What If Ned Stark Fled King’s Landing After Robert’s Death

What if Ned Stark fly to King's Landing after Robert's death? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. Ned watches Renley depart, leaving him alone in the halls to ponder what he will do next. Though he did not admit it, Renley is likely going to be freed after this, and Ned cannot truly blame him. With Robert dead, the capital just got even more dangerous for men like them. No doubt he will make his way back to Storm's End. Though Ned wishes to shout out for him to return and urge him to try and take control of the Red Keep, another part of him is worried and wishes to join him. Honor dictates that he remains behind to see Robert's will done. But that is easier said than done. He has few guards left and even fewer allies. Those he does have, he does not trust. While Littlefinger acts like a friend, Ned suspects there is more to him behind those smiles. Even when he offers his support, Ned cannot bring himself to accept. There is something he must do in exchange. That much he understands, and he doesn't like the idea of owing Littlefinger. Ned weighs his options throughout the night, trying to consider what might be best. Unfortunately, none of the possibilities look good, and he must now consider the very real possibility that there is nothing further he can do in the capital. Ned's swallowed as he was already discussing chartering a ship to take his daughters back home. But now, if he were to leave with them, it would allow him to escape north and plan his next move. Although it feels like cowardice, he reminds himself that there is nothing wrong with attempting to regroup, especially given the situation they are in. Reluctantly, Ned sends a rider out to inform the ship captain that he intends to set sail. While he waits for word, he instructs his household to pack and prepare to depart at a moment's notice. Once they are given the go-ahad, his party departs, leaving in the dead of night. When the Red Keep wakes up the next morning, they will find the Stark quarters empty and Ned Stark gone. Though they learn of Robert's death, it is a hollow victory as they do not gain the submission of the north or even the opportunity to take someone hostage and force their hand. It is only once they are safe out of the city and King's Landing silhouette has faded behind them that Ned allows himself to relax. He has a raven send word to White Harbor about his impending arrival, but also with secret orders to rob. They must prepare for the worst by calling their banners. Tywin is more than displeased. He had hoped to secure Ned Stark's capture to force the North to submit and neutralize them as a threat. Without them, Tywin risks being caught from two sides in his invasion of the Riverlands. And these fears are proven to be true as Renley assembles his army in the Stormlands and prepares to march out. Meanwhile, the North mobilizes just as Ned has commanded, and nearly 12,000 swords are waiting for him alongside Rob and Catelyn. Ned immediately embraces his family, who welcome him back from his journey south. They are grateful to see him safe, and Ned is happy to be back. This short trip to the capital has reminded him just how mad the royal court is. If he had a choice, Ned would have gladly remained north, but he knows that is not an option. And as the banners answer his call, he prepares to ride out. He is accompanied by Rob and the rest of his bannermanmen. Their goal is to stop the chaos in the Riverlands brought about by Tywin's invasion, but the warden of the North is outnumbered. Even with the additional men he picks up south, he is still outnumbered by almost 2 to1 and knows that trying to battle Tywin is risky business. So instead, Ned's plan revolves around avoiding a fight. He may not challenge Tywin, but his army's mere presence may threaten them and force them to reconsider their action. He marches down to the neck and takes a position in Mo Kalin, but also sends riders ahead to the Lannister camp to negotiate. Tywin is surprised by this offer, but cannot bring himself to refuse. He was not expecting this war and worried about what Ned Stark might do against his son, he might have risked battle, but Ned was a proven commander, and if he was offering peace, then he would at least hear him out. Both agree to meet at the twins to discuss what will happen next. The meeting is tense as both lords meet in the water tower with their armies camped on either side, staring at each other. As refreshments are served, Lord Tywin glances over at Ned and nods his head. You are far from King's Landing, Lord Stark. Surely my daughter and grandson require the hands council. I am the king's hand, not theirs. And they have made it clear my services are not required. But I could say the same thing for you. I seem to recall ordering you to present yourself before the royal court, and