What If House Stark Discovered Gold to Rival the Lannisters’ Wealth

The night [music] is dark and full of theories. >> [music] [music] >> What if House Stark discovered gold to rival the Lannisters' wealth? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. Accompanied by a hunting party, Rickard Stark rides through the Wolfswood, his wife, Lyanna, at his side. All of them have bows in their hands, eyes searching for their quarry. >> The tracks have faded. They should be close. >> Lyanna nods and glances around, then points toward a space between the trees. Rickard follows his wife's finger and smiles. >> Your eyes are sharp as they are beautiful, my love. >> Carefully, he dismounts and examines the tracks. They're larger than normal wolf tracks, possibly even a direwolf. Narrowing his eyes, Rickard follows the tracks toward the east, closer to the mountains. Satisfied that he knows where the quarry is, Rickard swings back onto his saddle and spurs his mount forward. Finally, they reach the mountains. >> That cave there. There's something in that cleft. >> The Lady of Winterfell dismounts and walks to an opening in the rock. Carefully, she slides inside followed by the rest of the party. Once they're inside the cave, the Stark guardsmen start lighting torches. A low growl sounds from the shadows, followed by a large, grizzled, gray wolf, then a slimmer, black black she-wolf. Rickard immediately raises his bow and prepares to fire, but Lyanna puts her hand on her husband's arm before raising her other to forestall the men from opening fire on the direwolves. >> Wait. Look. >> As Rickard's eyes are addressed to the shadows, he sees four small cubs behind the wolf and his mate. Lyanna walks toward the black she-wolf, extending her hand toward the creature. Strangely, the wolf actually approaches her and sniffs her hand. >> Lyanna, we're the same, you and me. >> Dutifully, the wolf pushes her head into Lyanna's hand, blinking. [music] Rickard puts his bow down and walks toward the grizzled male. The two of them stare at each other for a long moment. Then the grey wolf bares his fangs at Rickard. However, Rickard just walks closer and puts out a small bit of jerky. Tilting his head, the wolf sniffs at the jerky, then he accepts it. >> Rickard, this may be an omen. One wolf for you and me, then one for each of the children. >> Absently, Rickard scratches the wolf behind the ears, then glances upward as a shaft of light comes through the roof of the cave. As he does, he sees the gleam of something golden. At first, he thinks it's a trick of the light, but then he sees veins of gold the size of a river all along the walls. He follows the shimmering vein. He sees that it keeps going and going deeper into the cave from the walls. >> Lyanna, bring your torch over here. >> Eyes filled with curiosity, Lyanna follows her husband's gaze, then gasps. >> Is that gold? >> Yes, it is, and a lot of it. I don't know how we haven't discovered this, but perhaps we just weren't looking close enough. Either way, we'll need to start mining this gold. >> Nodding in agreement, Lyanna turns to her men and gestures for them to depart the cave. As they do, Lyanna strokes the black she-wolf's head and glances at her husband. >> This is surely a sign from the old gods. Our mercy on the wolves must have pleased them. I think we should take them back with us to Winterfell. >> Absently, Rickard strokes the grizzled male direwolf's head, causing the beast to growl in appreciation. His wife had a point. If Lyanna hadn't spared them, they might not have seen the gold. Now that Rickard had these resources, he could actually make a lasting change in the north. His southern ambitions could come to fruition. Glancing at the direwolf pair and the cubs, Rickard nods. >> Agreed. Though I do not look forward to seeing what kinds of mischief Brandon will get up to with the bloody direwolves. >> Lyanna groans and rubs her eyes. Brandon with the direwolf would be a nightmare to deal with. >> Perhaps we made a mistake. >> Chuckling, Rickard walks over to the wall and cuts out a chunk of the gold. He'd need to show this to the lords he wanted to work with him on this. As soon as he arrives in Winterfell, Rickard sends a letter to White Harbor asking for Wyman Manderly to come to Winterfell. All four of the Stark children are overjoyed to get their wolves and even Rickard finds that having the big male, who he names Torvin, as his companion is is a strangely relaxing feeling. Brandon names his White Fang. Ned takes Twilight. Lyanna takes the wolf Wraith and Benjen bonds with Grim. Often, Lyarra watches her children play with their wolves with Sable next to her. The black she-wolf surveys her pups with a judging expression. Lyarra strokes the midnight wolf's fur smiling as Lyanna's albino and Brandon's silver pups start wrestling. >> Do you two always have to tussle? It's not interesting otherwise. >> Yeah, it's funny until someone gets cut or has a broken bone. >> Oh gods, preserve the poor fools you two marry. >> It's at that point that Wyman Manderly rides in. His girth already starting to flow over his saddle. The Lord of White Harbor laughs as the two wolves roughhouse together. >> [laughter] >> Well now, I never thought I'd see the day when the Starks become a group of wargs. >> Lord Manderly, welcome to Winterfell. Brandon, Ned, Lyanna, get inside, please. Come with me, Wyman. My husband and I have a number of things to discuss with you. >> Lyarra quickly ushers Lord Manderly to her husband's office where Rickard is waiting. Torvin yawns and raises his head to look at the fat lord then goes back to chewing on a bone. As Rickard embraces his old friend, Wyman glances at the grey direwolf. >> Now, that's a monstrous big wolf you have there, Rickard. I'd be scared of