What if Littlefinger DIDN’T Betray Ned Stark

What if Littlefinger didn't betray Ned Stark? Let's explore the depths of it in the video. Your son has no claim to the throne. Liar. You condemn yourself with your own mouth, Lord Stark. Sir Barristan seized this traitor. Sarristan is a good man, a loyal man. Do him no harm. You think he stands alone. Kill him. Kill all of them. I command it. Commander, take the queen and her children into custody. Escort them back to the royal apartments and keep them there under guard. Men of the watch. I want no bloodshed. Tell your men to lay down their swords. No one needs to die. The gold cloaks rush forward, rushing past Ned's men and towards the Lannister men at arms, circling the king and queen regent. The guardsmen can only blink in surprise, and many are run through before they can react. The king's guard act a bit better, rushing down the steps with swords in hand. They hack through the gold cloaks, each one killing several of these men. The Hound is equally ferocious, sweeping with his sword in a wide arc. But one person hesitates, Sir Barristan, who keeps his sword drawn, but looks frozen in place. Ned has his guardsman surround him, but none attack. Sir Barristan, you've read the king's words, and you've seen what the Queen Regent intends. You should make your decision now for who you serve before any more men die. He grips his sword tightly, looking at the slaughter around him and spots Sir Mandon escorting Joffrey and Cersei away. He cuts his way through the gold cloaks and hurries towards the side door. Taking a deep breath, Sir Barristan springs after them. He blocks their path. Not a step further, your grace. This ends now. Sir Mandin readies his sword, his eyes oddly flat despite being under his helm. It unnerves even the old knight who is startled when he suddenly roars to life. Sir Barristan parries an overhead swing and sweeps it aside. The Veilman continues to press him, sweeping his sword again and again, aiming to overwhelm the legendary warrior. Yet, while the initial attack takes him off guard, Sir Barristan does not yield and continues to parry each strike, fighting carefully and avoiding underestimating the knight. He beats his strike back and fights carefully, searching for an opening. It soon comes when Sir Mandan overextends his strike. Sir Barristan takes this chance and shows his sword arm up, pushing it aside. He then drives his blade through his armpit. The Veilman gasps and clutches his arm, sword clattering to the ground. Sir Barristan Seli does not give him a chance to recover and drives his sword through his visor. Joffrey screams, but Sir Barristan quickly seizes hold of him and the queen. That's enough. Stop this slaughter immediately. Despite his age, his voice carries across the room and ends the fighting in an instant. Though he doesn't hold his sword against them, the determination is clear in his eyes and is enough to make the fighters hesitate. Soon, the Hound, Sir Marin, Sir Preston, and all remaining Lannister soldiers drop their weapons, letting the gold cloaks lead them away. From the end of the hall, Ned gives a quick nod of approval. Sir Barristan dips his head and personally escorts the queen and her son to their tower cell. Meanwhile, Littlefinger smiles and approaches Ned Stark. It seems your plan was a success, Lord Stark. Commander Janos knows that the boy might sit the Iron Throne, but it is I who provides his pay. Speaking of which, I think it's important that we discuss my payment. Yes, of course. Nothing in this place is ever free, is it, Lord Beish? Very well. What is the damage? You're starting to learn, Lord Stark. Well, I think one thing is clear, and that is this place is no longer safe for your family. If you wish to remain, it is best to send them away, but perhaps not to the same place. It seems like your daughter has become quite fond of the South. Bringing her to Winterfell now might seem like a punishment to her. I suggest sending her to the Eerie. The Eerie? Indeed. She can still experience the courtly life she has come to enjoy. There are singers and turnies of plenty there. And they are no friends of the Lannisters. Instead, she will be watched by her aunt and grand uncle. I see. And so is your seat, if I remember correctly. And why is it that you want to there little finger? It seems I have taught you too well, Lord Stark. Yes, I would like to propose a marriage pact between Sansa Stark and Robert Aaron. Sansza is not a prize to be barted off. I'm helping you. She was promised to a king, the same one you just deposed. Giving her a highborn like Lord Aaron might remove some of the sting, especially since he is gentle and kind. And yes, I confess that organizing such a marriage will help my standing in the veil. But it is also an investment. Tywin Lannister will not accept this cool line down. And if it comes to war, you shall have the veil by your side. Dead pauses. It's already too late to consider ifs. War has already come and the Riverlands are burning. The veil could prove critical in securing the throne. Very well. I will send her there with her scepter and some guards. But make no mistake, I will want to get her opinion of this marriage before I agree to any pact. And that night, the wind witch sets off, taking Arya, Sansa, and most of the household with them. Ned remains with a handful of guards to secure the throne. He sends word to Stannis, who sails from Dragonstoneone with an army of 3,000 men. In the meantime, Ned does what he can to secure the capital. He has the gold cloaks swear to serve Stannis and orders Rob to bring troops down from the north while commanders are sent for Tywin to appear before the capital and answer for his actions. Once Stannis arrives, he sees Ned and offers a short thanks for his support. But then he comes with further revelations. Joffrey is not the trueorn heir and that he is a bastard born of incest. The whole court is stunned by this news, many not even believing it at first until Stannis begins to provide evidence. He points to genealogies and parades Robert's bastards through the city, showing what a true Baratheon child looks like. The difference is stark, and many are persuaded, but others remain unconvinced. Still, there is enough doubt for people to question and for Tywin to tread