What if Jon Arryn DIDN'T Die

What if John Aaron didn't die? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. The atmosphere in the Red Keep is tense as everyone keeps their gaze on the tower of the hand. No one knows the full story, simply that John Aaron has fallen ill and has been sick for some time now. Some have even begun to fear that he will not recover. Among those is Robert, who hires the best healers and doctors to tend to him. Yet, his worsening condition leads Pycel to claim that there is nothing more they can do for him. while Robert rages at the Grand Maester. Others utter prayers of thanks. Among these is Lysa Aaron, who masks this all under a guise of grief. Yet, as everyone observes this, no one notices the ship docking on shore until a woman approaches the red keep bearing a letter with Stannis's seal. At first, the guards do not let her in, mistaking her for an intruder. They only relent when she reveals she was sent there by Stannis to tend to the aging hand and assures them that she will do everything she can. Robert, desperate for any help, agrees to let her try. She has him brought to his chambers, where the stench of decay is strong. She oversees the various potions and cures left by his bedside, all given in an attempt to save him. Melisandre contemptuously turns her head away from them. None of them would have worked, and they have no interest in observing them. Instead, she focuses on the patient. John Aaron lies on his bed, dressed only in a sleeping gown, which is drenched in sweat. He is shivering and turning fitful. His eyes are glazed and unfocused. Even Melisandre has a look of worry. He struggles to meet her gaze. The seed is strong. The seed. I am aware, my lord. We share the same goal in that. But your role is not yet finished. There is still much to do. And the Lord of Light needs your service. She places a hand on his temples and begins to hum. Her voice is low and musical, almost relaxing if there wasn't a dark edge to it. Jon's stops struggling as he holds him firmly in place. While she continues her communion, she senses his body. The man is strong and healthy, or at least he should be. Yet, there is something wrong with him, something eating him from the inside. It is alien and unnatural poison. Her eyes narrowed, as this was exactly what Lord Stannis had warned her about. This is why he opted to flee instead of remaining behind to support the old lord. Whoever did this had intentions of ensuring the old lord would not wake again, and she already knew why. Melisandre pushes those thoughts from her mind now, instead turning her efforts to purging his body of this affliction. The poison is already spread, and it is difficult, but she does not give up. She knows the costs of failure and pushes herself forward. By the time she emerges hours later, there are bags under her eyes, and she nearly stumbles. Some of the men Stan has sent to help guide her to her room. As she disappears down the halls, she eyes the rest of the small council wearily, shooting them hard looks as if to let them know she's on to them. Yet, the results speak for themselves as John Aaron appears healthier than before she arrived. His eyes seem a bit sharper, and her words are clearer. He even manages to sit up. Robert is incredibly pleased with these developments and allows her to continue. Every day, Melisandre visits him and continues her healing efforts. They are slow but purposeful. is each night when she finishes the hand looks better and better. There might even be a chance that he can recover and some believe he might be back to his old self in a matter of weeks. Not everyone approves of her techniques as Pycel says that these methods might appear unnatural and can mask some deeper issues. He says that whatever sorcery Melisandre performs cannot be natural. And yet, Robert dismisses him, reminding him that reminding him that at the end of the day, she had done what he failed to do. The others can only bite their tongues and let her work. Even Lady Lysa's concerns are rebuffed when she calls Melisandre a witch and worries about what she might do. In a few weeks, John Aaron is back to his old self. And while he is still weak, he is now lucid and able to plan properly. More importantly, he can talk to Melisandre and relay everything that has happened. My lady, it appears I have you to thank for my survival. I do not know what you have done to me, and perhaps I do not truly wish to, but I know you have served Lord Stannis faithfully. I serve the Lord of Light, Lord Aaron, and he despises the wicked and deceitful just as much as the Lord of Dragonstone. A good man like you does not deserve to die like this, especially from poison. But my powers are not limitless, and your enemies will doubtlessly strike again. I am aware of that, my lady. We do not have much time. I'm sure that Stannis has informed you that we have long suspected that Robert's children are not his own, but bastards born of incest. Indeed, Stannis has brought such suspicions to me. So, we must consider our next step carefully if we are to bring them to justice. No doubt your survival will throw their plans into confusion. So, we must make the most of it. Indeed, I will confront Robert about the accusations, but I cannot do such a thing on my own. Stannis must be here with me. He shall. He has also sent me to inform you that he is ready and waiting along with most of the royal fleet. I require more than ships. I will need soldiers as well. The Lannisters will not take kindly to what I say, and they command nearly 200 swords here. Say the word, and he shall have nearly a thousand men ready to march." Jon nods and thanks her as he leans back and rests, preparing himself for what is to come next. To the surprise of everyone, John Aaron insists immediately returning to his duties right after he recovers. Even Robert suggests he rests for a bit, but the old lord refuses. He begins attending meetings once again and acts as if nothing happened. His actions betray nothing, and he even suggests that everything must have been caused by a stomach disease. Yet, behind closed doors, Jon continues his investigation and fights to learn more about the Baratheon