreat, but they find their flank covered by the Northmen, Rivermen, and Knights of the Vale. The royalists surrender, and the rebels detain Jon Connington and his 20,000 men. The united rebel host, increasing to nearly 50,000 thanks to the Westermen camp outside the Sept, and discuss their next move. >> Once word of our victory reaches the great houses, aid for the crown will crumble. I suggest we march to King's Landing with haste. My son remains in the capital and I do not wish to see his head on a spike when we arrive. >> I agree. >> While I doubt the Dornish will send aid to the crown, especially after how the odds have turned in our favor, the Tyrells still command a formidable host. We must beat them to King's Landing if they march from Storm's End. >> Let them come. I'd like to show Randyll Tarly what I can do with a real army. Rhaegar Targaryen still hasn't resurfaced. We've a prime opportunity to take the capital while the crown is weak. >> The rebels ride to the capital with all haste, but once they arrive, they find the gates open for them. In the throne room, Sir Jaime Lannister, Sir Barristan Selmy, and Varys stand next to the throne. In the middle of the hall, the Mad King lies dead. >> What is the meaning of this? >> Just preparing the throne for our friend Robert, dear brother. I was quite glad to hear of the new addition to our family. >> Jaime, what's going on? >> Cersei, I didn't expect you'd be here. All right, the Mad King had placed caches of wildfire throughout the city. When he heard you were approaching, well, I did what I had to do. >> Your brother acted quite honorably. Without him, I'm not sure there would be a throne left for Robert to sit on. >> Well done, my boy. What of the royal family? >> Safe in their chambers. Did you expect something else? >> The matter remains of what to do with them. Their existence is a threat to us. >> Surely you aren't suggesting killing them. >> He's not wrong, Ned. Many still believe in the Targaryens. Any fool grasping for power might rally behind them. >> Then I'll make sure that doesn't happen. >> Send them back with me to Winterfell. I'll watch over them. >> That's not a bad idea, Robert. You don't want your reign to begin with the execution of children. Tell me, would you be able to kill them yourself? >> No. I would not. >> It's decided then. The children will go to Winterfell. >> As the rebel host recovers in King's Landing, Robert sends Ned to break the siege of Storm's End and find Rhaegar Targaryen. Cersei asks Ned to bring Jaime with him. Ned agrees, finding a new respect for the knight after his actions in the capital. Outside the Tower of Joy, the sun beats down on Lord Commander Sir Gerold Hightower as he removes his helmet to wipe the sweat off his brow. He sees a small group of men approaching the tower and signals his fellow Kingsguard, Sir Arthur Dayne and Oswell Whent. >> I'm here for my sister and for Rhaegar Targaryen. I know they're here. >> They may be, but you will not reach them. This war is over, sir. You won't be charged for upholding your oaths. This war isn't over, not while we survive. >> Then let's end it. >> Jaime rushes Sir Arthur and Dawn lets out a subtle hiss as Jaime's sword meets it. Ned engages Sir Oswell Whent with Howland Reed and Sir William Dustin. Sir Gerold cuts down Ethan Glover and Mark Ryswell as they approach him before locking blades with Martin Cassel. Sir Oswell plunges his sword into William Dustin, but as he tries to pull it free, Ned's blade finds his neck. Sir Arthur parries a thrust by Jaime and kicks him to the ground, then breaks Theo Wull's guard and places Dawn through his stomach. As Ned and Howland reach Sir Gerold, the knight cuts deep into Martin Cassel's thigh before slicing through his chest. Ned locks blade with Sir Gerold, but gets pushed back. Sir Gerold parries Ned's next attack aimed at his arm and disarms him. Howland strikes at Sir Gerold's back, cleaning his armor as the knight sidesteps and hacks into Howland's leg. As he moves to finish Howland, Ned tackles the knight to the ground and rips off his helmet. As Ned starts to pummel Sir Gerold, a voice comes from the tower's entrance. Sir Arthur and Jaime separate as they look at the figure. >> Stand down, all of you. Stark, come with me. >> Why would I do that? >> You want to see your sister, don't you? >> Jaime gives Ned a worried look, but Ned nods in reassurance. After checking on Howland, Ned follows Rhaegar into the tower. Once they reach the top, Rhaegar leads Ned to Lyanna's chambers. There he finds her lying in bed, fever-stricken and covered in blood from the waist down as wet nurses care for her. In a corner of the room, he notices an infant child in a small basket. Rhaegar picks up the infant. >> Even as secluded as we are, word has reached us of your actions in the capital and how you vowed to protect my children. I must ask you to take care of one more. That is your son. And your nephew, Eddard Stark. But I fear I won't have the means to raise him. He is the child of ice and fire and the third head of the dragon. My wife, my