lightly. Unfortunately, with his daughter and grandchildren as hostages, continuing this war would be unwise, and instead he begins to march towards King's Landing with his entire army. Meanwhile, Jaime is to return to the Westerlands immediately. By the time he arrives, Stannis is waiting for him, and news arrives of the Northmen crossing the neck. They are joined by the battered riverlords, who grow their numbers further. They can relieve King's Landing if Tywin tries to besiege it. So, this forces the old lion to negotiate. Accompanied by his most trusted bannerman, he enters the Red Keep where Stannis is waiting for them. Lord Tywin, you have much to answer for for these past few weeks. Then I shall endeavor to answer your questions to the best of my abilities. This is no laughing matter, my lord. You could be executed for your actions invading the Riverlands. If that is what you think, then I request that Lady Catelyn also join me on the Henman's block. I did not choose to invade the Riverlands for my amusement. I did so as she kidnapped my son. Your son was suspected of conspiring to have my son murdered. That does not give you leave to terrorize the good riverlords and brutalize the small folk. Ah, so this is the stock justice I've heard of. To sculpt about and ambush him in an inn as he prepares to dine on supper. If she may carry forth her justice, why cannot I do the same? She did not act alone. Reports say she was aided by men at arms and knights from houses bracken and went. How did I know that they were not part of this conspiracy? You are making assumptions, Lord Tarwin. As Lady Catelyn did of my son, and in the end, what did these accusations amount to? My son was found innocent in the eyes of the gods. Am I simply to forgive this attack on my house? If it comes to making amends, then I shall gladly provide money to help the riverlords rebuild their homes. A few gold dragons will not rebuild the lives lost in your invasion. There is blood on your hands. That is not even mentioning your son's attack on me in these very streets. What of your daughter's attempts to take control of the city against Robert's orders? Am I now paying for the crimes of my family? Those were my son's actions. And as for my daughter and grandson, if you are truly incensed by their actions, I will gladly order Sir Illen to take the boy's head now. The court gasps as Tywin says that, but he folds his arms. Ned and Stannis lean closer and stare at him in shock, trying to search for some treason there. But Tywin simply smiles. Isn't that the duty of a vassel to their king? To serve them loyally, even above blood ties. Let me pay for that blood on my hands with blood. Dear, if we are now talking about payments in blood and treason, then you must heat off the trouble brewing south. It appears Lord Renley has proclaimed himself king of the seven kingdoms. Renley, who would crown him as king? It appears the Reach and Stormlands as they are assembling swords in the marchers. It will take time to mobilize a force like that. In the meantime, we must deal with Lord Tywin first. Indeed, there is still blood to be paid. Then, let me pay it on the battlefield. You have not been able to mobilize all of the North. Combine your army with what's left of the Riverlands and the Veil, and you will not have enough men to face the strength of the South. My men can swing the balance in your favor. You are not the only Lannister. If I may, your grace, Lord Tywin has ruled the Westerlands for the better part of 30 years. Losing him could plunge the Westerlands into chaos or worse. Stannis looks at the map before him, seeing the strength of High Garden in Storm's End at his brother's side. more than 100,000 swords. It would take an immense force to halt it. Taking a deep breath, he looks at Tywin and announces his conditions. Cersei and Joffrey will die, and Jaime will be sent to the wall. Meanwhile, Tyrion shall be made Lord of Castle Rock once this war is over. If he fights well, Tywin will be allowed to live, but never rule once again. These terms are harsh, and Tywin grits his teeth upon hearing them. He is sorely tempted to refuse, but knows that Stannis holds all the cards. Reluctantly, he agrees. As Renley Baratheon rallies the banners of the Reach and Stormlands, Lord Tywin Lannister strikes first, leading 30,000 Westermen into the Reach in a bold attempt to divide and conquer. While Renley's army intends to march through the Stormlands and strike at King's Landing, this leaves Mace Tyrell to guard the Reach with 10,000 men. The Reach lords are caught off guard, expecting a siege from Stannis Hernet. They are unprepared for an attack from the west. Sir Garland Tyrell, commanding the vanguard, rushes to meet them, while Mace tries to rally more troops to stiffen their army. Garland tries to stop them at Golden Grove, where Sir Adam Marbren clashes with his force. The fighting is brutal. All around the experienced knights, lances splinter, and horses cry out as they are cut down. It is brutal as the Tyrells try to halt their advance on the mander. But as Garland exhausts himself, Sir Greor and his reserves come crashing forward, throwing the regment back. They are forced into a brutal retreat after his drawn out skirmish. With the reach exposed, Sir Gregor unleashes his wrath upon them. The region begins to burn for him. Sir Armory and the brave companions. A few lords who surrender are spared, but those loyal to Renley are punished. Mace can only lock himself into his castle as he tries to gather reinforcements and writes to Renley, urging him to turn back with his main force. The king doubts Tywin has enough men to truly threaten the whole reach and initially just wants Mace to rebuild his army, but he can sense the growing worry among his bannermanmen and detaches a force just as he crosses the Britidge. Randall Tarly rides back with 20,000 men to reinforce Mace. He begins hunting down the raiders, destroying them bit by bit. Yet, it does little to stop the fields already burnt. His brutal efficiency creates resentment among the Tyrells who begin to question the wisdom of backing Renley. From the neck, Rob Stark and his bannerman unite with the remnants of Tully forces. Bolstered by Blackfish Brendan and Lord Jason Malister. Together they march southwest to join Stannis as he prepares to march