parentage. He reads the same book on royal lineages that caused all of this. From there, he continues to learn about the Baratheon genetics, confirming what he already suspected. All Baratheonss have black hair, something Robert's bastards possessed, but none of his royal children. Even the bastards born with blondhaired mothers seem to share this trait. But John Aaron takes extra caution moving forward. He has Melisandre check everything he eats and drinks and begins removing men from his household whom he suspects of disloyalty. But most of all, he keeps close watch over Cersei and what she might do. As far as John Aaron knows, the queen is responsible for trying to have him killed. She is the one who has the most to gain from it. And unlike Jaime, has no qualms about using poison. Unfortunately, while Jon is now fully convinced of what happened, he lacks evidence that can prove it. Most of what he has is circumstantial and can be easily dismissed. There is no true way to prove incest, but there is a way to prove murder. And Littlefinger also understands that. While his plan to have John Aaron murdered failed, he still sees an opportunity in this plan and begins modifying his financial records. Records which he presents to John Aaron. The ledgers show a suspicious purchase from a Lenise poisoner. Tears of lease which were funneled through a merchant from Lannisport. all that are not listed as royal expense, but a household one. As one of Cersei's servants who lived in Lennisport supposedly brought it with her, the clumsy attempt to cover her tracks suits Cersei style perfectly, and Jon swallows up this idea. He immediately takes this as evidence and sends word to Stannis. The time has come to confront them. After another long day in court, Jon decides to confront Robert in his chambers. Though the king insists he is tired and wishes to rest, Jon insists on speaking with him. My lord, I assure you that this is a matter of great importance. I believe that my recent affliction was no mere illness. Instead, I suspect that it may have actually been the work of poison. Poison? This is a bold accusation, John. Do you have evidence to back up such a claim? Evidence and a theory? Look at these expenses. It appears someone in your household had commissioned someone to craft tears of lease. He shows the strange paper trail and where it leads from Lannisport to King's Landing. Robert's face furrows as he examines these reports and can already see what he is trying to say. Despite that, he does not immediately accept it and shakes his head. You cannot possibly be suggesting what I think you are. I'm afraid I am. Only a member of the royal family would be able to make this purchase. But why? Why? Tell me, your grace, have you visited any of your children recently? the ones who live outside the Red Keep. Robert's face darkens as he understands the implication of what John Aaron is saying. That does not mean he likes it anymore. You refer to my bastards. Are you suggesting my wife is trying to have you killed over them? Not them necessarily, but what they represent. Look at your bastards. Then look at your children. Do you not see how different they appear? Neither Joffrey nor Marcella nor Tommen bears your features. That is because I believe none of them are truly your children. What? I believe they are all bastards born of incest between Cersei and Sir Jaime. It is difficult to believe. I know, but those two have always been close. Unusually close, it would appear. And your queen has never made a secret of her dislike of you. Begging your pardon, your grace. It would not be difficult to imagine she would take another to bed. Jon proceeds to show him the rest of the evidence he's gathered, the genealogies and lineages he's examined, the images of those bastards side by side with his trueborn children. The evidence is staggering, but Robert pays them little mind. He believes in them, not from these records, but simply because he knows his wife and what she is capable of. This is exactly the type of thing she would do. The only question is what they should do with her. And to that, there is only one possible answer, to punish her. After receiving reports that Stannis will be arriving with his army, Robert decides to act. Later that night, the doors to the Queen's Solar swing open with the sound of boots on stone. Cersei whirls around to see the gold cloaks led by Sir Barrist and Selme. His face is unreadable, but his grip on his sword hilt is tight. Behind him stands Lord John Aaron, gaunt composed, and the king himself, Robert Baratheon, his face pale with fury and shame. Cersei rises from her seat near the hearth, her eyes narrowing. You barge into my chambers without cause. Is this the respect shown to a queen now? No, but this is how I treat a harlot and a traitor. You have lied to me, my queen. And I've been seeking other people to fulfill your needs. How dare you question my loyalty to you, Robert. I have been your wife for 15 years. Oh, save it. I was a piss poor husband and you were a piss poor wife. The difference is I didn't put crowns on my sins. Even I know how that would end up. What lies? You have no proof. You shame yourself even by suggesting it. Maybe, but the truth will come out. You were accused of treason and attempted murder. You were to be confined under guard until the matter is judged. Two guards approach. She flinches back, pride burning in her eyes, but she does not fight. But as she's being let out, she pauses to glare at him and hiss. Don't act so innocent yourself. I wasn't the only one who defiled our wedding bed. Just the one who got caught. You are right there. You are also the only one who tried to murder for it. Your children will be kept safe as well. You needn't worry about their welfare. Outside the chamber, the royal children are already under gentle guard. Sir Eris Oakhart was assigned to the task. Marcela and Tommen sit quietly, confused but not frightened. As the young knight gives gentle assurances. Joffrey, on the other hand, paces like a caged animal. When he sees his mother being escorted through the corridor, he lunges toward her only to be restrained by Sander Kulgane. Unhand me. I am the prince. I