Lyanna, isn't long for this world. Your wife? You kidnapped her. >> No. Ned, he smiles but I love him. I have loved him since Harrenhal. >> You went willingly with him. Father and Brandon died for you. >> Please, I need you to take care of him. My baby. >> What we're asking is madness. Besides, they won't let you live, not after everything you've done. I haven't made up my mind, either. I will return with you to the capital willingly if you promise to protect the boy. >> It's my only wish, Ned. The only thing that matters. Raise him into a good man. >> I Fine. I will care for him. Raise him as my own. >> Ned stays at the Tower of Joy while Howland recovers and he comforts Lyanna in her final moments. After she passes, the survivors return to King's Landing. Rhaegar is bound with chains. Ned marches into the Great Hall pushing Rhaegar forward towards Robert who looms over the Crown Prince from atop the Iron Throne. Robert doesn't take more than a moment to descend the throne towards the man who tore the realm apart, who tore his world apart. Rhaegar meets Robert's gaze with a steadfast expression, one Robert doesn't enjoy at all. Robert demands ice from Ned and marches Rhaegar out of the Red Keep. Hundreds gather as Robert lays Rhaegar on a chopping block. Rhaegar tries to speak his final words, but Robert won't hear them. Rhaegar's head leaves his body rolling down the steps into the street. Ned finds Cersei in her guest room after the execution accompanied by the King's Guard from the Tower of Joy, Jaime, and the baby Jon. Cersei stares at the babe before Ned breaks the silence. "Prince told me you didn't enjoy executions." >> Are you saying that you do? >> Ah, didn't mean it like that. Aren't you glad we've returned? >> Of course I am, but not right now. I'm more interested in the child. >> He's he's my bastard. >> Is he now? >> Mh, well, I >> And tell me, when did you have the opportunity to produce this bastard? Don't presume to lie to me, husband. I'm not stupid. Who is he really? >> He's Rhaegar's son with Lyanna. No one can know. Not even Robert. Especially not Robert. >> That much is obvious. Did you really plan to keep me oblivious? >> In hindsight, it wasn't the greatest idea. >> Well, I understand where you're coming from, at least. Tell me the whole story. >> Ned explains the events at the Tower of Joy to Cersei. After taking everything in, she agrees to help Ned raise the child as his bastard. Stannis Baratheon soon returns from his mission to seize Dragonstone, and he's accompanied by a frightened Viserys and a baby Daenerys Targaryen. He explains to Robert how he was welcomed to the castle after he announced his intention to peacefully secure the remaining royal family. He found Rhaella in the final stages of childbirth. While he provided his maester to her, when the childbirth came, the former queen did not survive. Stannis asks Robert to be charged with caring for the two children, to ward them in Storm's End. Robert agrees, but tells Stannis that he'd already given Storm's End to Renly, and that he was to be given Dragonstone. Stannis doesn't try to hide his fury and storms out of the room, only when Daenerys starts to cry. Tywin tries to approach the king next, asking how his efforts in the rebellion might be repaid. Robert offers Tywin the position of Master of Coin and jokes about how Tywin should be content with the mountain of gold he already has. Tywin sees the offer as an insult and immediately departs for Casterly Rock after lecturing Robert on how no position other than Hand is worthy of him. Jon Snow grows up in the halls of Winterfell. He couldn't say he was ever treated badly. He got along with the Stark children, Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon, and had grown close with the Targaryen children as well after their mother, Aelia, passed away from the brutal sickness, not helped by her already frail body. He even felt like a Stark, and Cersei was the only mother figure he'd ever known, but he would never be Lord of Winterfell, hold any other lands or titles because he was only a bastard. 16 years after Robert's Rebellion, a harsh wind soared through the Winterfell courtyard as Jon Snow adjusts his grip on his sword. His adversary, Robb Stark, confidently points his blade towards his half-brother, inviting the bastard to rush him again. Jon smiles, but he charges forward and delivers a series of strikes at Robb, who narrowly deflects the attacks. Robb sidesteps an overhead slash from Jon and aims his blade toward Jon's chest. Jon's blade meets Robb's at the last moment before they separate again. Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Gerold Hightower, and Ser Jaime Lannister all watch the boys spar. The first two are protectors of Rhaegar's family, while Jaime is visiting his sister and her children. Jaime applauds the boy after they finish sparring, while Ser Arthur scolds them for being careless with their strikes, leaving openings for the other to attack. Jon is pulled out as Ser Gerold sends Aegon Targaryen to spar with Robb instead. Jon sits on the benches with his half-siblings, Lyanna and young Darian Stark, along with Rhaenys Targaryen. Watching from an overlooking balcony, Ned and Cersei Stark are approached by Maester Luwin, who holds a letter from the capital. Ned opens the letter, tearing the seal of House Arryn open. His face darkens as he reads. King Robert is dead, found in a brothel's private room with his own Valyrian steel dagger lodged in his neck. His only trueborn son, Edric, is too young to be made king. Jon Arryn asks Ned to ride down to King's Landing and aid him as regent until Edric comes of age. Cersei and Ned discuss plans for the upcoming journey south when they hear a knock at the door. >> And say, you summoned me, Father? Lady Stark, is this about the capital? >> We want you to come with us, Jon. Rob will be fine here with Maester Luwin advising him. With the king dead, I want as many people as I can trust with me. I don't trust anyone more than you, Jon. >> It is a long journey, but I think the capital would suit you. Aegon and Rhaenys are coming as well. >> Will you join us? >> Yes, I'll go. Thank you for this, Father. >> Tywin Lannister sits in his study listening to Maes Tyrell bicker with Petyr Baelish. Varys stands at the edge of the room observing the argument. >> Hello, Tyrell. I assure you that Highgarden will be generously compensated for their assistance with our cause. Our benefactor has already promised to marry your daughter. What more do you wish for? >> I understand what Lord Blackfyre has promised for my daughter, but I think I should be entitled to something more. >> I can offer positions on the small council. Master of Ships for Paxter Redwyne and Master of Laws for your son, Willas. Will that satisfy you? >> Don't forget that I was the one to deal with the king. >> Can we stop talking as if we've won the crown already? You all have taken unnecessary risks, Lord Baelish. Do you not think it would be suspicious to kill the king in your own establishment? Worse, to have one of your do the deed herself. >> If it's your head you worry about, I can assure you I left no clues to my whereabouts in the capital. Besides, the only one who could have found me is the man who smuggled me out. >> Lord Baelish's actions are the reason we have this opportunity in the first place. Without a king of age to lead them, the crown is ripe for the taking. >> You aren't the only man in the Seven Kingdoms with spies, and I don't like the idea of being publicly associated with the new kingslayer, not yet at least. The realm was safest when I ruled it. I intend to restore the order I held before. >> You find me. >> No, you may not. You may have the biggest army, but you won't be the one leading it. Tell Randyll Tarly to begin marching his forces to Storm's End. Don't allow the siege to last a year this time. >> I don't appreciate the insinuations that I'm incapable of leading my own men. >> I wasn't insinuating anything. >> My lords, let us focus. The Golden Company is prepared to set sail. How do you intend to help us take the capital? >> Once Storm's End draws the crown's forces away, my host will besiege the city from the land, while the Golden Company and Redwyne fleet take it by sea. >> A good plan. >> Are we done here, then? I don't like the idea of harboring known traitors longer than I have to. >> The northern host stops to rest at Castle Derry, but learns that the banners of the Crownlands were all called to aid the Stormlands. A messenger from the capital awaits them in the castle. He informs them of the Reach's invasion of the Stormlands. The messenger also delivers a copy of a letter from the Tyrells, in which they declare their secession from the Seven Kingdoms and criticize Robert's reign as weak. Jon Arryn urges Ned to ride towards King's Landing with all haste and meet up with the combined Vale and Rivermen host that is marching down the Kingsroad past Harrenhal. He also adds that Tywin has claimed to have begun mobilizing his forces to help confront the Tyrells, but has yet to reach the Stormlands. Ned writes to Robb to call the banners and prepare to send them south. Stannis Baratheon stands at the helm of his longship as harsh waves crash into its hull. While Viserys Targaryen commands the one to his starboard, behind him the full might of the royal fleet, nearly 200 ships, patrols the Blackwater Bay. They receive word from their scouts of an approaching fleet and stand to the ready to defend the capital. In the distance, a fleet of warships bearing the flag of the Golden Company is hidden by the glare of the setting sun. Stannis commands his ship to envelop the fleet as he outnumbers them two to one. Davos and Viserys lead 50 ships each to each side of the fleet, while Stannis forms a defensive blockade of the city. Ser Davos's ships begin to fire arrow volleys toward the Golden Company's when a horn blows from their flagship When the fleet turns directly towards Sir Davos, Viserys orders his men to ram the Golden Company from the side, but another fleet approaches from the south. The Redwyne ship charges toward Viserys. Noticing