out into the Veil. John Rece leads 10,000 men down the King's Road at Littlefinger's urging their target, Harrenhal, and then advance south to rejoin Tywin's army. Though they are much farther than the Riverlords, they have not qualled with the Westermen, and they will cooperate. Meanwhile, the remnants of the Rivermen and Northmen join Stannis in the Crownlands to help fortify King's Landing. Rob Stark remains in the capital, organizing the city's defense and command. He trusts Stannis to take the field, and soon the rightful king sails with his fleet to Storm's End. He moves alongside Ned Stark, whose forces move over land. The Stormlanders hurry to confront Ned in a series of battles along the border as Ned advances slowly but surely to strike at the Stormlands. Fighting swings back and forth, but with nearly 30,000 men, it forces Renley to commit considerable resources to keep him in check. So much that it drains his forces of their garrison. And just as these reinforcements rush forward, aiming to crush Ned Stark's army, Stannis's fleet appears off the horizon. Stannis lays siege with naval support from Davos Seaworth and land force of 5,000 Dragonstone men. Seeing themselves entrenched, Rob gathers some additional veilmen who were stationed in the capital and reinforces Ned and along with Davos and Siradri faring begins striking at their supply lines. Inside storm's end, the garrison refuses to surrender despite the growing defection of minor lords to Stannis. As supplies dwindle, Loris Tyrell pleads for reinforcements, but the reach is under siege by Tywin and High Garden cannot spare men. Stannis offers terms, surrender, and a pardon for Renley, but his brother refuses, trusting in the arrival of the Tyrell Runley coalition to turn the tide. As Lord Randall Tarly leads nearly 20,000 back to the Reach, seeking to link with the Reach Lords, Tywin threatens. Near the Mandanda River, Randall's host slams into Tywins, hoping to catch them overextended. Tywin, who anticipated this, chooses to stand and fight rather than retreat. During that time, he has fortified the river crossing and beaten back the lord of Horn Hill several times. In a brutal all-day battle, Tywin holds the line, but is pushed back by sheer numbers. And just as Randle Tarly advances, he calls in the reserves. Yan Royce and his knights appear on the horizon. The Reachmen weren't expecting these forces and were quickly thrown back. Although Randall Tarly stands in the center of the fighting, he faces off against Sir Gregor and Yan Royce, who both cut him down. Seeing their commander fall, the Reachmen are driven back across the Mander and the Westermen follow in hot pursuit, riding down river to High Garden, where they begin advancing towards them. Sir Armory and the brave companions systematically hunt down the remaining Tyrell forces or chase them off as Tywin lays siege to High Garden itself. Although Mace tries to organize the defenses, he is a poor commander and struggles to maintain order. As the siege weapons and assault forces pour into the castle, he is hardpressed to defend them. Garlin takes over and restores order, but even he struggles as the mountain is sent out when trying to rally the garrison. The huge knight rushes at the young warrior and cuts him down. The rest of the garrison loses heart and the army starts to shatter. Reachmen desert Renley's army to defend their homes upon hearing of the fall of High Garden. They watch as he is unable to protect their homes. And now his main power base is on the verge of falling. His army begins to bleed away. Renley breaks off from his fighting with Ned and Stark and hurries back to Storm's End to reinforce them and break the siege. If he strikes down Stannis, then he might be able to regain momentum. Meanwhile, in Storm's End, Loris Tyrell continues to hold back against the relentless attack. Day and night, Stannis attacks him, slowly erecting siege weapons and launching assaults on the castle walls to no avail. but it does at least prevent him from doing anything else from defending. He is informed that Renley is only a week's ride away. Soon after, he begins to see the crowd stag in the distance as Renley's banner appears. Seeing this, Stannis retreats to the nearby hills with Renley in hot pursuit. However, their attack comes to a halt as these hills have been fortified. This allows Stannis to take up defensive positions and hold them back just as ships carrying Rob Stark's reinforcements appear and strike at their flanks. The fighting swings back and forth as Renley still outnumbers Stannis more than 2 to1. And now it is the older Baratheon who is under siege. But while they are fighting, Yan Royce and his men ride hard from the reach as well, taking their swiftest riders. And Ned Stark is close behind Renley's host. After days of hard fighting, their reinforcements begin to trickle in, surrounding Renley's army. Caught in a three-pronged attack, his forces crumble. Loris charges the Northern Lines in a last act of desperation and is cut down. Renley manages to retreat to Storm's End, but Stannis reveals his final surprise. A shadow assassin who murders the guards of a gate house and begins to open it for them, letting Ned Stark lead an assault. With Renley's capture in the reach in chaos, the Stormlands bend the knee to Stannis. The Tyrell surrender, but their defeat is too great, and overlordship of the Reach is granted to House Florent. Tywin returns to Castle Rock, stripped of his titles as agreed before going off to the free cities in exile. Tyrion is named Lord of Castle Rock, fulfilling his part of the deal. Storm's Endne surrenders and Stannis returns triumphant to King's Landing. Meanwhile, Ned and his Northmen return home, happy to leave this city behind them and allow Stannis to rule in peace. But as one group leaves, another faction gains influence within Stannis's court, the Queen's Men. They see the victory as due to Melisandre's shadow assassin, who opened the gates to Storm's End. With their success, these people begin to push for more conversions and to build a great temple to honor Rolar for their success. Stannis obliges and begins its construction. But as the first stones are placed, it starts with an offering. Renley, Cersei, and Joffrey are all executed, but not in the way people are expected. Instead