yet you are here as well. No matter. I suppose the twins are as good a place as any to discuss your recent actions. What is there to discuss? Your wife kidnapped my son and dragged him off to the veil. Your son was a suspect in the attempted assassination of my son, Bran. I realize now that he was innocent, and for that I apologize. However, he was brought before Lady Lysa to face a fair trial. A fair trial? Is that what you call seizing him as he sits down to eat, dragging him across the mountains like a common criminal, and locking him in a sky cell? From what he tells me, he also said that you rejected his campaign because he was not present. It seems your good sister and your wife were stacking the odds against him. And what do you call attacking me in the street? One son's crimes may have been false, but the others are beyond dispute. Sir Jaime nearly killed me and slaughtered my men, and yet he rides in your army, dispensing the so-called justice you preach, all while refusing to face judgment for his crimes. enough. We can sit here and sling accusations against one another the whole day. But I suspect that they will accomplish nothing. So instead, I ask what it is you called this meeting for so we can turn our attention to something productive. On that we can agree. I brought you here to discuss your recent attack in the Riverlands. You claim that is for justice, but I hardly think there is justice in slaughtering men, defending their homes, burning villages, and in leaving this region a wasteland. The Riverlords were complicit in my son's kidnapping. I cannot allow them to simply go unpunished for what they did. I see you have made your point, then. I think no one in the Riverlands has missed the message you were trying to send. You understand that I cannot allow such action to continue. I have nearly 20,000 men here ready to fight if you refuse to stand down. I might no longer be hand, but I still will keep the peace, and I certainly will not leave my lady wife's home at your mercy. Be careful with the threats you make, Lord Stark. I still have many more men than you, and I am prepared to fight. Twice as many men as me. But what about Lord Renley and Stannis? Do not fool yourself into thinking they are your friends, or will ally themselves with you. Does that mean you will not further interfere if I accommodate your request? I came south to serve Robert, but Robert is dead. There is nothing left for me here. Tywin nods, and the two soon form an agreement. Tywin will withdraw from the Riverlands and compensate for the damages he's done. Villages will be rebuilt, apologies given, and gold transfer to the small folk and riverlords who were affected by this war. In exchange, Ned will withdraw his army up to the neck. Though a force will remain in Mo Kalin to observe what happens, ensure Tywin causes no further trouble. It is a peace that neither one truly likes. Ned knows in his heart that the Lannister claim to the throne is built on lies and will never back them, but knows risking battle is dangerous. At least here he will give the Riverlands peace. Meanwhile, Tywin does not gain a hostage to force the North to yield or even get them to recognize Joffrey as the legitimate king. All he gets is a temporary ceasefire. But he realizes that they can secure their loyalty later once the Baratheonss are dealt with. Soon after, the guards at top the twins watch as both armies disappear, marching right back the way they came. The Riverfolk watch in disbelief as the massive Lannister army that had caused so much chaos just weeks ago marches back to where it came from, leaving behind only smoking ruins and the promises of recompense to warm their beds. Ned does not fully demobilize his army as he keeps a small garrison behind and provides his bannermanmen instructions to prepare to march at a moment's notice. With the Starks now temporarily satisfied, Tywin marches his men to confront the Baratheonss, who pose a larger threat, not just because of their armies, but also because of their claims. Both Brenley and Stannis have real claims to the Iron Throne. So, if they attempt something, they can gain more support. However, as reports begin to filter in, Tywin is relieved to hear that they aren't working together. Stannis has locked himself up on Dragonstoneone without so much as a peep, but suspects the older Baratheon is planning something big. Meanwhile, Renley has gathered armies from the Stormlands and now even the Reach. With these two regions, he has one of the largest armies in the Seven Kingdoms. While Stannis has the stronger claim, Tywin decides that Renley is the largest threat. So long as Stannis remains on Dragonstone, he is not too big a threat as he cannot gain a large army first. So instead of just reinforcing King's Landing, Tywin divides his forces. A small part is sent under the command of Kevin and Tyrion. They're