that thing tearing me all muffs. >> Torvin is harmless. Well, unless you give him meat he doesn't like. Then he'll start sulking. >> All right, Rickard. What did you want me to discuss at such short notice? >> Casually, Rickard pulls a chunk of gold the size of an orange and places it on his desk. Eyes widening, Wayman picks up the gold and turns it over, carefully examining it. When he's satisfied it's real, Wayman turns his attention back to Rickard. >> How much? >> Enough to rival the wealth of Casterly Rock. Veins as wide as a castle gate, running deep into a cave that runs deep into the earth in the mountains themselves. >> Incredible. >> [sighs] >> So, what would you have from me? >> Wayman, I have both the utmost faith in your loyalty and your mind for managing wealth. I want you to work with me to build something worthy of remembrance using this gold. I'm asking you to help me turn our new found wealth into farms and towns, building storehouses, glass gardens, build fortresses along the coast in Bear Island to ensure the ironborn don't attack us anymore. Will you help me, Wayman? >> I will, Rickard. You can count on me. I'll start employing miners. >> Within a month, Wayman first employs several stonemasons to break open the walls to allow freer access to the gold. Once that's done, he builds a large fortress building the mine to prevent any ironborn from coming to raid it. They also start creating small mining towns with caves in order to make it easier for the workers to get to work. Within a year, a river of wealth flows from the cave to Winterfell. Within 2 years, the gold has been used to build ships, towns, fortresses, and glass gardens. Builders and farmers from across the seven kingdoms flock to the north with the promise of steady work and good pay. As the north prospers, the other kingdoms take notice, especially Tywin and the Tyrells. Tywin attempts to betroth Jaime to her Cersei to one of Rickard's children, but after what Tywin had done with the Reynes and Tarbecks, Rickard prefers not to ally with a man like that. Also, there's little that the Westerlands have that he wants. Instead, he starts forging alliances with the Reach, sending ships down to Oldtown to start selling northern furs and even large shipments of ice blocks. Rickard also sends tradesmen to learn a craft or how to improve their crafts at the Citadel and become and come back north to use their new skills. Soon he and his wife, along with Brandon and Lyanna, are invited to Highgarden to discuss terms for a marriage proposal by Mace Tyrell. >> Lord and Lady Stark, welcome to Highgarden. The hospitality of the Reach is yours. >> Lady Olenna, Lord Tyrell, I was glad to receive your invitation. I'm intrigued to work more with you and your family. >> Agreed. My grandson Willis is a sweet boy who would get along well with your daughter. It will be a few years since he's a bit younger than your daughter, but it would be a mutually advantageous alliance. >> We can agree on that. We'll have Lyanna sit here and Brandon as well. Our son Benjen is going to the Vale while Eddard is in the north learning to run the day-to-day of the mines and the rest of the north from Wayman Manderly. Out of all of them, Brandon would do the best here. >> I'd also like to start doing more trade with furs and food. For we have a great deal of that up in the north due to our access to large amounts of wild territory. I'm also considering making common cause with the free folk to either bring them south or create settlements beyond the wall. >> Now, that is an interesting proposition. There are a few places where additional hands would be very useful. And we would be willing to support you in that action so long as you send some of them south to help us with farming. >> There are other things. We also want to have anyone who might have the ability to skin change come south. That kind of thing would create incredible advantages. >> I see your point, but are you sure such skills exist? >> For answer, Lyanna's eyes roll up in her head. Her wolf circles around the Starks, then the Tyrells. With that demonstration, the Tyrells agreed to bring as many wargs and skin changers to their own courts in place of honor. When Brandon finds out he's going to the Reach along with Lyanna, he immediately tells Barbrey. Though she's dismayed that he is going to be leaving, she accepts that he must. She does gain a promise from him to come back and marry her when he returns. With his siblings gone, Ned learns all of the best methods of doing business from Wyman Manderly. The boy applies himself to managing the new wealth of his family and carefully maps out areas that can be developed for farmland as well as constructing walls around the farmland. With the new information received from the reach regarding fallow fields and fertilization, the north farmlands quickly start increasing. They also start fish farms inland in the various rivers, making it so that the fish can either be food for the northern people or shipped south. >> Lord Manderly, I've been thinking. Dorne is a place that uses salt water to crops to make sure that the food amounts are able to feed the rest of the desert. Could we send messengers requesting their expertise in using these methods for increasing our productivity as well as offer shipments of ice down south? >> An excellent suggestion. I'll draw up the request immediately. >> I'd like to go south myself. I'd like to see Starfall especially. I've heard so many stories that I wish to see. >> You'll have to talk to your father about that one, lad, but I don't think that he'll refuse you. >> True to Wyman's predictions, Rickard and Lyarra approve of Ned's initiative and to approve of his decision to head south to Dorne to gain some of their farmers for the project. While