of simply beheading them, they are tied to stakes and burned alive as per Melisandre's instructions as an offering to the Lord of Light. People like Littlefinger and Various watch from the shadows, seeing this as an opportunity. In the meantime, Lord Beish visits another one of his investments, Sansa Stark. When news reaches the girl of what happened to Joffrey, she is horrified, and Littlefinger begins to use it to turn her against Ned. After learning about this coup, Sansa was furious at her father, seeing it as him ruining her chance to marry Joffrey. She refuses to believe that he was born of incest, saying it must be slander from Stannis, whom she sees as a pretender on the throne. When Ned marches from King's Landing, he offers to pick up Sansa and take her home, but she refuses and says she will marry Robert Aaron. Although she was disgusted at the sickly and weak child, Littlefinger made her see the potential in him. Yes, I understand that Robert is not a looker, certainly less than Joffrey, but you must see the big picture right now. Now, it might seem like this marriage is a prison, but there is a great potential in it. How so? One does not marry Lord Robert for his strength, much less his personality. They marry him for his name. The errands are proud and ancient, and you've seen how their knights fought in this war. If nothing else, this war has been a blessing for singers throughout the realm that will have tales to spin into songs. Anyone who carries that Aaron name will have their swords at their back. So if I marry Lord Robert, I will become Aaron, and so will my children. And you will not need to see your foolish father again. Besides, Lord Aaron will not be long in this world. You may get your chance to marry your gallant prince after he is gone. What gallant prince? All that remains is Stannis and his daughter. And who is to say what the future holds? We've had three kings in a single year. We might have a different one next year. Littlefinger's words prove to be prophetic as within the capital, Stannis soon finds himself facing issues. While at first he rules well and focuses on rebuilding. Here the king can win over the small folk thanks to his stern but fair governance. Stannis pours resources into rebuilding lands devastated by war and limits the abuse of lordlings. Those caught extorting small folk are punished regardless of rank. These men are imprisoned or even executed while new practitioners are granted to the people. At first, it seems like this might win over the small folk and get them to support him. But others are turned off by his religious rhetoric. Though Stannis himself is not a die-hard supporter of the Lord of Light, many of his allies are, and they make their presence known. Instances of them defiling Septs, punishing those who speak out against the Lord of Light, and even conducting burnings become disturbingly common. To make matters worse, Melisandre doesn't seem interested in curbing it, as she gives her tacid approval to these actions. To many, the sight of burnings and destroyed septs slowly chips away at the people's goodwill towards Stannis. Though the king issues proclamations condemning such actions and demanding that the religions get along, even punishing the queen's men responsible, it isn't enough. Many still watch as a temple of the Lord of Light. The being that supposedly sanctions all of these attacks begins to rise. This serves as a constant reminder to those small folk of Stannis's beliefs, a foreign god that allows for monstrous practices. Not helping are his enemies taking advantage of the chaos to turn people against him. The Tyrells are quick to use this as ammunition. Though significantly weakened after throwing their lot in with Renley, they're still a powerful and wealthy house with much influence. House Florent remains unable to fully secure their power base, especially as they eagerly begin worshiping the Lord of Light, preventing the small folk from fully accepting them. But they are not the only ones. Littlefinger sees Stannis's rise as an opportunity to cause chaos. And Varys seeks to undermine the realm. Both begin to spread rumors, exaggerating the already violent acts of the queen's men. They make it seem as though Stannis is protecting them, only punishing low-ranked members while letting the rest of them go free. To lordlings, they point out how Stannis's practices are chipping away at their privileges and making it harder to enforce their rule. Since the king doesn't merely want to rule, he wishes to exercise greater control of the realm and centralize its authority under the king. They point out the similarities to these burnings as to the ones done by King Aries. Others name him a kinslayer for allowing these things to be done to his brother. Even among the faithful, traveling septums and holy men begin to condemn these acts as well, preaching against Stannis in the small villages. It is not obvious at first, but it acts like a rot, slowly eating away at his support. Although Stannis does try to solidify his rule, it is difficult, and he finds challenges everywhere he goes. Melisandre manages to whisper to his ear, identifying people whom she suspects of disloyalty, though Stannis cannot do much without proof, except for watching them closely. She does send Queen's men to some of these traveling septums and eliminates them discreetly. But this is a long process that requires constant effort. As for everyone she kills, another takes his place. His only saving grace is that no one is truly capable of challenging him. They lack the claim and the backing, but that is what Various means to correct. As he starts gathering allies for his planned invasion, among them are the Tyrells, who are eager to regain their former glory, but also Lord Tywin and Littlefinger in the Veil. The moonlight slips across the high halls of the Eerie. Snow dusts the balconies as Varys, cloaked and quiet, is led by Lothar Brun through the halls. He finds Littlefinger in the solar, sipping wine and gazing out at the moonlit mountains. A fine place for a man to brood over his victories or to count his losses. The game has won, but the board shifted indeed and shifted in ways you did not expect. Pieces have come and gone, and it seems like the winner has been determined. But in his efforts to win