this, Stannis moves himself and the remaining ships to intercept them. On land, Tywin Lannister's host approaches the capital from the Golden Road. The messenger, Jon Arryn, is sent out to question Tywin, but doesn't return. Tywin's present host, numbering 30,000 men, set up siege weapons in front of the Lion's Gate and the Gate of the Gods before beginning to attack the city. Ned Stark and his men reach the Valemen and Rivermen host a few miles from the capital. When they arrive, they find the city under siege from land and sea. As they approach the Gate of the Gods, a force of Western cavalry rides towards them. Edmure Tully sets up a shield wall while Yohn Royce rallies his cavalry behind them for a counter attack. The Northmen stay at the rear, composed of only the Stark household guard, no more than 100 men. The Westermen cavalry crashes into the shield wall. Without proper defenses, such as ditches or spiked barricades, the Rivermen take heavy losses, but the shield wall holds. As the Westermen cavalry rushes the shield wall again, the Valemen ride around the the shield wall and attack the Westermen's flank. The Westermen cavalry retreats back towards Tywin's main force, who was using the cavalry to give his men time to form ranks. Both sides regroup before Tywin sends out a parley request. Stannis meets the Redwyne fleet, but quickly becomes overwhelmed by the much larger force. He fights tooth and nail, ships sinking all around him. As his ship gets boarded, Stannis leads his men to defeat the attacking Reachmen before he sends men to overtake their ship. He keeps his fleet in a unified host and rallies them to separate from the Redwyne forces. Viserys's ships are crushed between the Golden Company and the Redwyne fleet. His ship is rammed by a Redwyne warship. He rushes onto the ship in desperation, but after cutting down half a dozen men, he and his crew are all slain. Sir Davos moves his ships to retreat back to the city, staying just within arrow range to damage the advancing Golden Company ships. However, more than a dozen Golden Company troop carriers reach the shore and begin releasing men to attack the Mud Gate. The remainder of the Golden Company fleet chases Davos, pinning his ships to the rocky edge of the Blackwater Bay. Davos' ships are quickly boarded and the Onion Knight is captured. Stannis continues to harass the Redwyne fleet, demonstrating his expertise as a veteran commander. Despite his remaining ships being outnumbered two to one, Stannis repeatedly breaks away from the van squadron, utilizing the shipwrecks and debris throughout the bay as he sails toward the open sea. The Redwyne fleet, rather than chase after Tywin, occupies the area of the bay closest to the city and sets up a blockade of their own. Many ships dock as well and aid the Golden Company in rushing the Mud Gate. A contingent of men also breaks off to reinforce Tywin. Cersei, Ned, Edmure Tully, and Bronze Yohn Royce ride out to meet Tywin. Jon, Aegon, and the Kingsguard also approach to observe. Alongside Tywin and his generals, Daemon Blackfyre the Fourth sits proudly on his jet-black destrier with Harry Strickland to his rear. >> What is the meaning of this, Father? >> The meaning of this? I suppose you wouldn't understand being secluded in the north. Robert was weak. He cared less for the realm than a beggar cares for the next meal. He and drank, took the maidenhood of nearly as many women as Aegon the Fourth. Even so, with my help, he could have kept the order. But what did he do? He treated me as a bank account after I helped him win his pathetic throne. I'm surprised he even managed to have a trueborn son at all. Not that he will have one much longer. >> I refuse to believe that Jon Arryn would allow that. Besides, you could have done something, but you refused to be Master of Coin. >> Did you really think that I would degrade myself to a small council seat? I am the only reason Robert took the throne to begin with. My contributions were worth much more than that. >> If you cared so much about the realm, you would have done whatever you could to it. This is your own desire for power. >> I don't see any point in discussing this with you. You are nearly as stupid as your husband. >> This isn't right. What would our mother think of what you're doing here today? >> She would have understood my devotion to the realm. It just so happens that I can ensure peace when I hold the reins. >> There is no need to justify yourself to them. >> Lord Tywin, blind loyalty is a curse that is unbreakable. >> And who are you? >> That is your new king, Daemon Blackfyre. >> Piss on that. He has less of a claim than the Targaryen here. >> Remind me, what was Robert's claim? A Targaryen grandmother? >> No. >> His claim was conquest, as is mine. Let me put it simple for you all. The royal fleet has been decimated. The city will follow. The combined host of the Golden Company, the Westerlands, and the Reach has it completely surrounded. I don't take pride in all of the death I've caused, but it was necessary. You can run. We can't stop