ordered to return to King's Landing to restore order in the city. Without hostages, they are more valuable and must have a strong garrison. Meanwhile, the rest returns back to the Westerlands with Tywin. In contrast to the arrival, which is filled with fire and fury, Tywin takes a cautious approach and maintains strict discipline. He knows that if he breaks the peace he made with Ned Stark, the Warden of the North will descend with all his strength, and he will have a war on two fronts. So, he maintains strict discipline, punishing lutters and recruiting what he can. Once he crosses the Golden Tooth, he leaves more of his forces behind to watch over the Riverlands in case of another attack. He leaves this under the command of Sir Forly Prester, while the rest march through the Westerlands and strike at the Reach. He decides to take Renley first by cutting off his support in the Reach. By the time he passes Craig Hall and enters Reach territory, he at last allows his raiders to begin plundering. After weeks of having to keep their noses clean, the prospect of pillaging the wealthy lands of the Tyrells fills these men with glee. Sir Gregor and Vargo Hot both throw themselves into the chaos, reveling in the death and destruction their sudden attack causes. With most of their fighting men marching east with Renley, the Reach is completely unprepared for this attack. As the few troops remain, as the few troops remaining with Mace Tyrell hurried to try and reorganize. But as the raiders burn the countryside, drawing away the enemy soldiers, the main army makes a beline for High Garden and other key castles. Seeing his entire northern region at risk, Mace decides to confront Tywin alongside his son, Garlin. Together, the two ride out with whatever men they can muster, nearly 12,000, and try to halt or at least limit the damage they cause. Garlin decides to wait until Sir Gregor and the cavalry go out riding, weakening Tywin's army and detaching a small force to act as bait. This forces Sir Adam to chase them, mitigating some of Tywin's numbers. With those men gone, Mace commands a cavalry charge against Tywin's center, hitting him hard and focusing his men back. The sheer surprise is enough to drive the Westerman back, and soon the pikes of the Reach advance forward. The clash is long and brutal as both sides commit more and more troops into the conflict. Attacks from the flanks by the Reachmen push Sir Harry's cavalry back, but Tywin watches all of this from his camp and feels the wind starting to shift. It blows in the direction of the Tyrells, so he orders that fires be lit by his reserves. the sense smoke blowing directly into the faces of the Reachman, obscuring his vision. As some of Sir Adam's riders begin to return, they burst through the smoke like flaming demons, leaving the Reach's foot in a shock. While some of the Reach knights try to rally their forces and regroup to hit them, there are too few, and the smoke makes it difficult for their units to form up. They are driven from the field, allowing Tywin to envelop the infantry and destroy it. With that, Mace is forced to retreat, barely escaping by cutting his way out. With his forces in chaos and Tywin pressing deeper, capturing High Garden is now a real possibility for the Lannisters. And even Mace Tyrell understands this threat. He writes to Renley, urging him to return back to the Reach with all his strength. Renley, who was already marching to King's Landing to capture it, is reluctant to abandon his campaign before it even starts. However, many of the bannermanmen serving under him are reluctant to see their lands burned and urge him to head back. The king has little choice as his support threatens to bleed away from him. He rides back with all his might, outpacing his infantry and leaving his cavalry to arrive first. There they fight Ma's army in disarray with scattered bands all across the reach. Renley and Randel Tarly spend time gathering these scattered units and try to reform them as they contemplate their next move. That must be to expunge Tywin, but they can see how dangerous that is. The Lord of Castle A Rock has proven to be a dangerous opponent and Renley decides to proceed more cautiously. Rather than risk another major battle, especially since their armies are at even strength, Randall advises a war of attrition. As defenders, they'll have an advantage in supplies and can wear Tywin down. He heeds this advice and begins waging a slower war, focusing on attacking isolated bands of Lannister troops instead of the main army. Thankfully, there are plenty of these smaller parties to attack. The raiding parties of Sir Greor and Armory Loach are among these that fall, and many more follow. Soon, the pillaging that became a big part of Tywin's strategy comes to a halt as he must reconsider his options. Sending them out puts them at risk of being annihilated, and he