The Succession Controversy: What If Lysa and Robin Arryn Died Before Robb Called His Banners?
In the tumultuous world of Westeros, the death of characters like Lysa and Robin Arryn can drastically alter the balance of power, especially in regions like the Vale where succession disputes can ignite.
Upon the death of Lysa Arryn, along with her ward, the young Robin Arryn, the Vale of Arryn faces a significant leadership crisis. The matter of who would ascend to the throne of the Vale becomes a contentious issue, threatening to tear apart the region.
Power Struggles and Succession Claims
The tragedy of Lysa and Robin Arryn's deaths leaves the Vale without a clear heir, leading to a series of power struggles among the prominent houses. One of the primary contenders is Harrold Hardyg, supported by Anya Waynwood. Additionally, Yohn Royce and other lesser Arryns might also back their own candidates, much like how they maneuvered after the death of the previous Lady of the Vale, Jeyne Arryn, during the reign of Aegon III.
Harry the Heir and the New Lord of the Vale
Amidst the chaos, I foresee a resolution to the succession crisis with the emergence of Harry the Heir, set to become the new Lord of the Vale. With the backing of powerful allies such as the Waynwoods and House Royce, Harry is strategically positioned to assume the mantle of leadership. This outcome not only stabilizes the Vale but also aligns it with broader political alliances.
Robert’s Influence and Ned Stark’s Diplomacy
Should Robert Baratheon still be alive, his influence could play a pivotal role in this negotiation. In a gesture of respect to the memory of Jon Arryn, Robert might decree that Ned Stark back Yohn Royce in the matter. However, considering the complex political landscape, Ned might choose to support Yohn as a compromise, given the immediate need for strong leadership.
Meanwhile, the search for a bride for the young Harry, who must marry immediately, intensifies. Various potential suitors come forward: Cersei Lannister might see him as a viable candidate to marry a Lannister cousin and possibly Arya Stark. Other offers, such as Cella or potentially another Clegane, arise as viable options for alliances.
Ned Stark’s Quest for Alliance
In a remarkable turn of events, if Ned Stark successfully evades King’s Landing with his daughters following Robert's death, his next move would be to forge a powerful alliance with the Vale Lords. One such potential alliance could involve offering Sansa Stark's hand in marriage to Harry, the new Lord of the Vale, to seal their agreement. Despite Sansa's initial reluctance, her father's firm stance ensures the marriage, aimed at helping Harry secure his position as the new Lady of the Vale.
Through this alliance, Ned also seeks to bolster Harry's position by persuading him to support his agenda, including fighting against the Lannister forces. This combination of strategic alliances and family ties could turn the tide in favor of Stannis Baratheon, who stands to gain significant support from the Vale and the North.
Stannis Baratheon: A Unity Against the Lannisters
With the backing of the Vale, the North, the Stormlands, and the Riverlands, Stannis Baratheon stands a better chance of turning the tide in his favor. The promulgation of forces from the North, the expertise of Vale Knights, and the support of the Riverlands and their fleets provide a formidable opposition to the Lannisters, including their powerful leader Tywin Lannister.
Stannis’s unity with the Northerners could see him fighting Tywin Lannister, while the Vale Knights engage Renly Baratheon and the Stormlanders. The combined might of the Riverlands could also see them storming King’s Landing together with Stannis's own fleet, thus putting significant pressure on Renly and Tywin.
In this strategic landscape, Renly's position becomes precarious, potentially leading to his "persuasion" to bend the knee to his older brother. Alternatively, the Tyrells might abandon Renly in favor of the Lannisters, leading to a complex web of alliances and betrayals.
Ultimately, with Renly’s forces on his side, Stannis could directly confront the Lannisters in King's Landing, asserting his authority and potentially executing a harsh retaliatory move against Tywin and the Lannister family. This could result in the heads of Jaime, Cersei, and their children being displayed as a symbol of his victory.
The Aftermath: Stability and Unity
Upon securing these alliances and achieving significant victories, Stannis could establish a more stable and unified Westeros, culminating in a significant shift in the political landscape. His strength and strategic foresight would position him as a formidable leader, capable of quelling internal strife and dealing with external threats, thus ensuring a more peaceful future for Westeros.