that, but we can defeat you and take the city simultaneously. I believe we are done here. >> Ned grits his teeth as Tywin and Daemon ride off. Cersei gives Ned a disheartening look that shows she understands nothing can be done. The Vale and Riverlands forces are marching north so they can unite with the northern host. Word spreads throughout the kingdom of the fall of King's Landing, followed by the execution of Jon Arryn and Edric Baratheon. Although Stannis Baratheon is not among the dead or captured, having retreated to Dragonstone with less than a third of the royal fleet. Rain beats down on her tent as Cersei works her way through the series of letters. The faint candlelight illuminates the parchment as her calls for aid manifest on the page. Ravens fly to Robb Stark, Stannis Baratheon, and Doran Martell. A harsh gust floods the tent as Ned enters, followed by Jon, Aegon, and Rhaenys. The Lord of Winterfell motions the three to sit as he and Cersei begin to speak. >> I know it feels like we have no hope. I will admit it, we are outnumbered and our allies are few, but we will not surrender the throne to this madness. >> I have spoken to Lord Edmure and Lord Royce. Although Stannis Baratheon may be next in line to the throne, I have sent messages to him outlining our plan. >> For those of us set to oppose this Blackfyre pretender, we have to rally around a common cause. I believe that should be your cause, Aegon. >> You're asking me to press my claim? >> We are. We have the North, Vale, Riverlands, and whatever resistance remains in the Stormlands. But our enemies have a combined force of over 100,000 men. Our only possible hope for allies is Dorne. That is why I have proposed a marriage between you and Arianne Martell. >> We understand the weight of what we're asking you. In a different life, kingship would be your birthright. But this is the world we live in. >> I understand, Lord Stark. >> Fortunately, we aren't alone. >> Jon. You aren't my bastard. You're Rhaegar Targaryen's son with Lyanna Stark. >> What? >> We hid that from you to ensure the secret remained. Your father willingly took the sword to protect you. It is your duty to help Aegon and the realm. >> I'm sorry for the responsibility we're placing on you both. >> Don't be. You raised us for this. I vow to make you proud. >> He's right. We'll make you proud. Is that why you brought me south? >> We would have brought you south regardless, but it is fitting that all of Rhaegar's children grew up together. >> Robb Stark stands at the closed gate of the Twins. A host of 3,000 Northmen at his rear. Stevron Frey emerges with a contingent of guards at his rear bearing a message from his father. Lord Walder demands that Robert marry one of his daughters and produces a nearly unpayable toll if he wishes to cross. Robb stifles a laugh and requests an audience with the old lord. In the hall, Lord Walder feasts alongside his extensive family. His giant oak chair extenuating his presence in the room despite his less than flattering appearance. Stevron leads Robb inside where he walks all the way up to the high table. >> You have come to accept my terms. I admit I am in a generous mood today. >> Unfortunately, I have not I have a better offer. >> And what would that be? If you are worried about which daughter you're going to marry, I suppose I could let you pick from the lot. >> Well, I have never had the honor to visit the twins myself. I've heard tales of the valor and strength of your sons and grandsons. I'd like to propose a contest. Your best man against me. If I win, I still pay a handsome fee to cross. It will be a bit lower than what you asked for, and I get to keep my right to choose whom I marry. You win, I'll meet your demands and wed two more of your grandchildren to my bannermen. >> Mhm. But why would I do that when I could force you to concede my terms anyway? >> You would deny your children the chance to fight for your honor? >> Well, I suppose my grandson would be more than a match for a boy of what, 16? >> 15, my lord. >> Very well. All right, men. Move the tables. >> Black Walder and Rob stand opposite each other in the hall. Black Walder unsheathes his blade and marches towards Rob. Rob stands patiently with his hand on his hilt as Black Walder closes the gap. Black Walder looks questionably at Rob before swinging at him. Rob dodges backward as the blade presses in front of him before closing the distance and kicking Black Walder in the chest. Rob finally draws his blade as Black Walder Walder rushes at him again. Benjen blocks several attacks before parrying overhead slash. He shifts to the offensive and cuts Black Walder's arm off below the shoulder. Rob swings and sends a series of carefully placed attacks at Black Walder, who blocks but receives more thin cuts to arms and thighs. Black Walder grows impatient and charges Rob again, but Rob knocks the sword out of his hand with a parry and points his blade toward the Frey's throat. With his victory, Rob takes his forces through the twins, joking with Great Jon Umber over how easy his victory came. The