What if Jon Snow Was Gifted Balerion The Dreads' Last Egg

The night [music] is dark and full of theories. [music] What if Jon Snow was gifted Bolyrian the Dread's last egg? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. For the second time this month, Winterfell hosts another celebration. But while the first was meant to celebrate the coming of the king, this one represents the departure of one of the Stark's own. While Robert makes preparations for their return to King's Landing, Ned turns his attention toward Jon Snow and organizes a feast to give the boy a proper sendoff. It isn't a large one with only the Stark family, Benjen, and a few trusted bannermanmen partaking. Though Catelyn says it is to honor Ned's appointment as hand. In truth, it is for the young bastard who will ride off to the wall and leave them behind. Though it was intended as a happy occasion, the mood is dampened by the knowledge that Bran remains [music] comeosse. Jon privately hopes that he will wake up in time for this, but that is [music] not to be. To distract them, Lord Stark has his children offer a few parting words for their brother as they eat. When they finish, Jon clears his throat and nods to Maester Luen to retrieve his gift for Jon. John, you are about to embark on a great task. Serving the Night's Watch is a great honor, but also a great responsibility. The North only stands because of its brave efforts. Though you sever all ties to your family once you take the Black, it does not mean that you must entirely forget where you came from. That is why I wish for you to take this gift with you. Maester Leuen comes back bearing a velvet lined box of pure black. The children gasp and Jon's eyes widen. Catelyn sucks in a breath as she recognizes what it is. Though covered, they knew that the box for it had long been displayed in the great hall of Winterfell since Ned claimed it almost 15 years ago. Father, I >> Ned, is this truly wise? >> It [snorts] is a keepsake of home. Something for Jon to bear with him when he travels to the wall. It is a priceless artifact, the last remnants of the Targaryen dynasty. You cannot hem something over like this, especially to someone like >> someone like who, Catelyn? >> A man of the Night's Watch. Surely these things can lead to attachment. >> A harmless trinket. It is a common enough practice for men to take something with them from home. While this is certainly a rarer than most, I see no reason to disallow it. >> And what about your other son, >> mother? I will see father soon enough, but Jon may not get this chance. Let him have it. Catelyn can only suck in a breath as no one voices support for her and decides to quiet down as Maester Luen pulls open the box. Inside is an egg the size of Bran's head. Inside of a soft shell, the egg is scaled with obsidian discs interlocking with each other like a suit of scale mail. The story of how it arrived here is soon becoming a [music] local legend. During the final days of Robert's rebellion, Ned confronted the remnants of the King's Guard in the Tower of Joy. Though his companions perished alongside Lyanna Stark, Ned did at least get a consolation prize. This dragon egg that was handed over to Rhaegar. What he intended to do with it is a mystery. But it doesn't matter now that Ned has claimed it as his own. And now he hands it over to him. As he places it in Jon's hand, the right the egg remains warm to the touch as if something might still be stirring inside. Father, I don't know what to say. Thank you. I shall treasure this gift forever. That is good to hear, John. But I hope you will do more than simply just treasure it. I give you this gift because I want you to understand its weight. You bear with you the last remnants of a great lineage. I hope it inspires you to take time to understand it and to learn what caused it to fall so you may avoid such mistakes. Jon nods, only half understanding as he stares at the egg, keeping it close even as he travels onto the road towards Castle Black. The winds grow colder and his dreams start to lose their luster as he sees what sort of men fill the Night's Watch. As he begins his training, he finds himself with outcasts, criminals, and other scum. Even the veterans are cool with the likes of Sir Alistar taking their iron anger out on Jon. The boy hopes to find an ally and his uncle, but Benjen cannot look like he favors his new nephew over others. So, he stands back and leaves [music] Jon to fend for himself. His only comfort is the egg that he keeps close to him every night. Both because of the warmth it provides him and because he does not trust his fellow watchmen not to steal it. But these efforts do not go unnoticed as Sir Alistair notices how protective he keeps his pack close and calls him out one day. Is there something you are hiding there, Lord Snow? That is none of your concern, Sir Alistister. Isn't it now? You think you're better than this lot? If you've been stealing and bring your ear to the castle black, that's the knight's watch problem now, isn't it? Before he can protest, the knight has Rast and Thor and Smallwood reach for his bag and pull it from his hands. They pull the flap open and peer inside. They were expecting to find jewels or other valuables, but what they find was beyond what anyone had expected. Rast prepares to unupend it, but Thoren shoves him aside and calls him a fool for trying that with something this valuable. Instead, the knight slowly dips his hand inside the pack and gingerly lifts up the dragon egg. The rest of the recruit's eyes widen at the sight of it. Even Sir Alistar is at a loss for words. He had seen dragon eggs only once in his life in the court of Aries, where they were displayed, and he offered a king's reward to anyone who could hatch them. Of course, he also promised pain for anyone who tried and failed. His expression darkens as he turns back to Jon. So, care to explain how a priceless artifact managed to find its way into your hands, Lord Snow? You still expect me to believe you are not some thief? I am no thief, sir. That egg was given to me by my father. So your father was a thief then. Looted it right out of the Red Keep after he helped slay Ray Gav and King Aries. That doesn't explain why he'd give it to a bastard sent to the wall. I wasn't sent to the wall. I volunteered. Unlike you, sir. You speak far too proudly for someone of your standing. Don't you forget that I've been guarding the wall since you were your small clothes. Sentenced or not. You'd best learn to guard your tongue when you speaking to men like me. You speak of respect even after you accuse me of being a common criminal. I won't back down. Then you'll learn respect. He's about to order him sent to his chambers when a shout cries out. It thunders like a war drum and silences everyone around, [music] even the sour looking knight. Sir Alistister looks up to see Donald Noi standing by the doors of the rugery. Behind him, Mr. Aman is guided out with the helps of his aids. He surveys the chaos with his blind eyes and shakes his head. Though I am blind, my ears remain sharp, and I can hear this dispute from a top my tower. What is the meaning of this chaos? Mr. Ammon, this boy, Lord Snow, was found with an incredibly rare artifact. I am merely