the bishop and his knights, he has sacrificed all his pawns. Speak plainly, Spider. The boy is dying. The maesters say it's his chest. It tightens like a fist and does not release. He wheezes like his father. He will not last a year. A terrible thing to see the boy follow so soon after his mother passed. And when he passes, the veil will be leaderless. Not leaderless. Sansa Stark is his wife. She has influence and charm. Many lords adore her. But she is a woman, neither Aaron by birth nor carrying young Robert's child. When her husband dies, she will need something to help secure her rule. You sound like a merchant. I assume this is something you can provide. I can the young gallant prince Sansa always wanted your gallant knight. Tell me, what is it that I get from helping you? You get to fulfill a young girl's dream. But I suppose you must consider this. You should be the only one who makes such an arrangement. Lady Sansa would be quite grateful. Whatever else happens next, she will be firmly wrapped around your finger, and your candidate will allow her to rule the eerie with your guidance, of course. Littlefinger stares out the moonlight window, silently, counting the pieces. He smiles faintly. Across the narrow sea, the halls of Lease are alive with music, revalry echoing through the silk draped pavilions of the Golden Company. Soldiers drink and toast to their recent victory. Aegon, clad in golden male, cheeks flushed with triumph, watches his men celebrate. Where the men who will be his as they celebrate. But as one song ends, another begins. A somber tone, one quiet and strong, a song of misery and a warning. The reigns of Castmir. It echoes from the harp in the corner, and instantly the music and laughter die down. Some men drunkenly ask for them to change songs, but these requests go unanswered as the doors fly open and a figure walks inside. Tywin Lannister, slow, regal, commanding. Aegon rises, frowning. His commanders shift uncomfortably. John Conington grips his sword and other guards approach, but make no move to stop him. Tywin removes his gloves and meets the prince's gaze. Your grace, I have ridden far to speak. May I have a word in private? Silence. Aegon looks at John Conington, then nods curtly. A goblet is filled and placed before the old lion who remains standing. He takes it, and the two go off to a private room, accompanied by homeless Harry and John Conington. You've won battles, won songs, but you have not yet won Westeros. So long as you remain here, it shall remain that way. But sail now, and I will give you my support. What help is that? You do not rule Castle Rock any longer. I hear it is your son who runs your minds. Tyrion rules my house. It is true. However, he lacks the strength to instill fear or the charisma to win respect and love. He rules only in name. If I were to return, my Benaman rally to my side. But I cannot come back empty-handed. And if you help me, I shall ensure the Westerlands follow your lead. And why would we want your help? It was your family who slew Aries and Rhaegar's family. You act as if slaying the mad king was some crime against the gods. You were old enough to remember him. The things that lunatic had done. If my son hadn't slayed him, then they would have had labeled him a craven for standing back as the mad king burned the realm to the ground. And what of my mother and sister? I admit your mother's death was regrettable, something I would have preferred to avoid. But you and your sisters were threats to the Iron Throne. But times have changed, and now it appears we are on the same side. I wish to return home just like everyone here. Why should I be denied my chance when the rapers, murderers, and traitors all here are welcome? None of them committed treason. The others are traitors, but at least they wear it openly. You waited until the battle was done before slinking out of Cataly Rock. What makes you any different than the late Walder Frey? Did I have a choice in the matter? If I did march out with all my strength and pledge them to the mad king, he would have rebuffed me and ignored all my advice as he had done for years before. That was when the madness had set in. When he listened to the shadows and pyromancers over his hand. And why should I have supported Rhaegar, who was just as mad as his father? Do not use Rhaegar's name like that. What would you call it then? Kidnapping a girl, allowing his father to burn her family, hiding in a tower as a war raged from what? Why? Because he dreamed of prophecy. They didn't lose because I betrayed them. They failed because they had lost sight of reality long ago. You speak of this war as if you fought in it and not just murdered innocent people when the outcome was decided. I speak with certainty from watching you, my friend. I heard of what people spoke after the Battle of the Bells. Honorable Hand Conington was too good to order the burning of the town. Instead, he searched the place house by house. You could have ended the war in a stroke if you had acted like me. But at least you have your honor, I suppose. Tell me, how does that honor taste now? Jon's fingers tighten and he grabs his sword. Tywin does nothing but meet his gaze, daring him to disagree and provide him with anything that contradicts his claim. But slowly his fingers slip away from his weapon and he grits his teeth. So what is it that you want? And don't ask for a marriage. We're not putting another Lannister on the throne. Very well. I suppose that a place on your small council will suffice. And my son was removed as heir. In his place, my eldest shall be made ruler. He shall be allowed to leave the Night's Watch. Both Aegon and Jon share a look, then glance towards the Lord. Homeless Harry is already on board, but the two have some doubts. Though he offers their aid, neither one can truly ever trust him. They certainly wouldn't have wanted him ruling Castly Rock again, but that is an issue for another time. For now, they must consider taking the Seven Kingdoms. In that regard, they agree to his terms, providing that Jaime be made lord directly and Tywin never rules Castly Rock again. With Tywin by their side, preparations are made to begin the war. They plan to set sail for the Veil of Aaron as Varys sends word that Littlefinger has agreed to their proposal and will give