Freys pledge an additional 5,000 men to aid the northern cause, and Rob pays the ferry toll he negotiates. Edmure Tully reports Ned and Yohn Royce that he's been receiving messages back from Riverrun fearing a second Westerman force might invade the Riverlands. As the Vale and Rivermen approach Harrenhal, Edmure's fears come true. A Westerman force led by Kevan Lannister charges out of the tree line from the direction of the castle. The bulk of the Westerman force is infantry that the Rivermen met in the field forming ranks quickly to meet the attackers. The flat terrain provides a cavalry advantage, something Yohn Royce notices. He takes his men along the right flank and coordinates a charge right after the Rivermen's archers loose their arrows. The vanguard of Kevan's host takes heavy losses as the Vale and Rivermen try to push through and continue to the north. Kevan rallies his men and charges with his small cavalry while the Vale men come around for another pass. Kevan charges straight through the Rivermen vanguard behind their ranks. Westerman foot shield soldiers also continuously pour out from the trees forming ranks and then joining the battle. The numbers quickly turn in the Westerman's favor as the Rivermen vanguard is overcome. Yohn Royce takes a spear to the side and nearly falls off his horse. Edmure calls his remaining men to retreat eastward. The Vale men follow suit but the Westerman pursue them. At the head of the retreat, Ned knocks a Westerman off his horse and continues to ride forward. The Vale men collide with Kevan's cavalry repeatedly as they protect the bulk of the retreating host. After gaining nearly a day's ride over the Westerman, Cersei leads the host past Maiden Pool where they set traps on a cliff overlooking the coastline and prepare the battle but to defend against pursuing armies. A warship drifts towards the coast. Stannis and Melisandre are ferried to shore where they coordinate a strategy with Ned and Cersei. He openly expresses his displeasure over being overlooked for the crown. Melisandre notices Jon sparring with Aegon. Both are preparing to lead the Vale men cavalry into the coming battle alongside the King's Guard present. After the Bronze Yohn's injury, he is deemed unable to fight. Melisandre takes Stannis aside whispering to him of the fire she sees within the boys. >> All right, I've come all this way, but I'll have Storm's End back from Renly if we survive this mess, if he's still alive. From what I've heard, Mace is taking the same approach as the rebellion, sitting outside the castle, feasting. Fat bastard. >> It is good news. Tywin has called Randyll Tarly and the large bulk of the Reach forces to King's Landing. >> And how is that good news? They'll be coming for us. I don't have the ships to ferry you all out of here. I can barely hold my 5,000 men. >> It is good news because as we speak, Oberyn Martell is leading a Dornish host through the Boneway to rally the Stormlands to retake your seat. If they defeat Mace, that one piece is off the board. >> Tywin will wait for the Tarly reinforcements before marching out to us, giving us the chance to crush Kevan here. >> If you could take your ships to Maidenpool, when we engage the Westermen, you can hit them from the rear. >> It's a good plan. I'm pleasantly surprised, Lady Stark. We may have a chance. >> Kevan's host marches along the coastline, reinforced by the Mountain and Emmon Lorch, the jagged terrain destabilizing his ranks. He halts his men once they see the fortified camp, staying out of arrow range. He spreads his forces around the camp before engaging. Edmure stands at the front, watching the Westermen close in. Arrows rain down on the approaching force, but the terrain works both ways, providing the Westermen with ample cover. Kevan's crossbowmen return fire on the rivermen, giving the infantry the opportunity to approach. The fight is brutal. Ned and Edmure cut down man after man as the Westermen ascend the cliff. They charge forward in what seems like unending droves, but even as the rivermen fall, the defense holds. Kevan takes his cavalry around the bulk of the fortifications where Jon and Aegon's men wait for them. The two forces collide, both sides suffering heavy losses. Jaime finds Kevan in the field and charges at him. The two exchange blows before Jaime manages to plant his sword in Kevan's chestplate, sending him tumbling off his horse. The ranks on both sides fall apart as chaos takes the battlefield and both cavalry are reduced to footmen as horses fall. Meanwhile, Jon takes a few dozen of his remaining riders around the camp toward the infantry. He manages to cut down several men before a bolt takes his horse. Arthur Dayne rides alongside him as they continue to disrupt the attack. Also horseless, Aegon spies the Mountain rushing past the battle toward the camp. Aegon, Jaime, and Gerold Hightower confront the Lannister generals. Aegon and Jaime work in tandem to cut down a dozen men while Ser Gerold duels Amory Lorch. Jaime reaches the Mountain as he cuts down the three rivermen in a single