command you. You will hold your tongue, boy, or you'll be eating supper alone in the dungeons. Save yourself some pain, boy, and do what he wants. The sound of steel rings through the red keep as Jaime Lannister arrives in the corridor outside the queen's chambers. His golden armor glints in the torch light. His face is twisted with disbelief and fury. Unlike the rest of the castle, he has awoken to the sound of these disruptions. He could almost sense his sister's distress and rushed to her chambers, gathering whatever Lannister men he could. He soon has a score of them with him and they confront Robert as he and John Aaron are returning from the dungeons. The Fei Baratheians and Aaron stop to grip their swords as they stare at him. You dare to lay hands on her. Let her go or by the GS. Don't be a fool, so Jaime. The king's orders stand. I've killed one king before for injustice. I will be prepared to do something like that again. Careful, King Slayer. Some might mistake that as a threat. men less patient than I. The younger Baratheon brother suddenly appears from another hall. He's accompanied by the red woman whose smile seems just as dangerous as any sword, but he has plenty of blades as well since well over a hundred men accompany them. Jaime<unk>s blade hovers in the air for a moment, muscles tense. Then he eases his grip and lets his hand move away from his sword. Steel glints as Stannis's men begin disarming Jaime<unk>s guards and those the Lannisters posted around the castle. I'll go, but I won't forget this. Say that you don't. You're to be confined as well until this matter is resolved. The word spreads like wildfire. Nobles gather in hushed circles in the corridors. Servants whisper behind curtains and the small council chambers are alive with tension. Pyel thunders his outrage in the council chambers. This is unprecedented. The queen imprisoned for the word of sorcery and suspicion. Mr. Coleman's work dismissed in favor of witchcraft. You dismissed Coleman when Jon needed him most. You failed him. Melisandre did not. The old maester sinks back into his seat, scowlling. Do not sit there, for you no longer hold that seat. Since you can respect Coleman so much, you will be pleased to know that he's been granted your seat. Pyel can only gape and stutter as two guards escort him away. Meanwhile, Littlefinger leans against the wall with a mild smile, already murmuring falsehoods to sympathetic ears. He assures some that the queen will be vindicated, and to others that John Aaron has uncovered darker truths. Still, he keeps his name far from the poison trails. Unsurprisingly, Tywin Lannister is not pleased. The Lord of Catholicly Rock is furious that his two eldest and their children have been arrested, seemingly without evidence. While he has no involvement in this case, he sends a sharply worded letter to the royal court demanding their immediate release. John Aaron it to be stripped of his position as hand and that his family be compensated for this. Robert reads all of these demands and roars in anger, threatening to march to Castle Rock and burn the old lion from his keep. But John Aaron urges caution. A cornered lion is at its most dangerous and it can still call upon thousands of men to fight for it. To declare war on them would mean having to fight through the Westerlands. In the meantime, the two sides begin furious exchanges of terms, some genuine in their attempt to deescalate and others inflammatory, sent more out of courtesy than true desire for peace. At the very least, it keeps the swords from being drawn and allows both sides to plan their next move. Tywin's first strategy is to search for allies. Rich and respected as he might be, the West cannot stand against the crown. So he instead tries to gather support of other great houses, he rails against the injustice for taking members of the royal family prisoner without a trial, pointing out the flimsy evidence they have of incest. Even their records of the tears of lease provides no ironclad proof that Cersei is responsible. However, the response of the other houses is muted. Many of them distrust the old lion and know he has behaved equally dishonorably in the past. Others see no political gain in allying with Tywin. Not even his offers of generous trade deals and loans can sway any of the other great houses. Unfortunately for him, his greatest card, his grandchildren, are no longer an issue. He cannot marry them off without the king's consent, and their very legitimacy is under question. This forces Tywin to turn to economic pressures, as one tool he still has in his control is half the crown's debt. He begins demanding the crown pay him back at an accelerated rate and refuses to forgive it. Soon, new terms emerge as the crown struggles to make payments, extra fees, new conditions, and threats to seize assets that were created with these loans. Here, even Taiwan's enemies acknowledge he was within his legal rights to make such demands. The small council can do little more than simply try to scramble and make as many payments as possible, focusing their resources on paying off Tywin despite knowing that these payments are likely going to help him fund his war. To make matters worse, the strain this puts on the royal coffers spooks the other debtors of the crown. The Iron Bank, especially as they hold another significant portion of the Crown's debts, seeing as they struggle to make payments, this affects the Crown's credit ranking, and they must now make payments at harsher interest rates. Of course, Tywin offers to renegotiate these terms if Cersei and her family are released and if Robert makes a formal apology. Robert responds with curses and accusations. He calls Tywin a coward, using debts, threats, and other underhanded tactics to try and bend the Iron Throne to his will, all while refusing to even show his face. John Aaron sees potential in these tactics and begins to commission songs and paintings depicting Tywin, as just that, a miserly coward too afraid to risk his neck, even for his own family, and more concerned with collecting debts than protecting his house. Soon, the lords who once spoke Tywin's name with fear are now laughing at him, mocking