Ned applies himself to the management of his family's new wealth, Brandon enjoys the reach and everything in it. [music] The other lads want to spar and drink with them, while the girls fling themselves at him. >> All right, ladies, slow down. I can take one at a time, maybe two, but that's up to you. >> While Brandon spars and enjoys the company of various ladies in the reach, Lyanna spends her time riding out in the countryside with her soon-to-be husband, Willas. Though he's quite a bit younger than her, Lyanna is protective of the kind and [music] book-learned lad and his plump brother, Garlan. The two lads start to look up to the Stark girl almost like a big sister. When Ned arrives at Sunspear with Wyman Manderly, he's met with a warm welcome from the princess of Dorne and her three children, Doran, Oberyn, and Elia. >> Princess, I'm here on behalf of my family to ask for some of your best farmers to come north to teach us methods of developing saltwater crops. We are happy [music] to compensate them and you for their services as well as starting shipments of large quantities of ice south to you. >> Lord Eddard, your proposal has a great deal of merit. We'll have to hammer out the particulars, but we'll be able to come to an agreement. And while you're here, why don't you and my daughter Elia get to know each other? >> I would be honored if the princess is willing. >> Very willing, Lord Eddard. You seem kind. >> As Ned, Wayman, and the Princess of Dorne sort out the particulars, the quiet wolf develops a friendship with the Red Viper, often practicing with the other boy and sometimes drinking with him. While he develops a fast friendship with Oberyn, Ned and Elia Martell grow attracted to each other. Often they walk together in the city gardens, Ned's wolf Twilight padding beside him. Initially, Elia Elia is nervous around the wolf, but after showing her that the wolf is gentle, the princess becomes enamored with her. One night the two of them are walking around the water gardens talking about how Ned's mother and father had found the gold mines. >> They really found a group of direwolves in a cave? >> Yes. My father and mother say it was a gift from the old gods for sparing the wolves. Honestly, I'm happier with Twilight with me than any amount of gold. >> Really? Why is that? >> Because she's my friend. Gold is nice, but I've found that it's more of a responsibility than anything else. It's up to me to make sure the money is managed well. I'll probably do that for the rest of my life. Often Twilight will sit with me while I'm going over the books and helps me center myself so I can get through the day. >> Ned, do you think I'd like the north? I just ask because my mother might send me there to visit along with the rest of the shipments of the salt grain. I believe she wants to encourage us toward each other. >> Well, it's rather cold, but the other people are dependable. And we're all loyal. If you're one of us, we'll fight for you. >> It's similar here, but that's not the only reason I ask. >> Ned pauses and looks at the princess, not quite understanding what she's saying. Twilight glances from the princess to her master, tail tapping against the floor. After a moment of contemplation, Ned takes her hand. >> I think that you'll like it there, but I know I want you there, princess. Will you come north with me? >> I'd love to come north with you, Ned. I'm not the most robust woman, and may not give you many children, but I will be a good wife. >> I don't care if you're robust or give me children. All I want is you. >> At that, Elia gets up and tiptoes to kiss Ned on the lips. The next day, the two young people ask for permission to wed from the princess of Dorne, which she happily gives. Of all of them, nobody appears happier than Oberyn as the two are betrothed. >> I'm glad we are brothers, Ned. Maybe I'll come north and fight the wildlings alongside the watch. Though I may make the rounds in Essos first. Just don't get yourself killed out there, either by a scorned woman or her angry husband. >> As the North's ties to the rest of the kingdom increase, Tywin finds himself slowly being eclipsed in terms of influence. After being rebuffed by Rickard, Tywin sets out trying to undermine the Starks by quickly betrothing Catelyn to Jaime. However, his attempts to betroth Cersei to Rhaegar are rebuffed by the Mad King. Though Aerys continues to insult Tywin, the Lord of the Lion of the Rock sees a possibility for drawing some of the attention of the Mad King away from him. >> Your grace, does it not worry you that the Starks seem to be growing their power base by betrothing their daughter to the heir of Highgarden and a Dornish princess? It could be that their sudden influx of gold has caused them to grow ambitious. >> You may be right, Tywin. We should watch to make sure these wolves are kept in their place. >> I'll start spreading the word that they are skin-changers dabbling in sorcery. Their children already have a strange bond with a family of direwolves, which will need to weaken their alliance with the Tyrells especially, and bring the Stormlands to our side. Perhaps Stefon could be named to the Small Council as Master of Laws. >> I like that. Yes. Stefon would be perfect in that position. I I agree. >> Perhaps we should cement this alliance by marrying Cersei to his eldest son. >> Robert. >> Tywin conceals his irritation at being indirectly slighted by Aerys with difficulty. He wanted his daughter to be queen, but unfortunately it seems as though there is no way of forcing that outcome. >> Very well, your grace. But may I make a small request? >> What is it? >> Only that my grandchildren through Jaime and Catlin are able to wed yours. We've always been friends, Aerys. Trust me as you once did. >> Fine. Prove