inquiring how he came by it. Aman does not answer right away, instead hobbling down and reaches out to grip the dragon that has now been exposed to all. His fingers brush against the scales that mark the egg's surface, and his fingers slowly close around it, gripping its edges. His lip trembles as his [music] body begins to shake violently, requiring Donald to help steady him. But when he gently pushes the maester back towards the tower, Aemon refuses to budge. Instead, he looks up with tears in his eyes before shaking his head. >> I must speak with Lord John immediately. >> Jon opens his mouth to protest, but decides better of it and simply sigh and follows the old man. Donald shuts the door behind them, but not before sending a messenger to call the Lord Commander. They meet in the maesters chambers where the Lord Commander is waiting for them. Ammon proceeds to lay out the egg, causing their eyes to widen as they stare at it before turning [music] to face Jon expectantly. I didn't steal it. >> Oh, I'm aware of that, young Snow. I have felt the surface, and Donald has described the egg's appearance to me in detail. I know where it is from. This belonged to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. That alone gives me a good idea of how it came into your family's possession. >> My lord took it home with him after Robert's rebellion. He displayed it in our halls as a trophy >> and gave it to you which makes you its rightful owner. But as to why he would entrust such an artifact to you? Well, I have a theory. Aman's hand suddenly reaches out and touches Jon's face. He blinks and is tempted to pull away, but thinks better of it and allows the maester to examine him. The others remain silent to [music] this, doing nothing to stop him, even as their expressions remain puzzled. However, Aman has been there longer than they, and they know better than to question him. As his fingers move back and forth, his grip tightens and begins to shake. For a moment, Jon worries the old man might be having a seizure as he begins to gasp and let out a choking sound. Master, >> I do not believe it. I thought I was the last one in the seven kingdoms. >> The last what, Maester? What are you talking about? >> The last dragon. >> The Targaryen. That isn't possible. How could you be certain of that? >> I can feel it in his features. There is no denying it. He is a dragon. >> Maester, though you cannot see, he does not have silver hair or violet eyes. He looks more Stark than any of Ned Stark's children. >> Those you have named are only the most prominent features. [laughter] I will take your word on that. But there are other things. Subtle things that only one who has been around them will know. Yes, I feel it in the curve of your jaw, the mournful lines on your face, and the smoothness of your hair. Though well hidden, you have dragon blood in you. That's impossible. My father was Ned Stark. He has claimed me as his own. There are no female Targaryenss, save for the late Queen Riella, who had hidden herself in Dragonstone at the time of my birth. I do not know how this is possible. Your story has long been one of questions, Jon Snow. I fear that this revelation will yield no answers. However, I know what I know, and I have no reason to not believe it is true, and it shall explain why you were trusted with such a precious artifact. I am sorry I cannot answer your questions. >> I Then can you at least tell me about this egg? >> Very well. I suppose that much I can provide. This egg is the last spawn of Bolyrian the Black Dread. A priceless artifact that has been passed down by Aegon the Targaryen's children. Hundreds have tried to hatch it, hoping to yield a monster to match his legendary forebearer. Yet none have succeeded. Rhaegar was no different. And in my last message to him, he mentioned taking it with him to try and hatch it. As he says all this, Jon can only nod along numbly, trying to make sense of everything. Though his head is spinning through all this information. In the span of these words, everything he had known was ripped open. And to make matters worse, Aman has no answers for him, only sewing doubts and raising more questions. When Jorah shifts the conversation to what they may do going forward, Jon is grateful to push these thoughts aside for now. Aman reaffirms that those who take the black renounce all titles and families. Once he swears his oath, it shall not matter. As for the egg, Aman requests to study it and learn more about it. Though he is doubtful about his chances of hatching it, [music] to have this artifact here is a rare prize that cannot be passed up. Jon reluctantly parts with it temporarily, but makes Aman promise not to destroy or sell it, something the Maester Gladius agrees to. Aside from that, Jorah reaffirms Jon's innocence, and they agree that things must proceed as normal. So, for the next few months, Jon continues to train with Sir Alistister and the other recruits. Although his standing with his fellow recruits improves, the old knight has nothing but scorn for him. While the commanders insist Jon has done nothing wrong, he continues to treat Jon as if he were a common criminal. Yet Jon is told simply to stomach it as the months drag on. It is a lot for the young man to bear, but things only get worse as his uncle goes missing. Though efforts to locate him are in place, [music] they come out with nothing. It is as if he simply disappeared into thin air. And then they find them just as Jon and the other recruits are about to be inducted into the Night's Watch. They find the bodies of two of Benjamin's men. They are just a short ride from Castle Black with the corpses [music] frozen and icy blue. No one can explain how they ended up there, but Joer orders them brought back to the castle in order to give them a proper funeral. Before they can give them this sendoff, the two men rise in the middle of the night. Jon barely hears the faint shuffling of feet as he staggers up. Bolyrian's eggs still in his hands alongside his dagger. He follows the haggarded moans as they ripple through the halls and see a figure shuffling through the halls. He moves unlike any human, too stiff, as if all his muscles and bone have frozen solid. And when Jon shouts, the creature turns to him, revealing his icy blue eyes. With a snarl, the white rushes at Jon. He sets his egg down and brings his dagger into the creature's eyes just as his claws rip into him. Although it sinks into its hilt, the creature continues to press into him and slam against the wall. The force knocks over a nearby brazer, scattering embers everywhere. Pulling his dagger out, Jon slams his dagger into him again and again, trying to finish it off. Though black blood spatters all over the ground, nothing stops him until the white hisses as it steps onto one of the stray embers. [music] Thinking quickly, Jon reaches into one of the fallen embers, ignoring the searing pain in his glove as he shoves it into the White's face. This time, the creature begins to react. It hisses and screams, stepping back as Jon shoves it to the ground. As it thrashes on the ground, the boy raises his boot and stomps hard on it. He continues to step onto the white again and again until the acre in its body splatters everywhere