him for his seeming weakness and inability to even show himself. Robert even goes as far as to say that Tywin doesn't value gold too much if he's unable to even confront the crown himself. But as the crown has to pay more to the Iron Bank, it plays into his hand more than just economically. It is a political win as well as he paints the crown as subservient to foreigners and that all the gold the people must pay in taxes ends up going to provoke pockets. He further emphasizes this point with Melisandre, who now sits in the king's council. Lannister supporters paint this as her slowly gaining influence in court, using her reputation as a witch and saying she is poisoning the minds of the kings in his council. He brings up the defiance of Duskandale and how Lord Darklin was supposedly influenced by the whims of his foreign wife, the Lace Serpent. The defiance is also another reminder of what happens to those who challenge the Lannisters. This back and forth continues for months while negotiations go nowhere. Instead, both sides use it as an opportunity to strengthen their position. But one wild card remains. That is Littlefinger, who secretly approaches Tywin, reaffirming his loyalty to the Lannisters and helping them. While he might not command vast armies or control many great vassels, the Master of Coin has spent years forging business ties with the various houses of the Seven Kingdoms, and he puts them to use. Many houses that have benefited from his generous loans are now called in. They are not asked to support Tywin but remain neutral. Others secretly provide supplies and weapons. Those who would normally join Robert are given second thoughts. The biggest among these being the Tyrells. Littlefinger approaches them and convinces them that if what Robert says is true, then the throne might pass to Stannis instead. He spins tales of how the king is sick with grief and drink. He may not remarry and had only done so with Cersei to appease Tywin Lannister. While this isn't enough to convince Maize to break faith, as Tywin has nothing to offer, it is at least enough to convince him to remain out of the fighting. But his greatest asset is not from one of the large houses. It is from a modest one who has fallen on hard times. House Derry, which had long chafed under Baratheon rule. A rider approaches Sir Raymond Derry's hall under the cover of Twilight, bearing the personal seal of Lord Peter Beish. In the smoky candlelight of the chamber, Sir Raymond frowns over the letter. my bastard cousin to strike at the hand of the king. That's treason. Littlefinger merely shrugs. I believe House Derry's decline can be reversed if you show loyalty in action, not just words. Your fortunes might rise again. I have been quite generous in the loans I have provided you to rebuild your home after Robert's rebellion. I could be inclined to be generous once again and forgive your debts. Forgive my debts. But only after I lose my head. It is why I suggest your bastard cousin do the deed. Many of you bastards is treasonous by nature. You could hardly be faulted for his actions. And besides, are you forgetting who the true king is? Say that again, my lord. Unlike you, I had fought under the dragon banner. Do not speak to me of treason while you gladly serve the usurper. I am well aware of your long service to the Targaryenss. That is why I remind you of this. Though the rebellion bears Robert's name, it was John Aaron who began it by calling his banners. Good sir Jonthor fought alongside the silver prince, Sir Willm, and saved Viseris and Daenerys. But you may be the one who brings down the Baratheonss. There's a long pause before Sir Raymond nods grimly. He signs the parchment and sends for his cousin. Soon enough, the plan is set in motion. A public quarrel leads Sir Raymond to exile his cousin. Host rivers and the man is sent off with only the clothes on his back and a map of places for him to hide. Weeks later, John Aaron travels through the Riverlands with a modest escort bound for the Eerie. After conferring with Edmure Tully, they discuss the possibilities of war and how the Riverlands can prepare for the coming war with Tywin Lannister. The road bends through a narrow ravine. Suddenly, arrows fly. Two guards fall. The bastard cousin of House Derry leaps from the brush with a curved blade and nearly runs Jon through before a shield intercepts the blow. Cvardis Egan barely drives the attacker back, but not before Jon is pierced in the side. The wound is deep. Cervardis roars and slashes at him, but Hosta Rivers is already sliding back and cuts down a third guard. He leaps at top his stolen horse and gallops off, leaving Jon on the ground. Littlefinger quickly takes command of the escort, taking the wounded hand to a small cottage where the man tends to his wounds as best they can. Littlefinger sits beside him, gently dabbing at the wound. He whispers reassuringly, "I warned you, my lord, that these Riverlanders are a restless breed." Soon enough, a rescue party arrives in the form of Lady Liza and the rest of the eerie guards. Lady Liza kneels at her husband's bedside, weeping and stroking his hand. It takes weeks before Jon is fit for travel, and by then, Littlefinger and Lysa have already concocted their plans. He will be kept almost comeomaosse and unable to act, letting Lysa effectively rule the veil through Rob and Aaron. And they decide that it is time to take action. Their lord was almost killed by a riverman, and Littlefinger demands an expeditionary force to be sent out to hunt down the outlaws. This is met with thunderous applause by the Veil Lords, who all shout in approval, believing that they must bring this man to justice. The force is soon sent to hunt them down, numbering almost 5,000 men. As Host Rivers gathers allies from the small folk and the broken men around the Riverlands, many rally to his side, and other outlaws move to join him. He reaches out to other houses loyal to House Targaryen and convinces them to send more troops, swelling his small bandit army to several hundred. However, Littlefinger is careful with his appointment of this army as the men are selected primarily from the houses with close ties to him such