yourself to me by curtailing these wolves at my door and I will grant this proposal. >> With that, Tywin starts working to sniff out any possible actions from the Starks that could fuel Aerys' paranoia. Tariffs and taxes on the North are raised. Rumors are spread about the Starks being wargs and skin-changers, [music] as well as their worship of the old gods making them alien to the rest of the kingdom. When the people start looking at Brandon and Lyanna with suspicion in their eyes, the Stark siblings start investigating. When they figure out that it's about rumors that they're skin-changers who worship strange blood-drinking gods, they send a letter to their parents to let them know about the rumors. When Rickard and Lyarra hear about these developments, as well as news of higher taxes and tariffs from King's Landing, they know something larger is afoot. Someone was trying to curtail their influence. Trying to clear his mind, Rickard strokes Torin's head. Though the direwolf lets out a low growl to match his master's irritation. >> Something is happening in the capital to cause this. It must be. But we need to figure out what. And if we send a representative, he may not be able to find out anything about this sudden animosity. >> Could it be that Tywin sees us as competition, similar to how he saw the Reynes and Tarbecks? From what we know about the Hand, he's ambitious and likely won't suffer any rival to his power. >> If that is the case, we'll need to figure out a way to build faith with the king, or failing that, Prince Rhaegar. I'll ask Wayman to start activating his trading informants and try to get a few spies into the Red Keep. Also, we may have an opportunity to use our friendship with Dorne to allow for tax-free trade. We would likely have to start selling more goods to Essos. >> With that, the war of ravens begins. When the Starks host tournaments, Tywin does the same, [music] with both competing for who can give the richest rewards. When the Starks ship food south to Dorne, Tywin attempts to raise tariffs. However, as the Starks start trading more outside of the Seven Kingdoms, they're able to counter balance balance Tywin's reforms. They also use their influence with Dorne and the Reach to petition the king to lower the tax on northern goods, especially on ice shipments. One small victory is Robert rejecting the betrothal to Cersei after chatting with his friend Benjen, causing Tywin to use alternative methods to sow discord. To start increasing his power base, Rickard welcomes the wildlings south of the wall, sending the wargs and their beasts south to help normalize the idea of skin-changers as scouts and communication aids. It also adds experienced fighters of to the north's pool of soldiers. However, they keep the numbers low at first and conceal them with shipments of workers from Essos coming into the north. Lyanna and Brandon work with Olenna to build their connections with the people of the Reach. Both of them use their fiery personalities to win over the various houses. It helps that Willas and Garlan look up to Lyanna as a big sister and often accompany her to see the lords of the Reach. Ned and Aella go to the Vale to work on building ties with Jon Arryn through trade agreements, who is quite fond of Benjen. All the while, Tywin keeps feeding the king's paranoia. However, one person that notices the shift and doesn't approve is Prince Rhaegar. He's been studying the prophecies and believes that something is coming from beyond the wall. If his father alienates the north, then the whole of the Seven Kingdoms would be weakened. He also knows that Tywin is the one trying to create a similar situation to what he'd done with the Reynes and Tarbecks. >> Lord Rickard Stark, I believe that we have common cause. Lord Tywin is envious of your sudden rise and wishes to eliminate you as competition. He's poisoned my father's already fragile mind against you and is working to provoke you just as he did with the Reynes and Tarbecks. >> I want to avoid this since the north has always been loyal to us with being critical for ensuring the security of the realm should the long night come again. If you would aid me in declaring a secret great council to depose my father as unfit to rule, I will reduce the economic pressures on you where they were before and name you as hand of the king. We must do this so that humanity can survive. >> When Rickard finishes reading the letter, he runs his hand over his face, then hands it to Lyanna so she can examine it. This could be the solution to everything, but could they risk it? >> What do you think, love? >> So, we were right. I have a mind to accept the prince's offer. >> If we fail, we'd be committing treason. >> Tywin is against us and Aerys likely poised against us. The king himself seems unhinged. Varys' reports of the king's wild behavior has been verified by multiple sources. Something has to change and deeming the king unfit to rule and replacing with Rhaegar will allow us to put our connections to us. We still have a tenuous alliance with the Reach and Dorne will likely support us. >> There's something we can use as an arrow to solidify the Reach. If Tywin succeeds in his aims toward us, then he'll turn on them and everyone else until he's sitting on a pile of bodies. >> Excellent thinking. All right, the letters. >> From there, the letters are sent out to coordinate the plan to put Rhaegar on the throne. After some bargaining and smuggling gold south, Mace Tyrell announces a grand tournament at Highgarden with the north providing a great deal of the prize funds. Rhaegar also has contribution by adding his own funds to help in the deception. When everyone arrives, the Starks do what they can to prove that they're a normal noble family with a set of direwolves as