swing. Unable to properly block, Jaime dances around the giant of a man, sending probing attacks aimed to tire him out. Aegon joins Jaime, the battle almost separating around them. They attack the Mountain from both sides, cutting at the joints in his armor. Aegon closes the distance and plunges his sword into the Mountain's back where his armor is damaged, but the sword only enrages him. He whirls around and swings into Aegon who only has the time to brace his head with his gauntlet as the sword smashes into his skull, sending his helmet to the other side of the battlefield. Aegon falls to the ground. The Mountain towers over Aegon. He raises his sword above his head to finish off the Targaryen claimant when Jaime's sword enters the back of his neck and exits out of his mouth. The Mountain falls and Jaime helps Aegon back to the camp. The Westermen begin to press forward as the defense breaks. Ser Gerold is swarmed and cut down. Jon finds his father at the front where he's reforming a defensive line. As hard as they try, they keep getting pushed back and men fall all around them. But from the rear of the Westermen ranks, Stannis's heavy cavalry alongside Robb Stark and his host of Northmen rush to the field. Kevan tries to form a rear guard but is trampled by the mass of northern and Baratheon horses. Jon and Arthur Dayne find Amory Lorch organizing a retreat, supporting heavy wounds from his duel with Gerold Hightower. The pair cut through the men to his rear and strike him down before he can even defend himself. Without proper leadership, the Westermen scatter and the unified host under Aegon captures any stragglers. Aegon sports a deep cuts on his face and a hole where his left eye used to be. Rob is overjoyed to see his parents and hugs Jon so tight he can barely breathe. The boys visit Aegon while he recovers. >> The Targaryen, huh? And you think you were just my less ravishing half-brother. We're still cousins. That's got to count for something. It means I'll always be there to save your sorry ass. He certainly needs it. Your face says otherwise. I don't remember seeing you fight an 8-ft tall ball of muscle covered in steel. >> The boys laugh as the host regroups. They receive word that Mace Tyrell was captured in an ambush by the Dornish host that, combined with Renly's Stormland men, they're riding hard through the Kingswood toward the capital. After healing from his wounds, Aegon takes command of the host, assigning Neds and Jon the northern host, while Stannis and Edmure take their respective hosts alongside half of the Vale men each. Damon Blackfyre's host marches through Stokeworth where when Aegon's forces come into view. Aegon commands just over 50,000 men to Damon's 80. Randyll Tarly commands the vanguard and charges forward with his men towards Aegon's center. Ned checks his advance, sending his men to collide with Randyll Tarly's front line. Stannis and Edmure lead their combined forces to the Reachmen's right flank and open a breach that northern soldiers pour into. Randyll Tarly has his men feign retreat and reinforces left flank where he overwhelms Rob and Jon's men. Stannis is careful not to stretch his cavalry too far and pulls back to reinforce Jon and Rob. Great Jon Umber rallies a score of northern men to continue to harass the right flank what when Tywin and Damon spur forward to attack their exposed rear with the Golden Company. Randyll Tarly continues to allow his line to be pushed to the side, sending almost his whole strength towards the left flank. Jon commands his archers to send volley after volley towards the Reachmen, hoping to halt their advance, but his line continues to crumble until Stannis makes a wide arc around the left flank and crashes into the guard. Edmure meets Damion's incoming charge with the Golden Company with hopes to buy the rest of his forces the time to overrun Randall's vanguard. His line holds until elephants burst through his shield wall and give the sellswords opening behind his ranks. Edmure falls to an arrow to the chest and the Golden Company pushes toward Aegon's line. Ned manages to break through the center of Randall Tarly's vanguard due to his focus on his left flank. Ned leads his men through the breach and charges at the left flank from behind. Randall Tarly breaks off from the left with a contingent of men around him and confronts Ned. Ned's broadsword meets Heartsbane. He attacks furiously aiming to take the commander down before his ranks have a chance to reform. Randall Tarly expertly defends against Ned's attacks and after a parry kicks the sword out of Ned's hand. Randall lets Ned get up cutting off an advancing Northman. He points his sword towards Ice which sits on the Lord of Winterfell's back untouched. Ned unsheathes the massive blade. Ned's exhaustion and the blade's weight cause him to drag the tip of it along the ground even while holding it with both hands. When Randall gets close, Ned swings the blade widely trying to catch Tarly off guard. The Lord of Horn Hill dodges backward and pivots around Ned's strikes. Randall Tarly closes the