as the Corbres, Belmor, and Templetons with the rest of the Veilmen sending smaller contingents. This is met with anger from the riverlords, especially Edmure, who insists that as a riverman, it must be he and his people who capture Hoster. The last thing they want is other great houses meddling in their territory more than they should. Unfortunately, the command of this expedition, Lin Corbre, is hotheaded, youthful, and is only further egged on by Littlefinger, who secretly plots to begin a war in this region. As they search for the outlaws, the Veil Knight behaves badly in the Riverlands, storming villages and placing them under his control, ransacking them in search of these loyalists. Castle Barry itself is soon placed under siege and then captured with Sir Remen being arrested and thrown in his dungeons. Peasants flee. The banners of House Aaron are driven into the Riverland soil. At Riverrun, the mood is grim. Admir Tully slams his hand on the table. This is madness. The Derry's answer to me, not the eerie. This is an invasion. Other riverlords murmur in agreement. House Piper, House Vance, House Frey, all begin quietly mustering troops, ostensibly for defense, but the implication is clear. War is coming. They cannot allow this to continue, and Sir Edmure gathers his forces and prepares to meet them. He has nearly 8,000 troops from houses Frey, Went, Blackwood, Vase, and Piper to meet them. While this army does intend to only intimidate and force the veilment to flee, Lin Corbre was never a man to run from a fight and rushes to engage them. Soon the armies begin to skirmish across the region, throwing this invasion into a battle and leaving both sides bloodied. Sir Corbre musters his forces for another charge and scatters the riverman's flanks, forcing them to retreat. But while it is a victory, it has serious consequences for both regions. The Blackfish resigns his post as the knight of the bloody gate, condemning his niece for bringing war to their homeland. Many level-headed lords in the veil also call for peace. But these fall on deaf ears as younger knights fall out to further reinforce their corbre, who sends singers back with stories of their glory and victory. Tywin receives word that the Riverlands are destabilizing and the Aaron forces have invaded without sanction. He responds with precision. He gathers his own forces, some 12,000 men, and rides to the Riverlands, promising to cleanse it of invading Veilmen. For once, they are cheered as allies, and the Veilmen see it as their chance to at last exact vengeance on Lord Tywin. Rather than backing down, these men gather reinforcements and prepare for battle. The court in King's Landing erupts. Robert, furious over the attack on John Aaron. The burning of Derry, and now Tywin's aggression in the veil, pounds his fist on the Iron Throne. No more games, no more letters. Towin wants war than war he shall have. Stannis, standing beside him, issues the orders to ready the fleet. Jon Aaron, weak but lucid, tries to plead for peace, but his weakened voice is drowned out by the chaos. The throne room empties with the sounds of boots and barked orders. War is declared, but unity proves a stranger. Within the week, banners rise and storms end. Lord Renley sends word that Stormlanders will answer Robert's call with House Tarth, House Selme, and House Karen preparing to march northward. Galley's launch from Cape Wraith and Rainwood, sailing towards the capital to reinforce the royal fleet. In the north, Lord Eddard Stark answers grimly, though he distrusts Malisandre's influence and Robert's firemouthed rage. He honors the realm's call. Ravens fly to Carhold, White Harbor, and Bear Island. The direwolf rides south. Yet their army is smaller than expected. While these two regions gladly pledge their help, the rest of the realm's reaction is muted. Dorne has long isolated itself from the affairs of the rest of the kingdoms, as has the Iron Island, while the Reach has long decided to remain neutral. The Riverlands are already in disarray. Edmure Tully's attempts to restore order fall flat. His armies continue to war with the Veil, though Edmir is willing to pledge his support to the Iron Throne. The Veilmen wish to join the fight with Bronze Royce personally volunteering to lead an expedition and show that their loyalty is to the crown. But these efforts are rejected by Lady Lysa through Robin. This leaves only the army under Lin Corbre, which now rampages across the riverlands and continues its war against the riverlords. He gathers more soldiers and chases after Hosta Rivers, who continues to disappear into the woods. However, his forces are being slowly whittleled down from repeated battles. More importantly, they lack the support of the commoners who blame them for bringing this chaos upon them. Host Rivers soon finds himself being forced to run from village to village, struggling to survive, as he cannot rely on anyone to survive. Every day, the outr rididers strike at his army and wipe out his forces further. His only hope is to hide deeper into the riverlands, trying to lure the veilmen in deeper, who have no choice but to chase after them. This leaves them vulnerable to the riverlords who strike back at their forces while they move in deeper. Soon enough, casualties begin to mount as they question why they can accomplish this goal without losses. Veilmen hesitate. Some recall their men. Others keep them in the field, loyal more to Littlefinger's gold than to the eerie. Others simply defect, wandering off and leaving the war. Tywin watches from afar and does not move at first. He allows the riverlords and veilmen to skirmish, letting them grind each other down. Only once Corbre's force is bloodied and isolated does the Lannister army strike. The roar of Lannister warhorns echoes through the Riverlands as they near Acorn Hall. There, the Lannister army falls upon them. Their vanguard under the command of Sir Gregor hits them with everything they have. It gallops forward, dipping its lances and charging head first into battle. Though the veil should be able to put up a spirited resistance, the truth is that many of the men are exhausted. They have been fighting non-stop