and the struggle ceases. Around his foot, a growing puddle of blood trickles towards the dragon egg. It also begins to steam and sizzle as the blood touches the stray ember embedded in the white's face. Jon steps back, but all three make contact. He watches something else happen. The entire puddle begins to grow [music] brighter as sparks flash. He leaps back to avoid the stray fire, but he cannot do anything for his egg as the blood coating its surface begins to hiss as steam rises up around it. From obsidian, the color of the egg shifts, beginning to turn a blood red, then orange, then yellow. The scales flicker and crackle as if starting to come to life and rubbing together. The sound leaves Jon's skin crawling, but he cannot tear his eyes off of it. And then it begins to spark as if struck by a flint. Faint flames flicker around the egg and grow brighter by the second. He stares at the egg as if as the scales pulse and shift. Belated, he realizes that they aren't just moving, they're opening. Jon closes his eyes as the light becomes blinding and he turns away. But while he cannot see it, he hears it starting to crack open and is followed by another sound, a faint hissing and whining as the egg rips open. Before long, the fire dies out and Jon can take a look. But what he sees is nothing he had ever expected. [music] Standing where his egg once was is a small black dragon, the same color as the scales on the egg. He is no larger than a puppy, but his eyes glint with intelligence. By the time the rest of the watchmen find him, the fight is over. The other white has been slain and nearly managed to kill Joerger Marmont, though it did kill its several other members of the Night's Watch. But that effort pales in comparison to the site that greets them. For the first time in a century and a half, there is a dragon in the Seven Kingdoms. Men can barely comprehend this, and now two creatures long dead have returned. Maester Aman is in shock. For months, he has searched for the possibilities of hatching this egg, pouring over texts and scrolls of such summoning ripped rituals. But when he hears how Jon accomplished it, it is equally confusing. But he mutters the words blood magic under his breath. Now rises the question of what to do. While this could mean the Night's Watch now has a dragon, the situation is not as they would like. Just as they have before, the dragon now named Eddard is unable to move past the wall. Jon tries. The dragon stubbornly refuses and even threatens to grow violent if forced. This is a dilemma for the Night's Watch, who cannot use their most powerful weapon. So instead, they think of another way. Just as many of them have never seen a dragon, neither have most of the realm. And Joro intends to take advantage of that. While he sends Sir Alistar with the body parts of a white, he sends Jon with his dragon. It cannot be a mere coincidence that a dragon and a white awaken on the same night. Such omens can cannot be ignored. And now they have proof to back up their claims. It might force the other kings to listen. On a personal level, it confirms what Ammon has suspected. That Jon is not the man he thinks he is. Only a Targaryen can tame a dragon, and to have been able to summon one seems even more remarkable. He initially plans for Jon to travel alongside Sir Alistar, but the young boy has other ideas. Let me travel south to my brother. He has been crowned king in the north. I can convince him to send aid as well. He rules close to the wall, and that can make a huge difference, especially if I talk to him. >> That's all true. But let me ask you this. Are you doing this because of your desire to help the Night's Watch because of your desire to see him? Does it matter? Would a single recruit in a dragon you can't even use be a worthy price for the chance to get the North support? No. Very well, John. Go to your brother. But be sure you provide us with something tangible. Lord Commander Mormont announces that Jon's task is to serve as an emissary for Castle Black, allowing him to maintain his honor. He travels south alongside Sir Alistister. Yet, as he moves alongside, the man's treatment changes drastically as he once served the Targaryenss. The knowledge that Jon might be the last one in the seven kingdoms causes him to apologize and promise to serve him. When they reach Riverrun, Jon detaches himself from Sir Alistister and makes his way inside. He arrives just as Rob is finishing holding court in the halls, surrounded by his Northmen and riverlords. The doors of the great hall burst open, revealing Jon Snow striding inside. And to everyone's shock, Eddard was resting on his shoulders. Lords jump to their feet and men gasp, their eyes fixed, either on Drogon or the man who walks with him. In Rob's case, there is no doubt who he's looking at. He descends the steps and embraces his brother. At his side, Eddard blows smoke and huffs playfully. His eyes widen and Jon chuckles, sitting down with his brother as he explains everything that happened while in the wall. Everything that ma Mr. Aman told him. By the time he finishes, the whole court goes silent and the rest of them look at him. Rob rubs the back of his neck. A dragon in Westeros after all this time. I didn't think anything like this would ever happen. If it were anyone else who said this, I would have had them imprisoned for being a madman. But from you, I believe it. I'm happy to see you back here again, John. It's good to see you as well, brother. The wall was not what I had expected, though Lord Commander Mormont has instructed me to serve as a representative for the Night's Watch publicly. He has privately freed me from my oath. That means I am here to serve you, brother. >> And serve him just how exactly. Your dragon is barely a hatchling. It will take time and time more for that dragon to be worthy of flight. >> I understand that, Lady Catman, but I can still fight. My sword is strong, and I am willing to shed bloods on the battlefield. >> How noble of you. But if you were to fall, who shall care for the dragon? For little Edard? No. Right now, your only task should be to take care of that thing. >> Surely you're being rather harsh, mother. Jon came all the way here to aid us. [music] Unfortunately, your mother is correct. While this dragon is a great boon, it will take time before we ready to reap its benefits. In the meantime, we should ensure it is properly taken care of. Rob hates to admit it, but his mother and the Blackfish speak truly. So rather than joining their efforts to bring the war [music] into Tywin's own territory, Jon will instead remain in Riverrun, helping Edmure in whatever way he can, but also to raise Edard. While he understands the importance of such a task, a part of him is [music] resentful of being relegated to this position while his brother rides out. His whole purpose here was to aid Rob, but it seems like that will not come to pass. Still, his brother thanks him for his support and promises to be back before long. The next day, Jon watches as the army rides off into the west, leaving him with Edmure to hold Riverrun. Even Catelyn does not linger for long. She is sent south to treat with Renley Baratheon in hopes of brokering an alliance. She reasons that their shared