cannot replace these men as easily as the Tyrells. Even sending out scouting parties and foragers becomes risky. But not all fall so easily as Sir Adam begins going on the attack, launching similar strikes on Renley's forces and preventing the momentum from fully swinging in Renley's favor. One person who observes all of this is Stannis from Dragonstone. He watches as the two go back and forth, focusing on destroying each other so that King's Landing and the rest of the Seven Kingdoms are forgotten. He is tempted to attack the capital directly, but knows he doesn't have the manpower for it. At best, he may only have the same number of men as Sir Kevin. No, he will need to raise an army and fast. Now is the time to strike at your brother, while he keeps the better part of his strength in the reach. It is true. Many of his lords will have grown wary of his inability to win. Of course, they are. He has no right. The only thing he can do to secure his throne is defeating Lord Tarwin. But that is a feat beyond his talents. Still, that does not mean the Stormlords are ready to go over with you, your grace. I visited the Stormlands, sucked with the lords, or at least those willing to see me. Both turned their heads upon you. All the more reason to strike now. They have seen how backing a false king has led them astray. Be careful your grace. If you approach them now, it will not be your claim they are looking at, but what you have to offer. They will expect you to defeat Lord Tarin. Do you doubt I can? Not with these men. They turned against their king because they grew tired of him waring. And that was their lege lord. What will they do with you? Well spoken as ever, said Davos. Very well. What do you suggest I do? Sail your grace, but not south. Sail north to Maidenpool and land your army there. The riverlords may have suffered, but they can still field an army, and there are no Lannisters there. They will not risk bringing Ned Stark's wrath upon them. So, you should be able to build an army without trouble. And why would the Riverlords be any more amiable to an alliance than the Stormlords? Because I am sure many have not forgotten who had attacked their homes and who might promise them a chance for vengeance if they pledge themselves to his cause. A cunning plan on your knight. Very well. Let us sail north. And just as he says, Stannis takes what few men he does have and rounds Blackwater Bay towards Maidenpool. Lord Mutin is surprised to see Stannis, but dares not contest his arrival. His small army begins making its way deeper inland, approaching houses one by one and aided by guides. Stannis does not come with commands or orders, but promises. Though the war might be over for them, many do not like its outcome. While Ned Stark can claim he stopped the fighting, it hardly satisfies the Riverlords who just saw their lands burn, their people killed, and many losing their relatives. Meanwhile, it seems like Tywin Lannister was able to do this without punishment. Ned did not defeat him. He simply asked him to leave and requested that he pay compensation. Money that has not yet arrived due to the war. Stannis can sense this dissatisfaction and jumps on it immediately. Each time a lord invites him to s, he makes the same declaration. You bleed for the ambitions of the lion. But had to sit quietly as his armies marched upon your lands and butchered your people. Had to watch as the crown did nothing. Then Ned Stark claims he's achieved peace because he says Tywin Lannister will pay you back. But where is the gold? Still funding the old lion's wars. Join me and I promise that you shall be paid back in full immediately. Those words immediately appeal to the angry riverlords who pledge themselves to his cause. Though their armies are battered, many houses still commit troops to his cause. Soon his army swells by thousands. Such a force cannot march out in secret, and both Ned and Tywin soon get word of their arrival. Soon, Ned personally visits Stannis's camp to discuss what shall be done moving forward. The wind stirs the banners as Ned Stark waits beneath the canopy of the Godswood Pavilion. The Riverlands are greening again after the Lannister withdrawal, but scars of fire remain. Stannis Baratheon arrives with his cloak flapping behind him, jaw clenched and eyes cold. You asked for parlay. Here I am. Speak uttered. I'm told your army moves north and many riverlords ride behind you. I hope to understand your aims before more blood is spilled. My aims. Justice. Lord Stark. Or have you forgotten that the Lannisters marched through these lands like butchers in red cloaks? I gave the riverlords a choice. suffer in silence or stand and claim vengeance they chose. I don't fault them for that, but I fear what comes next. More war, more widows. The Riverlands are not healed. Your march reopens wounds I've tried to close. You closed nothing. You