and overextending their lines. This leaves them as easy prey to the enemy. Their forces are badly outnumbered and surrounded, leaving the veilmen to scatter. Men once allied with House Corbre break under pressure. Those who survive the route are given two choices: die or kneel. Many choose to kneel. Lynn Corbre, wounded and captured, is brought before Tywin himself. His sword remains unbroken. You wasted your men in service to another man's ambition. Serve me now and you'll find purpose again. Corbre doesn't speak, but he doesn't spit either. That night, his banner is carried into Tywin's host. So are hundreds of Veil survivors, desperate, bitter men who now bolster the Lannister war machine. They are given plain armor so that none will know they belong to the Veil. By the end, over 1500 men are added to the Lannister War Machine. just as Littlefinger promised. Back in King's Landing, the royal war effort is plagued by delays and discord. Varys warns that grain is running low. The coin is running out, ships are overdue. Littlefinger rings his hands, blaming the confusion on the chaos in the Riverlands. Privately, he ensures supply chains are snarled, ledgers falsified, and whispers fed to the right ears. When Lord Grafton of Gtown attempts to send ships to join the crown's fleet, his harbor master misplaces their orders. When gold is needed to feed the troops, it mysteriously fails to appear. All the while, Tywin bleeds the veil, bribes the wavering, and buys silence in the reach. Ned Stark prepares to march, but it takes weeks to mobilize his army and weeks more to march them down. In the small council chamber, maps are unfurled. Stormlanders battle bravely on the borders of the Riverlands as they crush isolated pockets and begin to press deeper. The north is mustering slowly and the Riverlands are a mire of feuds. Robert leans over the table, sweat glistening on his brow. He's bleeding us slowly. Deman, what do we do? These are questions that he would normally ask John Aaron, but the old lord still has one foot in the grave, and now he must turn to less trustworthy advisers. There is one option. Men must bleed for the crown, but they need not be your men. A sword for hire or many. The Golden Company. 10,000 hardened men. Discipline. Cavalry. They are available for the right coin. And we pay for it with what? With songs. With gold owed to House Lannister. Seize their accounts. Fund their doom. Silence. do it and gods help the man who flinches now. But Melisandre watches this exchange and frowns. Her eyes narrow upon the spider like a pest in need of a good heal. She does not act right away and instead remains where she is, watching and waiting. All she knows for certain is that they cannot be trusted. Gray ships slice through the waters of Blackwater Bay. Penants flutter, those of the Royal Fleet, but now also sporting golden skulls on black banners. On the deck stands John Conington, eyes locked on Westeros for the first time in decades. Behind him, knights, crossbowmen, elephants, and siege engines, veterans of 10,000 foreign wars. The Golden Company has come. They were sent here to crush the old line and restore peace to Westeros. In exchange, Robert would give them gold, land, and perhaps consider some pardons. As they reach Maidenpool, which Stannis has captured, the Lannister Outr Rididers attempt to repel them and are swiftly annihilated when instead of finding unprepared troops, they face a wall of gleaming shields as the men form up and advance upon them. At Stonyeps, they encircle and butcher a larger force, the Golden Skulls gleaming in the sun. On King's Landing, news of the Golden Company's early victories brings cheer. At last, some bloody good news. But Melisandre steps forward, eyes a glow. Victory purchased in ignorance is defeat in disguise. You have invited them in, and with them the truth you feared. Speak plainly, witch. Their loyalty is not yours. You think that surprises me. They are sell swords after all. It is more than their fickle nature. Not even the gold of Castle Rock will keep their loyalty. There is something else. What else is there? An oath. Loyalty paid in blood. Not gold. Rollar's flames do not show his face. Not of this time. But it promises one born of fire and blood. Soon enough, their attacks lead them straight to Riverrun, which has been threatened by Tywin Lannister's army. Now their forces prepare to confront him. With their forces just half a day's ride away, the Golden Company built a fortified camp outside the castle while preparing defenses for the upcoming Lannister assault. The first wave of these troops came under Sir Gregor's attack. They gallop forward, numbering some 500 raiders and are meant to probe their forces for any weaknesses. John Conington responses with a wave of long bows that rain down arrows upon them. Horses rear up and kick their legs as they throw off their riders. A few managed to force their way through and begin ripping up the defenses prepared in this camp, pulling out stakes and cleaning pathways for the army to advance. This forces the Golden Company infantry to confront them. Nearly 2,000 foot soldiers advance out and meets a Gregor. The massive knight roars defiantly and sweeps men aside with swings from his greatsword. Dozens fall before him, but more take their place around him. His soldiers begin to fall. Soon his assault is broken, reduced to a fifth of its original size, leaving the Golden Company cavalry to pursue. But that is where Tywin Lannister springs his trap. Lin Corbre and his veilmen come galloping out to reinforce the battered Lannister forces. Although they no longer bear the colors of their houses, it hardly diminishes their marshall prowess, and the battlefield turns into a whirlwind of angry horses and furious clashes. The victorious charge of the Golden Company is brought to a halt. and another force, this time commanded by Sir Armory and Fargo halts, strikes the Golden Company camp before they can fully close the openings made by the mountain. They begin battling in the camp, forcing the army to battle both outside and within their walls. While they should be easy enough to stop given their small numbers, a massive dust cloud