emnity towards the Lannisters will make them ideal allies alongside Stannis. However, the truth is more complicated. Although they do not reveal Eddard publicly, news is difficult to suppress, and word soon spreads across the seven kingdoms of a new dragon, one hatched on the wall, and whose future rider is pledged [music] to the Starks. Tywin, Stannis, and Renley all publicly dismiss it as propaganda, or if they do acknowledge it, remark that such a beast would be too small to be a threat. [music] They have years to prepare. Privately, though, they are less certain. All of them remember how these dragons had brought down their kingdom in the past. It was what allowed the Targaryenss to rule the seven kingdoms for so long. Now the Starks have one too. They have the potential to bring all their armies to heal. This time under their banner. When Catelyn arrives in Bitterbridge, Renley appears cordial enough, welcoming her to his castle and treating her like a guest. Once they begin negotiations, [music] though, he is quite firm about one thing. The dragon must not be allowed to remain in Stark's hands. It must be released, killed, or handed over to Renley for peace. At first, Catelyn protests, but Renley simply shakes his head and brushes off her rebuttals. You seem to have much faith in that bastard boy. I hope that means that he inherited Lord Stark's sense of honor, because anything less, and he becomes a threat to the entire realm. >> Are you not exaggerating, King Renley? Jon might not be my first choice, but he has never once mistreated Robin. >> Is it in the nature of a bastard to deceive, Lady Catman, or have you forgotten the tale of the dragon seeds? Those were different circumstances, >> but similar to the way that matters. The Targaryenss built their kingdom on having dragons. Once they allowed others that privilege, it led to everything coming apart. I intend to learn from that history. So, here are my terms. I will be willing to ally with Rob. I do not desire his bastard brother's head. I am willing to recognize him as king of the north in name and honor, whatever agreement he made with Castle Black. What I will not compromise on is having a dragon outside of my control. Surely these negotiations and your son's future are worth the submission of that bastard. The offer is said and offered up to Catelyn. Truth to be told, it is far more generous than she had anticipated, and she cannot fault him for his fears. Though she does not say it out loud, she has her own worries about the dragon. Renley offers her time to think the answer over, but warns that each minute they waste, the dragon grows larger. However, before she has a chance to truly think it over, a rider arrives and reports [music] that there is an attack on Storm's End. Stannis has landed in Storm's End and is preparing to attack. There is little time to waste as Renley must ride to relieve the siege. Rather than giving Catelyn leave to return to Riverrun, he has her accompanying him to Storm's End, where the small Dragonstone army is laying siege to the castle. In truth, it is too small to accomplish anything. But that isn't Stannis's [music] plan. He intended to lure Renley out and the two entered negotiations. Catelyn accompanies them hoping to mediate the terms [music] and though she does not say it out loud hopes to gain an ally in Stannis. His sense of justice is wellknown and he might be more reasonable. Unfortunately, that is not the case as Stannis actually agrees with Renley. The meeting is initially tar with both sides offering and exchanging terms. Brother, you must know that every minute we spend here, we allow a greater threat to grow. Literally, that dragon that the bastard of Winterfell hatched is being raised to serve as a weapon of war. I agree. That is why I needed to you to come here so we may discuss what we must do. >> You agree with me, God. These truly are unprecedented times. >> Enough of your jokes, brother. Yes, I understand the danger of leaving beasts like that unattended. Lady Stark, surely you must see the danger. Even in the best of times, the Targaryenss could not fully control these dragons. [music] And I hear this beast you have is the direct descendants of Bolyrian, the Black Dread. That beast has killed more people than any man in the Seven Kingdoms. He must be contained, and only the king has the resources to properly care for him. >> And which of you shall be the king? Do you truly expect me to just be willing to hand over Lord Stark's bastard to you? As I have said, Lady Stark, the bastard boy is of little interest to me. My concern is his dragon. As for who shall rule, well, I suppose that does need to be settled. I am the elder. The right is mine. But I shall name you my heir if you join me. It is as you said. We do not have the time to waste our strength fighting each other. That dragon is the true danger. Me your heir? And just who declared you king aside from yourself? I have the Stormlands and Reach riding by my side. That is 20 times the men you have brought. And here I thought you would learn from history. You think that numbers and an army are enough to face off against dragons. King Gardner and Lauren Lannister thought that in the field of fire, as did Argalac, the Arrogant in the last storm. No, I have something that can bring this dragon down. Renley is tempted to laugh, but in truth, he is intrigued. Eventually, he agrees to allow Stannis to serve as king, but only if he can slay the dragon. Should he fail, he must renounce the title and accept Renley as his sovereign. At first, the king of the Narrow Sea wishes to curse his brother. But at the same time, he also recognizes the need for cooperation and agrees. More importantly, it is no gamble as he is certain of his success. [music] Seeing this, the two come to terms, much to Catelyn's horror. When they demand her answer as to whether or not she will speak to her son, she cannot answer. So, it is decided that she will remain their prisoner until she can come up with an answer. This leaves House Baratheon more unified than ever, if only temporarily. But they begin their march not towards King's Landing, but towards the Riverlands, where they plan on wiping out the [music] remaining opponents in one fell swoop. Meanwhile, Jon spends his time tending to Eddard in whatever ways he can. Thankfully, with the stores of Riverrun and ports like Seagard, food is of little problem to feed the dragon, which happily devours whatever they can provide for it. At the very least, Edard is growing quickly. However, it isn't soon enough for Jon, who continues to watch anxiously at the land of the setting sun. He receives regular reports from Rob, informing him of his victory in Oxcross, Ashark, and half a dozen other castles. While he is pleased to hear that Rob is decimating the Lannisters, a part of him still longs to be by his side. He had left the Night's Watch because he heard of this war and wanted to [music] be with his dragon. Now, he only feeds his dragon, which is the size of Ghost. It is restless, isn't it? having to sit by here where our fearless young king gets all the glory. Sir Edmir, apologies. I didn't see you. It is nothing, but I can sense your unhappiness with this arrangement. To tell you the