bought time. Rubbed a bit of ointment in an open wound and claimed it's healed. Time for Tywin to gather strength. Time for the crown to ignore its debts. In time for a false king to sit on the Iron Throne. You know I do not support Joffrey. That's why I fled. I refuse to recognize him. Joffrey is not Robert's son. I have proof. I kept the secret to avoid war, but it came anyway, so I do not need to convince you. Good. Then you know I am the rightful king. Stannis's mouth curls. Not quite into a smile, more like the twitch of a sword being unshathed. I do, though. I have made peace with Lord Tywin. I will not march my forces against you. Then swear your banners to me. Match with me. Help bring the usurpers to justice. I cannot. I swore an oath to protect the north. My men fight only when our people are threatened. I gave my word to keep them safe, not to feed them to the fires of ambition. I offer what I can. You'll have safe passage through the neck, supply lines from Mo Kalin, and scouts who know the land better than any of the Southerners. I'll give you what information I can spare, but my men will not die in another man's war. A long silence stretches between them. Stannis stares, unreadable. The fire in him is not cooled, only checked. So be it. You will not fight for me. But at least you do not fight against me. I'll take your aid and your neutrality for now. But know this, Stark. When I take King's Landing, I will remember who stood beside me and who stood behind me. Ned watches him leave, rooted like a weirwood, unmoved by threat or promise. Yet, he soon rides back where he came. With that alliance secured, Stannis at last makes his way over to the Golden Tooth, where Lord Leford is tasked with holding back an army that might threaten the Westerlands. Given Stannis's announcements, his arrival comes as no surprise, and the old lord has had time to dig in and prepare his defenses. He is now well supplied for siege. But as Stannis and his men make camp at the foot of the hills, he turns not to his sworn swords, but to the red woman, Melisandre. She nods and says nothing. By the time midnight rolls around, a shadow creature slips out of the camp. It makes its way over to the golden tooth where a few screams can be heard as the monster goes to work. Men are along one of the post gates just as it swings open. By then, Sir Richard Horp is ready and gestures for their troops to rush inside. With the guards subdued, they open the main gate and the men of the narrow sea as well as the vengeful riverlords come streaming inside the castle. The destruction is total as the river folk unleash their revenge upon the garrison. Only a handful are spared. Lord Leford not among them as he is cut down while trying to flee. With the Golden Tooth now his. The way lies open for the rest of the Westerlands, and the lords do not let this opportunity go to waste. Compared to Tywin, Stannis has no interest in needless raiding and pillaging. Instead, he marches his army across the Westerlands to capture castles and captives, but not to destroy them. Villages are left intact, and he forces his men to pay for everything rather than simply taking it. Those who refuse or choose to murder and rape are punished quickly and effectively. This is thanks in part to Melisandre and the queen's men who act as Stannis's enforcers, cracking down on anyone they see defying the one true king. The only exception to no stealing is gold from the minds of the lord's coffers. Stannis is happy to claim these to fuel his war effort. However, he does not bleed the lords dry like Tywin would do to his foes. With this, Stannis hopes to convince some of the Westermen to cross over to his side. While few come forward with fear of what Tywin will do in retaliation, they are at least growing wary of remaining in the reach when their homes are under threat. Many wish to return home, and every day those voices grow louder. Even Tywin Lannister cannot ignore the tides shifting around him. With the Westerlands under siege and the riverlords pledging to Stannis, his position grows increasingly untenable. He sends raven after raven, calling on vassels to return from the reach, but most are trapped behind enemy lines or simply do not answer. Whispers ripple through the camps. Some lords begin questioning the point of attack. Some lords begin questioning the point of attacking the Tyrell heartlands while their keeps lie vulnerable. Desertions begin. Not whole houses, but enough men slipping away by night to sew doubt. At last, Renley sees his moment. Flushed with fresh troops from the southern stormlands in the remnants of the reach houses, he gathers his bannermanmen and strikes. With Randall Tarly commanding the vanguard and Sir Loris leading the cavalry, Renley launches a full-scale assault on the returning Lannister host. The clash is furious. At first, Tywin's veteran troops hold, but