them free passage. He is already working on convincing the Veil Lords to turn against Stannis. The ships of the Golden Company crest the narrow sea and land not in Dorne or the Stormlands, but in the Veil. Aegon the sixth Targaryen, now grown and regal in black and gold, disembarks at Gaul Town under the banners of the three-headed dragon. Instead of resistance, he is met with honor guards. Lords from all across the veil gathered to meet him, some with open arms and a few more reluctantly. Over the past few weeks, Littlefinger has worked his magic and secured the veil. First was Sansa's marriage to Robert Aaron, and this was followed by his tragic passing just days later. Being as sickly as he was, no one questioned it. But this left Sansa, the lady of House Aaron, and Littlefinger as her adviser. Slowly, he begins to turn them against Stannis. While many initially cry treason, Littlefinger simply points out the uncomfortable truths about his rule. Stannis is little loved, and though they might have declared for him once, that was before he started burning people. That was before their men desecrated their septs. That was before his followers built their temple. But Aegon, Aegon offers restoration, dignity, a marriage. Aegon kneels before Sansa and within a week their marriage goes public and the Veilmen realize that their child will be an Aaron and could very well be the future king. None of the lords can oppose this, but they can oppose burning men alive. They did just that years ago under the Mad King's rule. The Veilmen march swiftly with the Golden Company in tow. Their banners sweep through the bloody gates and descend upon the Riverlands from the east. But Brendan Tully is ready. From Riverrun, he commands a loose network of holdfasts and bridges along the Red Fork. He floods fields, burns grain, and slows the invaders. He's served alongside these veil lords for many years and knows how they fight. Though their knights are deadly, he will not give them a chance to unleash their cavalry superiority. His men begin launching hitand-run attacks on the Veilmen and Golden Company, raiding and hitting them with fastmoving columns or battling them in broken terrain. The Blackfish uses every inch of land as a weapon, forcing the Veilmen into bottlenecks and skirmishes rather than open battles. Their advance slows, and even the most experienced cell swords and knights struggle to deal with this threat as he continues to retreat deeper into the Riverlands. However, there are only so many places he can hide in. So, Brendan Tully knows that he cannot hold without reinforcements. From the Iron Throne, King Stannis grinds his teeth as ravens deliver the news. They've landed where we least expected. The veil is lost to grace. Then we must win it back. He begins summoning the storm lords reach houses loyal to the Florence and the north. He is about to say the same to Tyrion Lannister, but someone else speaks first. As the bulk of the fleet sets course for the Veil, a smaller force sails west to the Westerlands. Many lords of the West refuse to answer Tyrion summons, dismissing him as a dwarf, fool, and whorunger. But when word of Tywin's return spreads, many of these houses quickly pledge allegiance to him, and those who refuse are swiftly crushed and forced back into line. Tyrion manages to escape along a few loyal followers, pursued by 25,000 Lannister soldiers who Tywin leads into the undefended Riverlands, striking Brendan's rear. The Blackfish, still fending off the Veil and Golden Company, finds himself surrounded. Admir was busy organizing the defenses in Riverrun when they received Tyrion's report about the trouble in the west. Unfortunately, there is no time to redirect their defenses to face them and their army is beaten back and the castle falls under siege. As news of chaos spreads, Mace Tyrell makes his move and raises his banners in rebellion. The Florence remain unpopular leech lords while their house remains well connected. Houses High Tower, Red Wine, and Fossaway flock to him. Tired of Florence arrogance and Stannis's fire worshipping queen. The South becomes a second front. Florent loyalists are butchered as they struggle to put down a dozen rebellions. Stannis writes to Ned, urging him to join forces with the riverlords and reinforce them while he moves south with his army. As the Lannisters advance in the west, Tywin makes good his promise of showing his brutality. With his army significantly weaker than before and still not yet fully battle ready, he must reestablish his dominance over them through fear. Through the march, Tywin unleashes the dogs still loyal to him. The likes of Sir Gregor and Sir Armory ride on ahead with torches in hand, burning the grounds in front of them. This scatters the Riverlord army and puts them in a precarious position. Seeing his support bleeding away, the situation grows bleaker for Edmure and Brendan. Victory through military means soon becomes less and less possible, but the Blackfish still has one trick up his sleeve. He served with these lords and knows not just how they fight, but how they act. Many are proud and honorable, seeing war as chivalous. While they aren't naive, they aren't needlessly cruel, and he tries to sew division into their ranks. The only exception to this is John Conington, who recalls his experience in the Battle of the Bells, and and tacitly approves of it after seeing how some lords lose heart and retreat back to their lands or surrender. Just as many of the small folk are rising up in support of Aegon for their religion, some remain staunchly loyal to Stannis. The Brotherhood Without Banners continues to serve Stannis. Although called outlaws by some, they see that the king is just and wishes only for what's best for the realm. Because of that, they were among the most fanatic foes of Aegon V 6th, raiding his supply lines and operating well within the Veil of Aaron. Attempts to stage a rebellion there fail, but they continue a surprisingly successful guerilla war, much more so than the riverlords, who must worry about protecting their homes as well. Instead, the Blackfish begins putting them to work sewing tales of discontent within the Veil camp to make them lose heart. Though they serve Aegon, they are not entirely comfortable fighting alongside Tywin Lannister. By spreading