truth, I understand. A part of me longs to be riding alongside the Blackfish. Rob is my brother. We've always done things together. What is the point of all that training we were given if I'm simply to wait up the wall? I can't quite say in a few, but I understand. I have long served as the heir to Riverrun. But now my father sits in the stranger's door, while I have never once proved my metal to him. I wonder if he thinks I'm ready. I wonder that tomb with my father. But you still have your chance. Why don't you ride out? Because as much as it pains me, this is where my father would want me to be. When the Lannisters attacked, my people burned. Now the lions squat in Harrenhal, and I cannot leave my people while they're under threat. That is my duty. Tell me, Lord Snow, what is yours? To help my brother secure his kingdom. Then you know the answer. It doesn't make it any easier. Rob is a king [music] and you are a lord, but I am not. I am a bastard. I have no lands to inherit, no title to claim. All I have is my skills. And this dragon, without it, I am nothing. Without it, you are Rob Stark's brother, the man he has depended on for his entire life. and now he's depending on you again. Jon offers him a smile and Edmure chuckles. For the first time, he begins to feel better and the two of them continue to feed Eddard. Their days are spent parading the dragon around the small folk gathered in the castle to the newly trained knights and to patrol the red fork. Though he is still small, the dragon's presence already goes a long way in raising morale, the sight of the beast, and the promise of its future power to help give the people hope. Some of the lords even invite Jon to dine in their seats and to see the dragon for themselves. Even the most grizzled knights and experienced lords tremble at the sight of this beast. The creature that they have only heard stories from their grandfathers. And now the legend has come alive. But the strangest knight who visits them is soon to come. As one day after patrolling the red fork and clearing it of Briggins, a knight appears bearing the banner of the Night's Watch, Alistister Thorne appears, his face hard as ever and scowlling, but it isn't directed at Jon for a change. As soon as the knight approaches him, he drops to his knee. Your grace, I come with news from the capital. Sir Alistister, were you able to secure the gade from King's Landing? Not quite. The imp was sitting on the Iron Throne, and he proved to be rather uncooperative. No, he refused to believe anything, I said, so I can expect no help from him. I hope your mission was more successful. My brother is willing to send a thousand men to aid the wolf once he finishes this war. He will also call his banners north if necessary. But I suspect that is not why you were here. No, it isn't. I come to warn you about the coming threat from the east. As I traveled through Heranol, I noticed movement there. It seems like Lord Tywin is preparing to march out. There are only two places I can imagine him riding with his entire army. King's Landing to defeat his family. Or here. He means to force a crossing back to the Westerlands. He means to confront my brother, Sir Alistister. You are threatening to break the knight's watch neutrality by telling me this. I hope you understand that. Why aren't you acting on behalf of Lord Commander Mormont? [laughter] Besides, if Rob Stack is the only one willing to help the Knights Watch, then these efforts will help us in the long run. Thank you, Sir Alistister. I cannot thank you enough. Now go. Your warning might have given us time to prepare. If you leave now, no one will know of your involvement. >> I think not. I was instructed to return to Castle back after my business in the capital, but Commander Mormont never said when and how I should get there. You were right about one thing, Lord Snow. I didn't ask to take the black. I serve the dragons. Always have, and I always will. Now, shall we pay back old Tywin for the wrongs done to us? Jon smiles and sends word to Edmir as well. If Tywin truly means to cross the black to with the Westerlands, then he will need to cross the Red Fork. This gives them a natural defense to shelter behind and fortify. So even though they are outnumbered, they can beat him back. However, Sir Alistair says that simply playing defense is not enough. Lord Tywin is crafty [music] and they cannot simply bloody him. While they are holding the red fork, they also require some means of going on the offense. That is where he suggests training a contingent of men to serve as an attack force similar to the Rangers of the Nights Watch. They shall travel to the east bank and harass the Lannisters's [music] army from the rear. Jon agrees and the two use their experience in the wall to [music] begin training a con contingent rather than fighting in the conventional battle strategies. These men are to serve as a light reaction force, hitting the enemy from the rear whenever the opportunity presents itself. They find some recruits in the form of Mark Piper and Carol Vance, who have both raided the Lannister supply lines at the start of this war. While they have proven effective, Sir Alistair and Jon help [music] refine them further, providing them with the same training the old master at arms has given the recruits. He shows them how to survive in the wilderness, how to identify enemy targets and the basics of guerilla warfare. He dares not fight alongside them for fear of compromising the nights watch neutrality, but he at least shares his experience until the [music] report comes in from Tywin's attack. As the army begins to march from Harrenhal, the rear guard comes under attack by the riverfolk. Sir Alistister trained. These men have never numbered more than a few dozen raiders. But they strike hard and fast, burning wagons, taking out wounded men and launching arrow volleys at lordlings who stray too far from the main column. During each attack, Sir Gregor and his men chase them off, but never managed to pin and destroy them. This allows the men to regroup and attack again when the time is right. Jon rides with them alongside Ghost and Edard. Though the dragon is too small to ride, he dares not leave it. Tywin ignores these attacks, seeing them only as efforts to slow him down. So he keeps his focus on crossing the Red Fork. However, he is greeted by the bristling [music] defenses of Edmure Tully. Across every ford and crossing, there are archers and knights waiting to confront the Lannister men. These initial clashes bloody the Westermen and leave their bodies floating down river, but they serve only as a prelude to the main clash as Tywin's probing efforts amount to nothing, forcing him to smash into their defenses. Meanwhile, Jon and Mark harass his rear. Ghost proves highly effective as his presence frightens horses and allows the rangers to quickly pick off their riders one by one. From his shoulder, Eddard also blows fire and smoke, further adding to the chaos. While far from being the powerful beast of war they expect, it can at least add chaos and confusion while serving as a morale booster on their shoulders. When they aren't fighting, they ride through the villages, protecting them from Lannister outr rididers. The sight of the