they are outnumbered and their spirit is broken. When Sir Adam Marbrand is unhored and captured, Sir Harry's swift is cut down in the chaos. The Lannister center crumbles. Tywin attempts to regroup, calling for order, but no one hears him over the den of fire and steel. A stray bolt fired blind into the smoke strikes him through the neck. The Lord of Castly Rock dies with no flourish. His corpse trampled as his army breaks. Survivors flee in all directions. Many attempt to return home, others scattered towards King's Landing, hoping to find safety behind the city walls. But Stannis is already prepared for this. His men intercept the routed forces. At the crossroads and fjords, battered Lannister soldiers find themselves surrounded by riverlords and queensmen. The survivors are given a choice. Bend the knee to King Stannis or die. Most choose life. But the price is steep. Stannis demands reparations, gold, crops, horses, and sent hostages from every noble house to be held by the riverlords until debts are paid in blood and coin. He does not kill the Westermen. He merely chains their futures to his cause. Despite his victory, Stannis does not delude himself. His army is a patchwork of battered men, half-trained riverfolk, and old soldiers bound more by rage than loyalty, and western whose homes he just invaded. He needs time, rest, and consolidation. Rather than march directly on King's Landing, he pivots. He orders a sharp campaign west from the Riverlands, seizing Fair Market and striking at the reach. Melisandre urges him to strike a fatal blow, but through the shadows. You have one true enemy. The usurper wears your brother's face. You will never rule while he stands. Strike now while his men question his ability. Your grace, he is your blood. Whatever his sins, killing him is kinsling. You'd lose half your followers overnight. Then what would you have me do? Show them what he is. Not a king, but a peacock. Remind them of what he allowed. He unleashes a campaign of ravens, riders, and singers. Word spreads across the reach in Stormlands. Renley Baratheon, who led Tywin burned the Reach while he courted banners, and feasted at Bitterbridge. Renley, who abandoned Ned Stark when he needed him most. Renley, who gave the Lannisters the throne by abandoning the capital. The lies are few, the truths twisted, but not broken. In this regard, Ned proves his aid. He recalls how he had to leave the capital in a hurry because Renley refused to support him. All because he wanted to seize the Iron Throne. Not only does Ned confirm these rumors, he amplifies them and sends out his own ravens. Some Reachmen begin to hesitate. Not openly, not yet, but they listen. Their sons are dead, their fields scorched, and now their king is losing the war he started. Many of them also see little reason for it. House Tyrell made this alliance to boost their prestige. Yet what do the lesser houses gain? Not much, it seems. While his daughter sits as queen, it is their sons and brothers who lay dead. Yet Mace Tyrell remains immovable, propped up by Renley with wealth, soldiers, and pride. Davos sees the lynch pin clearly. Strike Mace, remove him, and the reach's spine snaps. Stannis listens, and this time he agrees. Melisandre prepares the ritual. The fires burn high. The shadows dance. When the darkness leaves her, it carries a face few recognize, but one that will never be forgotten in Oldtown and High Garden. By morning, Lord Ma Tyrell is found dead in his command tent, eyes wide with terror, blood pooling at his feet. No enemy had entered the camp. Panic erupts across the reach forces. Some blame poison, others whisper of sorcery. Many simply pack their tents and ride home. Remley stands alone again, but not yet broken. Soon enough, the army of Stannis approaches, their banners fluttering on the horizon, rising higher and higher as the horns sound across the valley. There is no time to run, only enough to form up. As his remaining men prepare themselves for battle, they hear the echoes of hooves on the ground. At first, they think that Stannis is beginning a preemptive strike. But it is only a single rider, a representative offering to parlay. Some of Friendley's knights urge him to refuse. They say that it is a trap and they worry that Stannis might betray them. But now more than ever, he knows he cannot show weakness. Instead, he rides out alongside some trusted guards and confronts his brother, who waits at the crest of the hill, accompanied by Melisandre, Sir Davos, and a few riverlords and Westermen. Brother, you were a long way from Dragonstone. If you're looking for Tywin Lannister, then you are too late. It isn't Tin who I'm looking for. It's you. I am sure you started this war to end the usurp's reign just as I did. But Lord Tywin is dead in King's Landing's fall is just a matter of time. So it seems that the race is on to see which one of us will reach the capital. This isn't some game. Thousands of men have fallen to get us where we are. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, and I am certain you do not like the thought of that any more than I do. While we sit here bleeding our armies to nothing, he secures his position. It is you whose armies are bleeding, brother. What do you have? The scrapings of Tywin Lannister's forces, codfish lords, and a few battered riverlords. Meanwhile, I have armies to spare. And were those the men whom I saw riding off? Already three of your benammen approached me today, hoping to cross the banners. But I see no reason why they cannot be both of ours. I propose we combine our forces together. Joffrey and whatever remains of his men will be relevant. I will help you keep your army in line and even bring the Tyrells back into the fold. After this war is over, I will even name you my heir, but only if you bend the knee. You must be madder than Aries if you expect me to accept these terms. The Tyrells back me. I have the largest army in the seven kingdoms. So did King Gardner in the fields of fire. It didn't stop him from burning. You don't have dragons. I have an army, one that is loyal to me. That is more than I can say for you. I will not make this offer again. Renley purses his lips and considers what he's saying carefully. The truth is, he no longer is certain about his chances of success. Already, many of his men have deserted him. So far, he still outn's force, but not by much. And should battle be joined, it is far from certain. More importantly, this offer provides him a way out that still allows him to save face. He will still be in the line of succession. It might take some time, but he will become king eventually. I want my marriage to Marjgery to be recognized by you. Very well. I wish you two much happiness and my position in the small council. You ask much? Fine. The banners of Stag and Rose ride together from the east. Stannis's veterans and riverlords approach Blackwater Bay with discipline and silence. From the south, Renley's cavalry and storm lords trample the King'swood trails, armor shining in the sun. Though they fly separate colors, the two Baratheon hosts are now one cause, at least for now. King's Landing braces. Inside the Red Keep, panic spreads like fire and dry grass. With Tywin dead and no Lannister reinforcements on the horizon, Cersei tightens her grip on her children, but no longer pretends to command the city. The Goldcloaks are paid, but loyalty waivers. Kevin and Tyrion remain with 5,000 men, but this is a drop in the bucket compared to the forces the Baratheians bring to bear. The small folk whisper of two kings with rightful blood, and Joffrey's hold begins to fray. The siege begins with little ceremony. Stannis wastes no time with proclamations or parlay. His catapults are rolled forward by riverlords, and his warships form a blockade to prevent escape. Renley, ever the showman, marches around the gates with banners unfurled and horn sounding. He demands surrender. None comes. By nightfall, Renley sappers are already at work along the king's gate. Inside, Sir Mandon Moore proposes they fight to the death. Sir Boros wants to flee. Cersei prepares wildfire not to hurl at the enemy, but to burn the city if she must. The men batter the gates. Ladders and siege towers are rolled up. The Baratheon men soon swarm the walls and leave the defenders hardpressed to keep them back. But somehow they do. It is difficult and pushes the defenders to the breaking point, but they do not break yet. This cycle repeats across several days as Kevin's leadership and presence of the king's guard manage to help keep things under control. This frustrates the two Baratheonss who see their men dying for seemingly little gain. Stannis continues to consult with Melisandre, trying to figure out the best way to take the city. And the answer comes. Stannis strikes first. Under the cover of darkness, his queen's men scale the eastern walls near the mudgate, their torches low and silent, just as Melisandre said. The defenders here are not as numerous as in other parts of the wall. Once at top the battlements, they open the gates for Desert Davos and the bulk of the fleet's infantry. The Red Keep's defenders fight, but without leadership or reinforcements, they fold quickly. Renley hits next, bursting through the King's Gate with Randall Tarly's heavy infantry in tow. The garrison breaks on impact. In the chaos, gold cloaks turncoat. Some fighting beside Renley, others throwing down weapons altogether. The bells of the sept ring before the gates are even fully breached. Joffrey Baratheon is dragged from the throne room screaming. Sir Marin is cut down. Pycel is found hiding in the rookery. Cersei locks herself in Maker's Holdfast and refuses to leave. When the doors are battered down, she nearly drinks poison before Sir Loris