their [music] pets. Lyanna and Lyara in particular are able to negotiate with the other factions, building connections with the Vale. The Riverlands are securely within Tywin's pocket along with the Crown land houses and a few Storm land houses are ostensibly aligned with the lion despite their lord being friendly with the Starks. Though Tywin himself doesn't arrive, Jamie and his wife Catelyn arrive and begin courting allies. Soon it becomes clear that the sides have been drawn between Rhaegar and the Starks and the Lannisters with the Kingsmen. >> So, Prince Rhaegar, do you think your father will come? >> I'm more worried about Lord Tywin coming. He's been the one pushing for hostilities against your house. I believe that our best option is to convene the council with allies when the attorney winds down. >> Some of our forces are currently stationed in the Vale and are prepared to move out the Bloody Gate and move toward the capital under our son Eddard and Benjen. We've used the excuse that he has pressing business that takes him away. >> Excellent thinking. I've also been in communication with Dorne Martell. Their ships are currently anchored at Dragonstone and will sail north when the signal is given. We will have to move close to the Storm lands in order to get the reach to the capital. We also have to worry about Tywin's army sitting the Tyrells. >> I've talked with Olenna and Randyll Tarly. The passage out of Westeros has been fortified with additional troops if Tywin tries to march south. >> You're a fortunate man to have found such a shrewd and intelligent wife. >> I know. She never lets me forget it. >> Indignantly, Lyara swats Rhaegar on the arm, but when he gives her a smile and kisses her cheek, she just sighs and gives him a hug. After the first day of the tournaments, the mad king himself arrives. Everyone in the hall blanches at the sight of Aerys both from his haggard appearance and his unhinged behavior. Out of all the people in the hall, he singles out the Starks most of all. >> Ah, so the wolves of House Stark have come south to mingle with us. Have you enjoyed human flesh recently, Lord Stark? >> Your Grace, we simply adopted these wolves since [music] the old gods used them to lead us to the gold that was recently discovered on our lands. I doubt human flesh would agree with me, let alone my wife. >> [laughter] >> You're surprisingly amusing, Lord Stark, for an over ambitious northerner. >> We have only used our gold for the good of the people under our charge, just as the king would have us do. The success of our house benefits the crown just as much as it does the north. >> Your house is rising above their station, and I have a hand who is experienced to dealing with over proud vassals. >> We've paid the taxes you've set. We've used our wealth to improve the north with roads and towns. What more do you wish of us? >> Stop lying to me. You've aligned with these flowery fops to unseat me. You want the Iron Throne for yourselves. >> Everyone stares at Aerys, unable to speak. Everyone remains silent, unwilling to break the quiet and draw the mad king's ire. Rickard meets Aerys's eye with a calm gaze, then bows. >> Your Grace, you're wounding me. I have always been your humble servant. My father served yours faithfully, and his brother before him. Down from time of Torrhen Stark, we have kept faith with your house. Our blades were never raised against your house, not even during Aegon's conquest. No blades from the north were forged into the Iron Throne. Cregan Stark fought for your ancestor, Rhaenyra Targaryen, during the Dance and supported Aegon the Third during his regency. No northern blades will be raised against a true Targaryen king of the Seven Kingdoms. >> For a moment, Aerys narrows his eyes, then snarls wordlessly and walks away. Rickard lets out a long, relieved breath and sits down next to Lyanna, letting her clutch his hand. Torrhen lowers himself to the ground. Though the direwolf seemed on edge of springing at Aerys, the first test had been done. Now they just had to play out the next few steps carefully with the Mad King in Highgarden. While the tournament progresses, the prince's coalition solidifying their plans. Soldiers are moved toward the outside under the guise of attending the tourney. In the final tilt, Rhaegar unhorses and lays the crown on his wife, Ashara Dayne's head. Everyone in the stands cheer for the prince and his beautiful lady, no one louder than Rickard and Lyanna. Before the king can depart, Rhaegar and Rickard summon him to a meeting with many of the lords of the Seven Kingdom inside the large hall of the central castle. >> Father, it's become clear that you are overtaxed by the burden of ruling the Seven Kingdoms. It's time for you to set aside your crown and retire in peace to Dragonstone. >> So, you reveal your traitorous nature, son. I should have known you were scheming with the Starks. True Targaryen king indeed. He meant to unseat me for you. >> My lords, you've seen my father's behavior here and over the past few years. Is it right that such a man should be your king? If not, then stand with me to ensure the stability of the realm. >> Most of the lords, even the Stormlanders, start to voice their agreement. The only exceptions are the Westernmen and Riverlander nobility. Satisfied, Rhaegar turns back to his father. >> The lords have spoken, father. Will you step down willingly, or will you resist? >> [laughter] >> You think you've won, fool? All you've done is tell me exactly who the traitors are. >> At that point, the doors burst open, men in red cloaks rushing into the room and firing crossbows right as the Riverlords and Lannisters draw their swords and attack. Yelling for the Lyanna to run, Rickard flings himself in front of his wife, taking three bolts