dragon invigorates them. Many offer supplies or volunteers to help them when the raiders arrive. Soon the fighting reaches its fever pitch when at last Taiwan attacks across all fronts, [music] aiming to force a crossing. The battle is intense, and he even manages to secure a tow hold in several sections, the most prominent being the area commanded by the mountain in the south. Edmure sends his reserves to drive them back, and the raiders move to help them. Mark initially suggests attacking them from both sides, but Jon instead suggests hitting the northern crossing where the fighting is relatively even. The area is commanded by Sir Flement Bra, who pushes relentlessly against their army. He fully commits his force forces to an attack, but this is just what Jon wants as his men hit them right at the rear. The army is taken completely off guard by this with Ghost ripping into a knight's waror and throwing the rider off. Meanwhile, Eddard [music] flaps above, spinning and avoiding stray crossbow bolts. Its ears spplitting shriek is something these men have not heard in generations. In the sight of it begins to break the [music] Lannisters. Jon personally leads the attack and cuts down Flement as he tries to rally his men. Soon, the rest of his forces are beaten back, and across the river, Lord Vance watches the attack in awe. They urge him to send support and roll up Tywin's line. Lord Vance agrees and sends whatever men he can spare to join Jon and Mark as they travel south to hit the nearest ford, repeating the process. They do this again and again, wiping out the Lannister defenses one by one until Tywin realizes how desperate the situation is getting. [music] He orders his men to pull back and Edmir goes on a full offensive. The attack batters the Lannister men and only a desperate rear guard action by Sir Greor saves them. By the end, Tywin has almost half his army scattered or killed in this battle, leaving him limping back to Harrenhal, only to find it closed [music] off by Roose Bolton. And then from the south, another army appears, bearing the banners of the Golden Rose, the crown stag, and the fiery heart. The United Baratheon army approaches, advancing upon the retreating Lannister forces. Scouts hurriedly report their [music] arrival, but it is too late. They have barely any time to respond, save to get into defensive formations and brace for an attack. The Tyrell forces hit them with the weight of a hammer, battering their infantry squares. Sir Loris leads the attack, hitting the formation again and again. Although he struggles to breach their defenses, their sheer numbers make it impossible for Taiwan to hold them back forever. [music] After each cavalry charge, arrows rain down upon them in coordinated volleys, ensuring the Lannisters cannot get a moment to catch their breath. Having already been demoralized from their previous losses and defeats, they do not see themselves in the position to seriously challenge them. Soon the Lannister defenses begin to break and their army shatters. Tywin roars orders trying to rally his men, but his rule was built with fear and for the first time his men have something else to fear more than him. When Loris organizes another charge, this one finally shatters his failings and drives the men back. Tywin watches as they barrel right towards him. Though he tries to organize his formation, it is too late as he is unable to halt their advance. And the last thing he sees is the knight of flowers sword flashing at him. This brings the last major Westerland army to its knees as its men are either killed or forced to flee. While Mason sends men to sweep up the survivors and gather them, the rest of their army [music] continues to advance deeper into the Riverlands. The sheer number of men under Tywin's control allows them to split their host with half attacking Harrenhal and the other half attacking the Red Fork. The defenses that Edmure [music] has prepared managed to hold back the initial assaults, but they begin to falter. The knight of Riverland is acutely aware that they will eventually crumble under the combined assaults of the Reachmen and Baratheon forces. As they attack, Ryder sometimes arrive in the Riverland lines to provide terms. Renley says that he has no desire to destroy the Riverlands or battle the Stark forces. He is willing to come to terms with them and allow Rob to call himself king of the north, only requiring them to hand over the dragon or sell it to them. Such news is tempting for some fairweather bannerman, but Admir is in no mood to negotiate. He will not betray his nephew or Jon and refuses these offers despite the urges from some lords like Walder Frey. This prompts Renley and Mace to continue pressing his attacks. Though Harrenhal manages to hold out, it is still in a state of disrepair, and Roose must balance restoring the castle's defenses while containing the advancing army of Ma Tyrell. Word is sent to Rob, who rides back with all his strength, abandoning his campaign to the Westerlands in order to support his brother. At the same time, Remley reminds Stannis of their agreement. Recognition of Stannis's rule will only come if he can remove the dragon from the equation. The king of Dragonstone does not act right away, turning to Melisandre to help track down the boy. The red woman peers into the fires, trying to search for the boy and his dragon. She burns offerings to the Lord of Light in order to track him down and eventually finds her answers. Amidst [music] the embers of roaring flames, the tongues of fire from shapes, a boy on a horseback, his direwolf, and a dragon flying above, she finds them not behind the red fork or hiding in Harrenhal, but moving right under their nose north of them in the woods and hills, being sheltered by the small folk. The rumors are soon proven to be true, as reports of continued [music] attacks spread across the Baratheon outr rididers and vanguard. Ma's men report being attacked by a massive direwolf and of their tents bursting into flames in the middle of the night. There is little doubt this is the doing of Jon Snow and his soldiers. Mace is ordered to hunt them down and bring back the dragon. He tries to pursue them and captures the nearby villages, but each hamlet in Hvel he arrives in becomes a battleground. As when nightfalls, they come under attack by the gorillas. High-ranking knights are picked off by archers or have their throats slit while ghost remains a pale death darting through their lines and sewing chaos. Though these raids are less effective because of their sheer numbers, the Tyrells bring to bear. They are still suffering and are no closer to capturing the young dragon rider. All the wild Eddard grows larger. By now, he is the size of a horse and can fight properly, unleashing jets of fire. Time is running out for them as Stannis decides to swap commanders, replacing Mace with Randall Tarly, the stern commander of Hornhill readjusts to their strategy. While the Lord of the Reach is happy to chase, Randall works [music] on depriving them of places and allies. He systematically begins occupying villages and fortifying them, forcibly relocating the small folk away from the frontlands. This deprivives them of all allies who may supply them with food