wretches it from her hand. By morning, the red keep flies a new banner, a golden crown above a flaming heart. Not the Baratheon stag alone, the sigil is altered. Stannis sits on the iron throne. Renley stands at his side, not in chains, but dressed in court finery, hand resting lightly on the pommel of his sword. Marjgery stands nearby, pale, but poised. Sir Davos guards the deis, and Melisandre watches from the shadows, a flame dancing in her cupped hand. Some murmur, others nod. all understand what is unsaid. The realm has a king and his name is Stannis. Renley says nothing. He does not need to. For now, he has kept his life, his marriage, and his place in the line of succession. For the first few months, things remain at ease as their pair focuses on rebuilding. Stannis upholds his promise and rebuilds the Riverlands in the Westerlands. Meanwhile, Renley works on the Reach. Here, they throw themselves into their work together, but separated. But even then, tensions begin to bubble. Renley hosts lavish feasts in the gardens, while Stannis attends none. Stannis issues decrees in the throne room, but the small council murmurs behind his back. The Reachmen sneer at his grim-faced Queensmen. The riverlords complain of favoritism towards Stormlanders. The faith is on edge, but it is Malisandre's growing influence that fans the flames. her nightly prayers at the Sept of Bor, her burning of the seven-pointed star in the square, her whispers of the Lord of Light claiming the throne in truth. She says it was he who granted them victory. While Stannis tries to reign her in, she is emboldened by her victory, and others rush to support her. The queen's men fight off anyone who tries to remove her. The court fractures. Even Renley grows alarmed, especially after Melisandre begins speaking openly and finding a temple and promising that it shall guarantee Stannis another child. Renley sees the writing on the wall. If Stannis produces an heir, he is no longer needed. And worse, the memory of Mace Tyrell's death still lingers like a blade behind his back. The only thing that has kept the Tyrells at bay is the promise that he will be king playing the long game. Renley confides in Sir Loris, whose hatred for Stannis runs hotter than ever. Though no proof was ever found, Loris remains certain that the shadow that killed Mace came from Melisandre. And in Loris's mind, what comes from Melisandre comes from Stannis. And together, they begin hatching a plot. The plan is simple. Strike at dawn when the guards rotate and the Red Keep is quiet. Renley will distract Stannis with a council summons. Loris and a small group of trusted reachmen will infiltrate the royal apartments and end the king's life before he can produce an heir. But they underestimates Melisandre. She dreams of the blood spilling before it happens. When Loris bursts into the royal quarters with sword drawn, she is already standing between him and the king. A shadow uncoils from her hand and Loris's sword melts in his grip. He screams as fire erupts around him. Not wildfire, but living flame, red and hungry. He dies before he hits the floor. The others flee, but the damage is done and his men spread the news. Sir Loris Tyrell was slain by sorcery in the king's own chambers. The reachmen erupt. Sir Garland and Sir Hubbery rose the men. The Goldcloaks, many loyal to Renley, refused to follow orders from the queen's men. Loris was loved and respected. Melisandre is not. The city boils over. Riots break out. Septans preach that Melisandre is a demon. A mob storms the great sept, demanding her head. By the time Stannis tries to impose order, it is too late. His riverlords are caught between fleeing and defending their king. His queen's men are hunted in the street. Renley disappears into the riot guarded by Sir Robert Royce and others. The Red Keep is stormed from within. Fires spread. Screams echo down stone halls. Stannis makes his final stand in the throne room. Lightbringer in hand, flanked by what guards remain. Malisandre fights beside him, her robes singed and eyes glowing red, but steel overwhelms sorcery. Renley supporters, some in gold cloaks, others in reach plate, cut them down. Stannis Baratheon dies at the foot of the Iron Throne, his hand still clutching the hilt. Malisandre burns, consumed by the fire she once controlled. Renley emerges, bloodied, unbowed. He claims the throne alone, naming himself king by right of survival and the will of the people. With Marjorie at his side and the reach solidly behind him, the realm quiets for now, but the people speak of whispers in the ashes that the gods turn their eyes from King's Landing that day. In the north, Ned Stark receives the news with silence. He lights a candle in the godswood and says nothing. He simply bows his head and thanks the gods that he is not tangled up in that mess. 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.