in his chest. Olenna catches a stray bolt and slumps in her chair, followed by Mace. Great Jon and Lord Karstark draw their swords and engage the Lannisters, cutting down several Riverlords and Reachmen before coming up against Jaime. Gerold Hightower joins the fight and manages to slice off Jaime's hand before the young lion retreats. However, Lyanna's direwolf, Midnight, leaps on Jaime and tears out his throat. Lord Royce is mobbed and cut down right before Oberyn cuts down three of his attackers, only to retreat when the other Lannister tries to charge him. In the chaos, Lyra sees the Mad King laughing as he watches the carnage. Rage boiling inside her, Lyra draws her knife and rushes toward Aerys, [music] but Torren gets to the king first. The Mad King's laughter catches in his throat as the huge direwolf sinks his fangs into his neck. However, Lannister men swarm the male direwolf wolf and spear him to death. Rhaegar tries to fight, but several red-cloaked men gang up on the prince and try to drag him out of the room. However, Barristan and Arthur charge and cut their way through to the prince and pull him back. A crossbow bolt strikes Rhaegar's shoulder, then another goes through Barristan's throat. To cover the prince's retreat, Robert grabs one of the tables and raises it in front of him like a shield, then charges the Lannister men. The soldiers who don't leave his side are smashed apart by the giant. However, as Robert starts clearing a path, a man just as tall as the Lord of Storms and barrels into the room. Gregor Clegane, the mountain that rides. Thinking quickly, Lyra grabs Ice from Rhaegar's sheath and throws it to Robert. >> Robert, catch. >> Robert tosses the table aside and grabs Ice from the air. As the two giants engage each other, Lyra quickly gathers the other lords who rush towards the door with their swords drawn. Ser Gerold Hightower slams his shoulder into the door, pushing it open, letting Lyra and a few others like Wayman, Arley Tyrell, and Ashara run out into the open. While Robert and the remaining Kingsguard cover the retreat. During the retreat, Robert manages to hack off Gregor's head before throwing the big knight's body at the Lannisters to try and get into the room. As soon as they get to the balcony, they find that Highgarden is burning below them and Lannister men are swarming through the streets as well as engaging the forces outside. >> Quickly, we need to get out of the city. This way. The stables are down the stairway. >> As they rush down the stairways, the escapees from the failed Great Council are forced to dodge fights between Tyrell and Lannister men. At one point, Lyarra grabs a sword from a soldier Midnight had killed and cuts down a Lannister man before he can get to Allary or Ashara. Right before Lord Karstark and Great Jon can cut through the open gate. Once they reach the stables, the escapees run into Brandon and Lyanna with a group of northern soldiers escorting the Tyrell children and Rhaegar's children. Silverfang and Wraith have blood on their muzzles, clearly from killing Lannister men. >> Mother, what's happening? Where's father? >> He's dead. So is Tywin. Lannister men broke into the council and killed several of our allies. >> Without pausing, Brandon quickly takes charge of the party and gets everyone onto their horses. Before the night is done, Highgarden is flying the banners of the golden lion and many lords and their guards lie dead. Lyarra and the others flee toward Hornhill knowing that they need to Randal Tarly on their side. When they arrive and tell Lord Tarly about the Lannister's betrayal, Randal swears his sword to Allary as the regent for Willas. [music] Now that they have a secure base with Rhaegar in capacitated, Lyarra starts sending out letters to the noble houses accusing Tywin of treason. Oberyn rides toward the Boneway to get his brother's support while Robert rides for Storm's End. Tywin enters the Great Hall of Highgarden looking over [music] the bodies strewn across the floor including Rickard Stark and his direwolf. Casually, Tywin kneels next to his enemy, Rickard's sightless eyes staring at him with silent accusation. Another body almost brings a smile, Aerys Targaryen. This had gone extremely well. Having Aerys dead made it so that his job was significantly easier. His mood shifts when he finds the body of his son partially covered by a red cloak. Shaking with fury, Tywin motions toward his men. >> Finally, [snorts] she-wolf and her cubs. I want them dead. Kill all the Stark prisoners and send word to Kevan to ambush the Stark and Valemen coming out of the Bloody Gate. >> As the Stark and Valemen ride toward the capital, they're met with an ambush from the Riverlords. Brackens and Freys along with Pipers and Vances attack led by the Blackfish and backed up by Lannister employed sellswords under Kevin attack the Northmen in the Vale. Ned and Jon Arryn are forced onto the defensive. Thinking quickly, Ned forms up the northern cavalry engaging the Riverlords while Jon Arryn attacks the Lannister sellswords. Soon numbers of Lannisters and Riverlords force Ned and Jon to retreat toward Duskendale since they know it's aligned with Rhaegar. Once they're safe within Duskendale, they start sending messages to Highgarden but they receive no answer. However, a raven from Horn Hill arrives with a warning about Tywin's attack on the Great Council. Ned and Jon reassess their strategy and send letters to Winterfell informing Benjen that he needs to send more troops south to support them. While the Starks attempt to regain their footing, Tywin spreads out through the Reach. Since they aren't assembled, Tywin is able to simply crush the individual houses and end their forces using the element of surprise. As the news of the downfall of the Reach