is soon kicked up in the distance as the Lannister foot arrives, driving back the Golden Company cavalry and forcing their infantry to divide their attention. John Conington remains in the camp, rallying his men and trying to drive the attackers back. It is slowgoing, but he knows he cannot lose the camp and just prays that the army outside can hold them back. Then he hears the sound of trumpeting and the ground shaking. From their camp, Aegon bursts out a top one of the elephants. He rides alongside the others, waving blackfire around and rallying more men to his side. The sight of these beasts is too much for the Lannister cavalry. They have never encountered such monsters and they scatter before them. This allows the Golden Company to rally and wipe them out one by one. Without cavalry support, their foot soldiers are vulnerable and pushed back. Seeing this, the Golden Company and the Riverlord allies organize a full counterattack that drives the Lannisters back, turning the retreat into a route. In the chaos, Tywin is spotted by one of the Golden Company knights and cut down, leaving his body dead in the shallows of the Red Fork, where his head is taken back to Riverrun. Within the seat of House Tully, there is much celebration. But as the Riverlords enjoy their victory, John Conington steps forward. At his side stands a young man, dark violet eyes glinting in the sun. No longer shall we fight for a broken crown. This is Aegon Targaryen, sixth of his name, son of Rhaegar, true heir to the Iron Throne. The words ripple like wildfire through the riverlords. They all stare up at the young prince and lean closer. And for some, they swear they see some resemblance to Rhaegar. They shiver and look at one another as Jon continues, "Help us retake the Iron Throne in the name of the one true king." House Derry rises again under the Targaryen banner. Blackwoods, already restless, declare for Aegon. The Malisters, Freys, and Wentz all follow, though in truth many don't have much choice. The Golden Company has them surrounded and can place the castle under siege if they wanted. Edmure has no choice but to bow as well, though he finds himself conflicted as he has always felt loyalty towards the Baratheians. Jon goes to work sending messages to the other houses and calling for their help. The first are the remains of the Westerland army under Sir Forly Prester. He offers them a chance at survival if they pledge their swords to Aegon, seeing as they will be condemned as traitors if they surrender to Robert. The Westerman agree. He also sends words to the Reach, promising Aegon's hand to Marjgery if they join him and send the heads of Lord Tywin and Sir Gregor to Dorne. Outside Maiden, Stannis Baratheon's army clashes with the Golden Company in a brutal drawn out battle. They hold their ground at first, but Connington's war wisdom, combined with the reach of the company's archers and elephants, breaks their flanks. In the chaos, Stannis is surrounded. He slays two Golden Company knights before his men cut their way out, forcing them to retreat and leaving them in dire straits. While he manages to retreat in good order, they are driven back almost to the capital. Back in King's Landing, unrest grows. Malisandre warns that darkness still clings to the Red Keep. Riverrun remains active all throughout the month as they call reinforcements from the Riverlands and await word from the other great houses if they will mobilize. But as the Golden Company makes their preparations, they receive an unexpected visitor. Host Rivers and his outlaws, the man responsible for starting this war. Many wish for him to be executed, chief among them, Edmure. But John Conington hesitates and hears out what he shall say first. I had struck out against John Aaron. I did so with the memory of House Targaryen in my heart. The rebels killed my father during their rebellion. Now I beg for the chance to serve the true king once more. Your words are moving. And yet you have also caused untold suffering in this war. For what reason? That is not a question I can answer. But you may ask the man who sent me, Lord Beish. He gave my brother locations for where Lord Aaron would pass and promised to forgive our family's debt. John Conington quietly signals a scribe. The confession spreads like wildfire. In the veil, outraged lords convene in secret. The truth long buried under Peter Bish's gold and flattery finally surfaces. He holds his breath. They march into the eerie and seize it after a short siege. Lysa is stripped of Regency. Littlefinger is seized. As he's led to the eerie's sky cells, a small bird flutters down, tied to its leg, a slip of parchment with a single phrase. It is as you told me long ago, Lord Beish. Chaos is a ladder. Varys. Littlefinger laughs. Once his breath lost to the wind. Melisandre's flames burn bright as she works all throughout the night in the Red Keep. There is now more pressure than ever to begin getting results. Although she has struggled to heal John Aaron, she must do so now. With Littlefinger removed, the veil may very well join the Golden Company unless someone stops him. Finally, she decides to take drastic action. She pays the guards to take blood from Joffrey through leeches, hoping that young blood can help purge the diseases from Aaron. It takes many days and exhausts her, but at last, John Aaron stirs, his body healed by the Lord of Lights fire. He rises and immediately works to send letters to the Veil Lords. They read, "We have lost our way no more." The Veil answers the realm once more. And with that, the Falcon Banner flies again over the gates of the moon. Not for Targaryen, not for Bish, but for the Seven Kingdoms. The Golden Company secure in the Riverlands now expects reinforcements from the Reach. Already the Dornish are challenging Renley in the Stormlands. They are celebrating early victories until riders from the Twins arrive in haste. A northern host has crossed the neck with the royal fleet supporting them. It should not be too difficult to clear a crossing for them. Ned Stark marches with 15,000 swords. Flanked by Howland Reed's Marshmen and Riverruns remaining loyalists. He strikes behind enemy lines, harassing supply