and place further pressure on them. Soon, each village becomes an outpost to press Jon and his gorillas, forcing them to move deeper into the wilderness to avoid being caught. These effects slowly box them in as they cannot retreat back to the neck while the Ironborn hold mouth mode Kalin. This allows Stannis to strike. After using the recent reports, he leads Melisandre to their general area where she births a shadow baby. Rob and his men gather around the high heart where they plan their next move. Yet, as Jon looks around, he [music] finds his men exhausted and hungry. The last few days were hard for them as they no longer have the means of feeding themselves and some look close to breaking. He decides to rest first and consider his next move. As Jon rests his head on one of the stumps that once possessed a direwolf tree, he closes his eyes, but sleep does not come easily. As visions flash across his mind, each one sends bolts of pain across his mind. He hears voices hissing into his ear, pained shrieks [music] as if the forest themselves are in pain. They shout at him and when he opens his eyes, he sees what caused their alarm. Standing above him is a strange shadow monster, his hand outstretched with a dagger raised. Jon barely rolls out of the way and turns to face the creature, which moves with a hiss, turning to attack him again. Ghost growls and bears his teeth, but for once his fangs cannot sink into his foe, and he is kicked aside. Jon's blade doesn't fare any better as he's thrown back. And then Edard appears. He is coiled around one of the stumps and hisses, unleashing bursts of fire that startles the entire camp awake. Men at- arms and knights all gasp, scrambling for their weapons, but it isn't necessary. Eddard's fire is the more than enough and sends fire directly [music] at the creature. The shadow monster lets out an agonizing shriek, its voice rising into a howl as the fire bursts across its body, leaving it momentarily glowing brighter than the sun. As Jon looks at it, the he catches a detail, the face that resembles Stannis Baratheon. But a second later, the entire thing is destroyed and reduced to ash. Jon can barely catch his breath as he looks over at the remains, still trying to catch his breath. Yet by now, there is nothing left they [music] can do except to beat a hasty retreat. After that, the men no longer have the stomach to remain in the front. Not when demons come alive and attack. They retreat across one of the hidden fords in the Red Fork and ride straight [music] to Riverrun. There, to their surprise and relief, Rob Stark is waiting for them. The two share an embrace. Both brothers recount everything that has happened. Things have not gone well. As though their guerilla attacks have slowed down the Baratheonss, it has not stopped them. Worse is that the Ironborn have now occupied parts of the North, depriving them of fresh levies and putting pressure on them to end the war. This leaves them facing the combined forces of the South with less than 30,000 swords. While Edmir's defenses are holding, cracks are starting to show, and he struggles to beat back every assault. It will only be a matter of time until they break through. The same is true for Roose Bolton. As the army marches around him, aiming to cut off Harrenhal from the rest of the Riverlands, it seems like they might have to think of a new strategy. But as they gather to plan their next meeting, a raven arrives from Sunspear. Prince Doran writes in secret, offering to form an alliance with the Starks and recognize their independence. They have long distrusted the Baratheians and Starks, but they see no reason to fight the Starks, especially after they had trusted the Lannisters. Now they offer their help with preliminary terms laid out. They will recognize Dornish independence just as Dorne will recognize Rob's kingdom to cement their alliance. They propose marrying Ariana to Jon Snow. Oberin Martell will journey there to provide his support and guidance. Well, it seems like we at last have an ally. Dawn spears could prove to be a great boon. True, but they are distant. Dawn sits at the very edge of Westeros. Not to mention their armies are small. Dawn can muster perhaps 30,000 spears at most. Even with their full strength, we shall be outnumbered. That is assuming they can even reach us. We do not need them to reach us. In fact, their position is perfect. The Baratheians have committed their full strength to crush us. That means their homes territories are undefended. The Dornish can harass their rear. Rob nods and considers it, but until Dorne commits [music] to the war, they continue to hold their defenses as best they can. With the reinforcements provided by Rob, they managed to stabilize Edmure's line. But this is a bandage over the wound, and it leaves Roose in the phrase questioning their alliances as they suffer from this war. Stannis suggests exploiting that weakness in capturing Herrenal. But Renley wishes to focus his efforts on the Red Fork to beat break their defenses and capture the king in the north and Jon Snow in one fell swoop. He suggests using Catelyn to bargain for terms. Though Stannis has reluctantly accepted his younger brother as king, he continues to dominate matters in the in the military, citing his experience as a soldier and commander. While this is true, it never fails to ruffle Renley's feathers. Soon enough, Oberin arrives with reinforcements, and he offers his advice. They immediately organize a strategy meeting to discuss their next move. Look at them, [clears throat] Renley, Stannis, and the Tyrells. They are not a trident. They are three scorpions in a sack. It is only a matter of time before one stings the other. My spies tell me Stannis failed to kill your dragon, but his own pact with Renley. He must now submit to his younger brother's authority. Tell me, Rob Sttoark, the Stannis Baratheon strike you as a man who kneels easily. No, he is iron. He will break before he bends. That is your first crack. The reach follows Renley for a queen's crown. threaten their home, their wealth, their vanity, and they will blink. You intend to win us the war through deception and lies, not lies. Seeds, this war can only end once they turn on each other. It doesn't matter how many enemies you bury when they keep coming back. No, you must break their alliance. I can keep pressure on them with my army. As for you, Lord Snow, you and your gorillas, you have been gnawing at their heels for weeks. Now you bite their hand. Target Tyrell supply depots along the Blue Fork. Be seen. Be ruthless. Let Eddard grow larger in their nightmares. The weeks that follow are a blur of smoke, whispers, and blood. Oberin's whispers slither through the Baratheon tents. He whispers rumors to men at arms over cooks as servants mutter tales they've overheard, and merchants spread rumors. Stannis means to recruit more cell swords to turn against Renley, the lord of the dragon stone, and intends to summon more shadow demons to eliminate his enemies. Meanwhile, Renley intends to strip [music] Stannis of all authority. Paranoia takes root. Renley and Stannis share no more councils. When they do talk, they [music] argue and cannot agree on anything. Even with the Tyrell support, Stannis refuses