distance of one of Ned's swings. However, as he tries to plunge his sword into Ned, he receives a headbutt and is sent staggering backward. Ned lifts Ice high over his head and brings it down on Heartsbane. Randall Tarly nearly collapsing over the force between the swing. The echo of the Valyrian steel blades clashing echoes through the battlefield. Ned continues to press Ice down into Heartsbane, but before Ned can finish Randall Tarly off, a cavalry charge causes Ned to jump back. Randall Tarly falls to one knee before a horse smashes into him. Ned sheaths Ice before nearly collapsing only to be caught by Jon who helps his father in all but name rise. Ned looks at Jon before pointing at Heartsbane lying on the ground. Aegon manages to divert troops to halt the Golden Company's advance, charging forward with Jaime Lannister and Arthur Dayne. Jaime plunges his sword into the side of a charging elephant, opening its stomach as it falls to the ground. Aegon rides straight for Damon Blackfyre, who draws his sword of the same name. The two claimants meet in the field, mirroring the duel of Ser Gwyn Corbray and Damon Blackfyre the First during the Battle of the Redgrass Field. They repeatedly charge each other. The battle fades away from them as they try to launch each other off their horses. Aegon lands a blow on Damon's helm, severing one of the wings decorating it. On the very next charge, however, Damon shifts his horse into Aegon and plunges his sword into his neck. Damon rises painfully as blood spurts out of Aegon's throat. He pulls Blackfyre free as Tywin rides over, granting his king an approving nod. Stannis comes around for another pass on the Reachman line, but it is checked by Tywin's cavalry. Aegon's host crumbles without their commander. Arthur Dayne and Jaime find Jon and Ned at what remains of the flank, only narrowly escaping the Golden Company. Stannis tries to rally Aegon's cavalry to help him reinforce the weakening infantry, only to be thrown off his horse by an elephant charge. Watching Stannis fall, Rob cuts down a man on horseback and takes the steed for himself. Rob takes control of Stannis's heavy cavalry and tries to support the infantry. Even with Rob and the full cavalry's assistance, Damon regains control of his men and presses the attack, beginning to fully envelop the men. Jon rushes to the front, Heartsbane in hand, and calls for a charge to break Damon's line. Arthur Dayne cuts down five men while Jaime slices through a man rushing at his flank. Jon feels the Valyrian steel sword in his hands overpower his enemy's blades. For every man he cuts down, two take his place. Just then, a horn blows from Damon's rear. A A of Dornish spears, in tandem with a Stormlander army, rushes towards the Golden Company, forcing Damon to redirect a large portion of his men to confront them. John pushes forward as the resistance weakens. Alongside Jamie and Arthur, roughly a dozen of John's men break through the Damon's line and head directly for the claimant. Damon's guard goes to meet them. However, John ducks under a mounted sellsword's blade and continues on his mad dash towards Damon. John calls out to the man who killed his brother, Heartsbane in hand. Damon shakily pulls Blackfyre from his sheath and readies himself to face John. John and Damon duel for what feels like an eternity. Every clash of their blades sounds like thunder. John attacks Damon relentlessly, but as Damon defends, John can feel the tide turning in his favor. Damon's blocks weaken and his footwork slow. John begins to penetrate his guard, slicing between the gaps in his armor. Damon tries to press John, but John parries his first attack and Blackfyre slips from Damon's fingers. Damon with Blackfyre falls to his knees as his army falls around him. Tywin fights hard, but his horse collapses as he's overrun by Robb and Stannis. Soon after, the rest of Damon's forces surrender. Damon looks down, his life having already ended in his mind. John takes Blackfyre from the mud and severs his head. John reaches down and grabs Aegon the Conqueror's crown from Damon's hip. Without a second thought, he places the crown on his head as the battlefield grows silent and thousands of men begin to kneel. Tywin Lannister stands at the top of the battlements of the Red Keep bound and guarded. He watches as Varys and Little Finger lose their heads. John Targaryen closes his eyes, the crown weighing heavily on his head. Cersei escorts her father to the chopping block. She wants to speak, but a look from Jamie tells her otherwise. John approaches the old lion. >> Tywin Lannister, I sentence you to die. Do you have any final words? >> Go ahead and rule, boy. I wish I could watch the realm fall apart even more than it already has. >> Even if you lived past today, that is a sight that you would never see. >> Jon raises Blackfyre high above his head, and with one clean swing, the realm grows safer. That's our theory. Westeros is a land filled with exciting stories and possibilities, and we love exploring them. 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