tales of cruelty and barbarism, they are reminded of his actions during Robert's succession and Robert's rebellion. Their brotherhood appears in different forms, disguised as small folk fleeing the war, as singers, or infiltrating their ranks as man-at-arms. They all bring tales of destruction brought by House Lannister. Though none of them say it, they begin to lose heart. Many pride themselves on their chivalry and honor. They began this war to fight an evil king and bring the true king to the throne. And yet, as they fight alongside Tywin Lannister, some begin to question that mission. Meanwhile, in the south, Stannis finally marches out and strikes at the reach. Although Mace Tyrell wants some local success against the Florence, Stannis is another beast entirely. His army consists of hardened knights who do not run from a fight. The belleaguered loyalists rally to their side and soon the rebellions are pushed back one by one while Mace is forced to withdraw and halt any plans to join up with Aegon in the Riverlands as he flees south. The halls of the eerie are quiet. War has not yet reached this place, and so the halls bustle with activity. But beneath the calm, whispers spread like wildfire. Sansa Stark sits high in the lord's hall in a gown of Aaron blue and Targaryen red. She listens to the small folk requesting her to end the war. They claim they are refugees braving the wilderness to escape the fighting. They recount the tales of conquest, how the blackfish retreats, how Tywin punishes resistance, how the realm will be restored. Among these refugees is Tom of Seven Streams, who snuck in with them. My husband will never allow such things to happen. Surely if you bring these tales to him, he will punish those responsible. Begging your pardon, my lady. But Tywin Lannister ain't no stranger to fire. His reputation for that goes back years. He and those monsters of his. And I will be sure to inform my husband about it. In the meantime, the eerie's hospitality is yours. He may know your grace. Some of those fires were started by his sail swords. He looks like he has more to say, but Littlefinger has them ushered out, providing them with food and shelter in the meantime. Once they're alone, he reaches out and squeezes Sansa's shoulder. Peace begins with strength, and strength must sometimes be taken. And if strength drives away loyalty, then we must remind them of why they swore it in the first place. Appear before them. Let them see the Aaron in you, the lady of the veil. into the war. I can find a place already secure. There the veil lords can treat with you and share their concerns. And there you can put them to rest with that smile of yours. Sansa nods quietly uncertain. But from the shadows, Tom hears all of this and relays the information back to Riverrun. Tyrion's face lights up when he hears this. While in the veil, Sansa is untouchable. But once she leaves the bloody gate, there are opportunities. He sends orders for the Brotherhood to meet up with some allies. Sansa's caravan departs for the foothills of the mountains of the moon. With her rides several veil knights, her guards and a few Golden Company officers acting as escorts. As they wind down the mountain pass, the landscape darkens. Once green hills are charred black, a village lies empty, its houses half burned, its wells dry, crows circle above. Was this the work of Stenis? The traitors burn their own homes. to deny us shelter. But Sansa notices the torn banners not of Stannis, but of a Riverland house. Blackwood Frey. Nay, it was Derry. Suddenly, an arrow thuds in the road ahead. Then another. Screams follow as shadowy shapes emerge from behind boulders and trees. Brotherhood without banners. Among them, mountain clansmen, fierce and ragged, but grinning as they wave around steel weapons. Good steel. Much better than something they can simply capture on raids. Knights rush out to meet them, but in this uneven terrain, the outlaws have the advantage. Arrows fly and strike at their horses, knocking men over and leaving them vulnerable to the clansmen. The caravan is overrun within a few minutes as Sansa hides behind her litter. But a moment later, the curtain is pulled back and a figure stands before her. Harwin, older, leaner, with a beard and armor stripped of sigils, but unmistakable. My lady, it's been too long. Harwin, you you're alive. Alive and still yours. What is this? Are you here to take me prisoner? No, I'm here to show you what your prince want. He escorts her out of the litter and places her at top his horse. The clansmen are allowed to take whatever is left from her escort, whether it be steel, gold, or armor, while the Brotherhood detach themselves and ride back to the eastern road. After a few days of hard riding, Harwin and the Brotherhood led Sansa through the Riverlands. Now they are disguised as a group of traveling merchants, including Sansa, whose face is hidden by a veil. But it doesn't hide the destruction that has befallen the region. They ride through the villages burned by the Golden Company. Their banners still flying over smoldering homes. They pass pits of dead small folk, slain not for rebellion, but because they refused to yield livestock. Some of them even bear signs saying that they aided the river folk or refused to bend the knee. As Sansa sees this, her horror only grows as she sees the full scale of destruction in this war. She had heard disturbing reports from the small folk and some of the lords, but it was nothing to actually see it herself. As she sees the burnout ruins and corpses left where they fell, she shakes her head. This is not the king I thought I served. Aegon is kind and gentle. He is chivalous and brave and a fantasy. My lady, princes like that only exist in stories. Here in real life, things are a lot dirtier. You served the same house that burned your uncles during the secession war. Now they wear dragon wings, but the fire is the same. What would your father say? He was a traitor and a usurper. He killed Joffrey and put King Stannis on the throne. He burns people, too. I I remember that well. Can't say I like the queen's burnt flesh over these people, but Stannis took action when he heard of it. And he didn't torch entire villages. Men like Lord Tywin make kings and unmake kingdoms. Now you got to ask yourself if that's something