spreads to Horn Hill along with the news of the Rivermen and Lannister sellswords pushing Ned and Jon Arryn down to Duskendale, Lyarra sits in a chair listening to Brandon and Randall Tarly discuss tactics. >> We need to rally the Reach and bring the Dornish and Stormlands forces to our side. >> But if we can face Tywin in a pitched battle, we can destroy them. >> Your strategy is bold but flawed. We're currently divided. The Hightowers will support us as Willas is the lord's grandson. It will take time to gather their forces. While I'm loath to leave my seat to the old lion, I prefer to begin the hunt from more defensive position and use a more mobile strategy. >> All right. So, what's your plan? >> I want to kill Tywin Lannister. >> Everyone turns toward the She-Wolf of Winterfell, her large black direwolf growing to match her mistress's anger. Lyarra's eyes blaze with icy fury, her fingers gripping the arms of her chair. When she sees she has their attention, she walks over to the two men and rests her hand on the table. >> to kill Tywin Lannister and no army, high lord, or even the gods themselves will stop me. Brandon, Lord Tarly, will you support me in scouring his filth from the Seven Kingdoms? >> Both Brandon and Randall quickly pledged their support. Lyanna assesses the map, then folds her arms and starts laying out a plan. What they need to do is play into Tywin's pride, provoke him into attacking them on their terms. And one way to delay him is to hurt the lion's pride by raiding his own lands. Also, if he doesn't attempt to secure Prince Viserys as the heir of then Rhaegar will be able to declare Tywin a rebel and usurper. Since Rhaegar is unable to lead, Randyll Tarly and Brandon will have to act as field generals. They'll have to gather the reach houses closest to them such as the Florents while Tywin bears down on them. However, while they gather their troops and move into the Stormlands, Oberyn and the Dornish can start harrying the Lannisters until Robert can bring his Stormlanders to bear against them. Soon, news reaches them that Oberyn and Robert have called their banners and [music] Robert is marching toward Bitterbridge. However, rather than trying to meet them in an open conflict, the Red Viper engages the lion in hit-and-run tactics. Another issue that Tywin starts to deal with is the Reachmen who managed to escape him and surviving Northmen gathered by Lyanna and Wraith move into the Westerlands and raid his own lands. And when he attempts to split troops and stop the northern raids, the free folk war dogs start harassing his troops with direwolves, shadowcats, and cave bears. >> Bloody war dogs. Stop pushing toward the capital. If they manage to take King's Landing and crown Rhaegar, our position will be weakened. Redouble the hunt for Lyanna and her children. And find that damned old Dornishman and kill him. >> However, when Tywin arrives at an empty Horn Hill, he finds a letter. >> To the murderer Tywin Lannister, you slaughtered my house in cold blood after attempting to destroy him. You should have killed all of us when you had the chance. Now, you shall see that a she-wolf who's lost her mate is just [music] as dangerous as any lion. Your heir is dead by my hand. Come and face me. Soon we will erase your memory from the Seven [music] Kingdoms. So, come and face me. Your days are numbered. Come and face us, murderer. We'll be waiting for [music] you at Bitterbridge. >> Signed, Lyanna Stark, Lady of Winterfell. She's bold, I'll say that much for her. Very well. Stafford, advance toward Bitterbridge. If the she-wolf wishes to tangle with the lion, then we'll show her just how long our claws are. >> Ned and Jon Arryn carefully consider their options. They can either fight their way out or attempt to hold out for reinforcements. Ned leans against the battlements, resting his chin on his hands. The Blackfish was a seasoned commander, and to face him in the field would be a close thing. However, a loud horn call in the distance draws both of their attention toward the north. Ned narrows his eyes, then smiles. A force of northmen bearing the great direwolf, flayed man, and black bear was coming toward Duskendale, led by Ellia Stark. With the reinforcements arriving from behind and the army within the castle sallying out from behind, the Blackfish agrees to lift the siege and return to Riverrun without any further hostilities. Ned reunites with his wife and gives the order to march south toward the capital. While Ned and his army rides toward the Stormlands, Lyanna and Brandon both prepare to fight Tywin at Bitterbridge. Before the hostilities begin, the Lord of Casterly Rock and the Lady of Winterfell meet in the no man's land. The dark-haired she-wolf of the north faces down the golden-haired lion of the west with a cold, furious glare. >> I will admit I did not expect you to display fortitude considering your husband's passing. However, the game is over. You've limited options. The whole realm knows your treason with Prince Rhaegar. But if you surrender to me and go north, we will only expect a tribute of gold commensurate with your treason. >> You murdered my husband, Lord Tywin. No matter how far you run, you will not escape my vengeance. >> My brother is coming with the north and the vale at his back. You're outnumbered, Lord Tywin. >> You presume that I didn't know about this. I knew you'd attempt to [clears throat] sally out of the bloody gate. And so I had the Blackfish ambush them and pin Lord Eddard in the north. You stand alone, Lord Stark, with a ragged host cobbled together from what remains of the wreck of the reach, a few of your own guards, some Dornish raiders, and a token force of Stormlanders who've arrived to support you. >> Why all this effort to destroy us, Lord Tywin? What did we