to cooperate, and even Mace has his own agenda. This becomes apparent as the [music] Dornish begin their raids. With the Tyrells committed to g gaining their crown, many castles were stripped of their garrisons, leaving them open to attacks as they strike into the reach, burning villages and make and making them regret turning their back on this. Pirates even begin to attack the Sunset Sea, threatening the arbor's rich port towns. They make their attack visible, burning villages and sieging castles, even publicly executing some lords. All of these attacks are highly visible and mean to force [music] a reaction. Mace is furious at this and cannot accept having to watch this happen. He intends to march back and lead a contingent to reinforce his position. This leaves Renley exposed as tens of thousands march with him. But Mace is adamant that he must protect his home first and foremost. As this happens, Jon and the Blackfish strike back across the riverlands. They strike at dawn, at dusk in the dead of night. They burn grain, poison wells, and vanish. Each time Edard had seen bigger each week, now the size of a wagon, his scales drinking the moonlight, and his [music] breath sending men a light. For a time, this seems to work. A raven arrives from the twins, but it is too late. Lord Walder Frey has already opened his gates and is and his knowledge. He provides the reachmen with river guides under the command of Sir Raymond Frey, [music] who knows every ford, every hidden path through the Reeds. The gorilla's advantage evaporates, and [music] an ambush is turned. Mark Piper is captured and hanged outside Renley's pavilion. Meanwhile, he contacts Roose Bolton and convinces him to surrender, allowing the Baratheians to turn their forces [music] against the Red Fork. When Renley hears that, he sees a decisive victory and wishes to strike the blow against Rob by capturing Riverrun. Stannis and Mace [music] are less certain, suggesting finding the dragon first. But Renley insists that after this, it will not matter as they can find Edard at their leisure. But the army that moves against Riverrun is not the unstoppable host of before. A quarter of the Tyrell forces have been diverted south to gather the reach. The Baratheon ranks are tense, divided. Stannis's men hold the left flank. Still, they manage to force a crossing that through sheer numbers, and by the end of the day, their forces are crossing to the west of the Red Fork. Outside Riverrun, the field churns into mud as the Stark and Tully lines hold the high ground. But they are outnumbered. They form up a tight defense position to prepare for their assault. Though they wish to hold Riveron, they know Renley will not attack it so long as the dragon is at large. From a ridge, Jon watches the sea of spears and banners advance. At his side, Ghost whines, and Eddard shifts his weight, relentless, sensing the coming storm. The dragon is now large enough to bear a rider, and Jon has dreaded this moment for days. They are splits. Many of Stenis' men are not there. They were left to occupy Harrenhal and guard the prisoners taken. Jon approaches Eddard, and the dragon's great black head swings toward him. Intelligent eyes gleaming like molten gold. He places a hand on the warm, scaled neck and pulls himself up, finding a place where the spines of Eddard's back can serve as grips. The dragon lets out a rumble that vibrates through Jon's entire body. Suddenly, his wings unfurl with the sound of tearing canvas. They beat once, twice, kicking up a whirlwind of dust and straw. And then the ground falls away. The world [music] shrinks. The shouts of men become the buzz of insects. The wind screams in Jon's ear. He clings on, a blend of terror and ecstasy flowing through him. He sees the battle laid out below. Rob's compact lines, the glittering Tyrell Vanguard, the stalled Baratheon left. The first pass is sheer terror. Arrows rise like metallic rain, clattering harmlessly off Eddard's belly scales. Jon sees the faces of the reachmen look up, their expression shifting from confidence to terror. Draarus. A river of pale yellow fire pours forth from Eddard's jaw and washes across the tightly packed Tyrell soldiers, turning men and horses into shrieking torches. The line buckles. Chaos rips through the center of Renley's army. Rob [music] takes this chance and urges his men forward, rushing the panicked Tyrell Force. They brave the fire, knowing that it serves their goals and rushes to confront them. Jon circles them yet again, earning cheers from the crowds as they raise their swords up and shout his name. Jon banks hard. He sees the Royal Pavilion, the crown stag banner. He sees Renley himself mounted on a white charger, staring up and ordering his [music] ballista to take aim. Edard whirls and spins to the oncoming onslaught, avoiding the first wave of strikes and then banking low. A few strike crossbow bolts hit Art Edard, who howls in pain, but Jon rubs his chin and urges him forward. A second stream of dragon fire licks the ground before the king's guard. [music] Horses rear and bolt. Renley is thrown, tumbling into the mud. Before his rainbow guard, can form a shield around him. A wave of Northmen, led by Rob, and the great Jon smashes into their disoriented center. Jon does not see the result below. He is wheeling Eddard toward the left flank where Stannis's host stands. But as he approaches, he sees new chaos there. The Tyrell reserves, perhaps by design or in panic, have swirled inward. They see the distinctive banners of House Florent and Tarly not fighting Northmen, but each other. A flash of red, Melisandre's robes, and then a knot of men that fight desperately. He sees Stannis, sword in hand, shouting orders and trying to restore order. But there is little he can do. The battle does not end with a [music] bang, but with an unraveling. Leaderless, the Baratheon host breaks. The Tyrells, seeing Renley and Stannis are both captured as their army flees around them. Eddard lands heavily in the mud churned fields, his sides heaving. Jon slides from his back, legs trembling. The smell of smoke, blood, and burned meat is overwhelming. John, you flew. With the two brothers captured, Rob now lays [music] out his terms. His mother is to be released immediately and they are to both recognize his king's independence. In exchange, the forces, including Eddard, shall remain out of southern politics. Whoever shall sit on the Iron Throne is up to them. Additionally, they promise to free Sansa once King's Landing is captured. With their armies devastated [music] and their reputation ground down, both of them can only dip their heads in agreement and make peace in exchange for the raids to cease. With that, Catelyn is released and Jon marries Ariana Martell, uniting the two newly independent kingdoms as their armies withdraw. The Freys who survive are all captured after they confess. Among them is a badly burnt Raymond Frey, who soon loses his head as punishment. Eddard's presence helps Rob swiftly retake the territories captured by the Ironborn and find Bran and Rickon. Jon returns to Castle Black and helps lead Ferrris troops there and keeps watch in case the White Walkers do indeed return. 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.