you want to be a part of. But as she considers her answer, smoke heads over the Red Fork. The Golden Company bolstered by the Westerland troops encircle riverrun. Their siege towers looming over the walls like giants carved from gold and iron. Edmure and Tyrion both remain trapped there with Brendan Tully raiding their rear lines, trying to break the siege with little luck, no matter how many raiding parties they ambush and how many outr rididers and foraging groups end up dead. Tywin and John Conington remain stubbornly committed to the siege. He tries to send word to the other riverlords for reinforcements, but they are reluctant to commit their forces after just recovering their lands. They worry that regrouping will allow them to be destroyed in a single fell swoop. This leaves Tywin's banner snapping in the wind alongside the black dragon of House Targaryen nearly uncontested. The once proud castle held by Edmir Tully is battered daily by trebuchets and rams. Inside the walls, men grow weary. Supplies are low. Morale is lower. But then from the northern ridge, the sound of horns as letters arrive. Ned Stark has arrived as well. The North has come. 10,000 Stark bannermen led by Ned Stark, Rickard Karst Stark, Galbert Glover, and Ma Mormont poured down the hills like a flood. They strike the besieging army's rear with fury, cutting down cell swords and westermen alike. John Connington, commanding the Golden Company, rallies to hold them back. He organizes his longbow men behind defensive formations and orders them to fire. These arrows blunt their offensive and force them to regroup, but morale surges with Riverrun as they see their reinforcements so close. Let them come. We'll crush them between our lines. He orders Sir Gregor Clegane and Sir Armory Loach forward to the flanks, hoping to pin the Northmen army in a vice. As the Northmen move to reorganize, they are hit by Gregor and Emry Loach tries to break up their formations. The fighting is brutal. For hours, neither side gains ground. The Riverlords attempt a sortier, but are beaten back. The Northerners take heavy losses as they reorganize. The Blackfish organizes counter raids aimed at breaking their defenses and opening up a gap to hit the Lannisters. But after hours of fighting, it seems like the siege will hold. Seeing the Northmen retreat, John Conington shouts for reinforcements. The Veilmen who are left in reserve are called forward to finish them off. From a distance rise, the Veil army watches the battle unfold. Lord Royce, Belmore, and Red Fort all glance at their banners. Their soldiers are eager, and when the orders come, they do not come from them, but directly from Lady Sansa through a letter she had written the day before. I can no longer support Prince Aegon while he allows the likes of Tywin Lannister to do as they please. When the Northmen come, we shall fight alongside my father. They were reluctant to obey these orders at first, having already committed themselves to war. But Sansa and the Brotherhood remind them of the horrors Tywin has unleashed in the Riverlands. how he was considered an outcast before but brought back from exile by Aegon. The Veil cavalry rides down the slopes with banners flying. The Falcon and the Direwolf together. The Golden Company breaks ranks. Confused. Tywin turns in disbelief. What is this treachery? But he does not have the time to properly react as he sees the Golden Company struggling to reform. John Conington urges his cavalry to meet the rhythm and halt their attack. But this is only a temporary success. Even their elephants are not as effective as the North's own longbowow men rain arrows down on them while the veil knights know to avoid them. He manages to get his troops into a defensive formation as Tywin's cavalry rushes to support them. But their forces are badly outnumbered and while they are locked in combat with the Veilmen and Northmen, the gates of Riverrun open up and warriors pour out, commanded by Edmir Tully. These men strike at John Conington's rear sewing further chaos into their ranks as now they do not have enough men to fully attack Riverrun. The Blackfish also joins in, sending his warb bands into the fray. With Lord Bareric and Thoros of Mir by his side, he plunges into the chaos. Cutting his way through the encircling army and opening up a route towards Riverrun. Seeing this, the Lannister men begin to retreat. Seeing their defeat as inevitable, and Bannermanmen switch sides, weakening Tywin's line. Sir Gregor tries to escort him away from the battle, but he is surrounded by the Riverland warriors, who re arrows on the giant before closing in with swords and finishing him off. Tywin soon follows, being personally cut down by the Blackfish. Around him, the Golden Company breaks. John Cunnington fights to the last, refusing to yield. Many flee into the woods. The siege is shattered. Aegon V 6th, wounded and unhorsed, is dragged before Lord Yonroyce. You cannot kill me. I am the son of Rhaegar Targaryen. And you behave like Ty Lannister. Ned joins them soon after, hefting ice as he looks into the boy's eyes and takes his head. Once that is done, the remnants of their army are broken, throwing down their weapons and yielding to Ned Stark's army. Far to the south in the reach, the last embers of rebellion smolder. Mace Tyrell retreating toward Oldtown finds himself cornered by Stannis's hardened infantry and Florent remnants. By then they are finished off by the Dornish who see Aegon allying with Tywin in disgust and decide to pledge themselves to Stannis. As Mace is cut down in a wave of Dornish javelins, the war draws to a close. The Reach and Westerlands are brought back to heal and Sansa personally apologizes for her role in dragging the veil into the war. Ned manages to plead with Stannis for clemency, allowing the Veilmen to get off lightly, while Sansa marries Harry, the heir, to solidify her rule over the veil. By this time, Littlefinger has fled to Essos to escape justice. After that, Sansa offers a tearful apology to Ned, begging for forgiveness for doubting him and letting her dreams blind her to reality. Ned kindly accepts this and embraces his daughter. He then decides to go with her to the Eerie to help her govern it as he has had experience there. 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.