chains and driving off outr rididers. Connington is forced to pivot. Aegon rides with him, eager for glory, not knowing the veil, now reborn under John Aaron, is descending from the mountains behind them. The first battles are indecisive as Ned is cautious by nature and refuses to risk his army in a battle that can decide the realm. Instead, waiting as Robert and John Aaron arrive. Caught between Ned Stark's advance from the north and John Aaron's armies from the east. The Golden Company begins to falter. The two work closely to coordinate their strikes. When the Targaryenss strike at one army, the other moves to support them. They make sure to avoid being too far apart in order to support one another. At the Red Fork, they suffer their first major defeat, losing their river crossing, where the Golden Company retreats, and a portion of their forces are cut off and massacred. At Pink Maiden, a cavalry skirmish drives the Golden Company riders back, and the Pipermen are captured. Admir watches all of this as they send urgent words to the Reach to reinforce them. However, he slowly has his rivermen begin sending their men home, sending the smallest contingents back. Further south, the Reach mobilizes to aid Aegon, but finds itself met by Stannis Baratheon, who licks his wounds and gathers a hastily assembled force from his narrow seaouses. Crownlanders and a few Stormlanders. Though it numbers less than 10,000, it still challenges them and forces them to stop and engage him. For every hour their battle goes on, there is another that prevents them from reaching the Golden Company. He scores a series of smaller victories, crushing contingents of men marching to High Garden. At the mander's edge, Stannis crushes a vanguard of Tyrell knights, burning their supply trains and capturing their commanders. You backed a boy born in secret. Now face a man born in fire. The Reach's advance is checked as they must confront Stannis first. Meanwhile, letters arrive in Dorne from Renley, trying to buy time by reminding them that joining Aegon is a pointless endeavor. Tywin and the mountain were avenged back when the Golden Company was employed by Robert. This war will only cost them further. He promises to forgive their attack on the Stormlands and reminds them that Rhaegar abandoned Elia and the mad king used her as a hostage. It is a desperate plea, but one that buys them much needed time as some Dornish lords question whether this is the best course of action. But soon the armies meet at the Trident, close to the same point where Robert and Rhaegar had clashed long ago. Robert Baratheon, reunited with Ned Stark, embraces him at the War Council. It's like the rebellion all over again. And we'll win this together as we did before. They face a broken but still dangerous foe. Aegon V 6th, John Conington, and the Golden Company's remaining strength. Perhaps 20,000 plus another 10,000 who had joined from the Reach. But between Robert's Stormlanders, Ned's Northmen, the restored Veilman, and the Loyal Riverlords, the Crown's force outnumbers them now. The armies clash in a sprawling storm. The Golden Company fights fiercely, their elephants now gone, but they still have experience and their ferocity. As the Northmen advance on them, they meet them with arrows and crossbow bolts, slowing their advance while their infantry hide behind tall shields. When the Northmen press them, they form a massive rectangle where the cavalry emerge each time there is an opening. John Conington personally leads them, leaving them with just enough space to fight. At the opposite end, Veilman and Reachman clash. Though Lord Aaron is too old to fight, he does leave command of his army to Rion Royce, embarrassed in Selme, who personally duel with Randall Tarly as their infantry squares clash and the cavalry roars around them trying to find a gap in order to strike at their flanks. Though old, both men prove their worth as they cut through dozens of younger men and challenge Lord Randall himself, where the Lord of the Reach takes a sword to the shoulder and is finished off with a dagger between his eyes. And Robert fights in the center, sweeping men aside with his Warhammer. Meanwhile, Aegon stands at top his horse, fighting alongside his cavalry and surrounded by loyal rivermen and a few Westermen. Host Derry tries to halt Robert's advance, and their weapons clash. Though older and slower, the king holds his own, knocking the men aside and then swinging his hammer down, throwing the men to the ground. As he advances toward Aegon, the outlaw rushes to face him, his blades swinging back and forth as he reigns blows on his armor. Nothing truly sticks as the wounds he inflicts are minor. But Robert manages to crush his skull with a single blow from his hammer. At last, it is just him and Aegon. The boy king swings wildly, trained in Essos, but unus to Robert's brute power. Still, Blackfire gives him strength, and he moves with speed and power that surpasses his years. This allows him to hold him off for a time at least. The wounds slow Robert enough for Aegon to cut Robert across the thigh and send him falling to his knee. The king stumbles and Aegon raises his sword, but Robert swings his hammer and shatters Aegon's knee. He screams and falls beside Robert as the king raises his weapon and finishes them off with a single swing. With that, the rebellion ends in an instant and their forces are crushed soon after. John Conington tries to rally his men, but without a lord, only the Golden Company heeds his words, and they are slaughtered to a man by the vengeful Westerosi. The Reach are punished for their role by being made to pay serious reparations, including the rebuilding of the Riverlands, as are the Westermen and the Veilmen loyal to Littlefinger. These are harsh, but Robert manages to establish himself as the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms once more. John Aaron dedicates himself to healing these wounds as best he can. He works tirelessly to try and win back these houses for the rest of his days. Afterward, Ned takes over his hand, and they slowly begin to reconcile the realm. That's our theory. 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