ever do to you? >> House Lannister suffers no rival. Until you found that mine of yours, you knew your place. But once you decided to spread your influence to the south, you challenged my strength. And now you're playing my game. >> No, you're playing ours, Lord Tywin. Once a lion dies, then his pride will scatter. But if one wolf falls, the pack will bring down the killer. >> Three wolves are no match for one lion, and yours are in the kennels, she-wolf. Surrender now and you will be treated well. Will you see reason? >> No, Lord Tywin. We reject your terms utterly. Run back to your men. These negotiations are over, and your death is at hand. >> Face frozen in fury, Tywin turns his horse and rides back toward his troops. Brandon rides up beside his mother and leans close to whisper in her ear. Do you think he'll take the bait? >> A proud man like Tywin won't be able to take a challenge like that without trying to meet it. Is Robert ready? >> I just checked on him with my eagle. He's only a few miles down river, and they have the bridges ready. >> Good. Let's get ready. Be careful out there, my dears. [music] >> Within a few hours, the two armies are drawn up for battle. The motley force of Reachmen, Northmen, Dornishmen, and Stormlanders facing off against the more uniform Lannister host. Randall Tarly sits on his horse next to Brandon, while Lyanna waits on her brother's other side. In the back of the army, Lyra watches the battlefield from the mind of her eagle, Midnight sitting beside her, breathing deep. Brandon glances down at Ice hanging from his saddle, the great sword plain and unadorned, but it was all that remained of his father. Silverfang and Wraith bare their fangs at the Lannisters and let out a long, threatening howl. >> You ready, little sister? >> Always have been, always will be, big brother. >> Smiling wolfishly, [music] Brandon draws Ice and raises it over his head. The sight of the Valyrian steel greatsword flashing in the sun causes the men behind him to cheer. "For Rickard, justice, and King Rhaegar!" The battle begins in a storm of arrows followed by the cavalry clashing on the wings. Brandon and Lyanna ride into the fray with their direwolves by their sides. The albino and silver wolves causing panic among the Lannisters. Ice's dark gleam is coated in red blood as Brandon swings the greatsword in wide arcs. Throughout the battle, Lyanna uses her ravens to scout the field and then spread information to her commanders, giving them detailed instructions regarding the enemy's placement and movements. Despite being outnumbered, the Stark forces hold their grounds against the Lannister host. A sudden horn blast sounds from the west as a host of Stormlanders ride toward Tywin's rear. A fresh host of cavalry smashes into their flanks right before Stormlander archers burst out from cover beyond the river and start firing. Many Lannister men fall right before a troop of Dornishmen takes them from the flank. As Brandon fights through the Westerman host, a bird with a golden tether around its leg circles the center. He follows the bird's course, then grips Ice more tightly. That was the signal indicating Tywin's position. His prey in sight, Brandon spurs his horse forward flanked by Lyanna and Randall Tarly. A slight bit of fear crosses Tywin's mind as the two direwolves and their masters break through his line and charge toward him. >> Face me and die, Tywin. >> Knowing he has no other option, Tywin rides to meet the young man blade to blade. As Brandon faces Tywin, Lyanna and Randall lead their troops into the midst of the Lannisters as the Stormlanders push forward. Finally, Silverfang leaps at Tywin dragging him out of the saddle. Eagerly, Brandon dismounts and raises Ice above his head. Tywin's eyes widen, green orbs reflecting the blade before it slices his head off. At the sight of their commander's severed head, the Lannister host starts to surrender. Once Tywin's head is spiked to a [music] spear and planted on the crossroads, Lyanna takes a moment to look at her foe, narrowing her eyes. She turns away from the lion of Casterly Rock and prepares to leave toward King's Landing. When the Stark host arrives at King's Landing, the direwolf flies over the walls alongside the three-headed dragon. Within a week, Rhaegar and Ashara are crowned king and queen of the Seven Kingdoms with Brandon serving as Rhaegar's hand, while Lyanna is asked to serve as mistress of laws. Ned is appointed Master of Coin, staying in the capital with his wife and son. As soon as he's appointed to Hand, Brandon sends for Barbrey and their children to come south. Under the stewardship of the Starks, the realm starts to flourish. The gold from the north being used to enrich the Seven Kingdoms by increasing trade and causing the small folk to constantly raise toasts to the dragon and wolves. Despite being aligned with the Lannisters, the Riverlords are granted clemency and Catelyn is married to Benjen. Eventually, Rhaegar proposes a marriage between Brandon's daughter and his son, which his Hand accepts without reservation. Eventually, Lyanna retires from public service to live out her days in Winterfell to spend time with her grandchildren. Often, she visits her husband's tomb in the crypts, laying a blue rose on his lap. Despite her melancholy regarding Rhaegar, Lyanna finds a great deal of comfort in her grandchildren. Often, they'll clamber onto her lap and have her tell of the story of how the wolf pack had defeated the lion of the rock, and each time, she'll smile and tell the tale. That's our theory. Westeros is a land filled with exciting stories and possibilities, and we love exploring them. If you'd like to join us on this journey across the Seven Kingdoms and beyond, then please like, share, and subscribe to our channel.