What if Ned Stark Demanded a Trial By Combat

What if Ned Stark Demanded a Trial By Combat? Let’s explore the depths of it in the video. Ned can only stare out in shock as the last of his men are slaughtered. He doesn’t trust himself to breathe as he looks back at Littlefinger and then at the queen standing before him. In minutes, the throne room is secured and Ned is brought to his knees as he looks up at the queen and Joffrey. Joffrey: Kill him, I command it! Cersei: In due time, my child. First, the traitor must confess. Do this and I guarantee we shall be merciful. Ned glances around at the room, watching the men surround him. Most have their swords drawn and ready to hack him apart as soon as the command is given. But some don’t have their weapons out and it is them who has Ned’s attention. Among them is Ser Barristan. And then, he makes a desperate gamble. Ned: Is this really how you wish to start your reign, boy? To become a tyrant on your first day. Cersei: Silence! You wished to usurp my son, before that you allowed your wife to kidnap my brother. Ned: Aye, and he was set free after a trial. Do you speak of injustice but deny me that same right? If I am to be punished them I demand a Trial by Combat. The room goes silent as they all look at him. Joffrey is seething and his knights look ready to finish the job, but Cersei is furious. Slowly, she growls and nods her head. Cersei: Fine then, if you wish to die with steal in your hands, so be it. Unless you can find a fool willing to die for you. Barristan: I’m that fool! Joffrey: What? No, get back, ser. Cersei: Do you not value that white cloak of yours, ser? This trial has the king as a defendant. It would be improper to have a member of the Kingsguard championing against him. Barristan: Begging your pardon, your grace. But it seems like Joffrey is not king yet and the accuser is also speaking on behalf of the king. Though you ripped apart that parchment, it is still the king's words. As a kingsguard, I am obligated to defend them. Cersei: Very well then, if it is truly treason then you shall share Ned Stark’s grave. The crown names Jaime Lannister as its champion. The trial shall commence once he arrives. In the meantime, you can get comfortable in the Black Cells. The remaining kingsguard grabs Ned and leads him away. But as he leaves, he glances at Barristan who offers a grim nod. In truth, this is little more than a stay of execution and does little to halt the chaos beyond. Tywin and the North still war in the Riverlands while the Baratheons gather their strength. No one dares approach King’s Landing, leaving Ned alone in his cells. Ser Barristan is also confined in his chambers in the White Tower, but both accept this with quiet dignity, holding their heads high until one day a horse comes riding into the city, bearing a golden armored figure with golden hair. Ned is roughly led to the throne room by the guards where Ser Barristan is, armored and armed. In front of him is Ser Jaime whose usual swagger is gone, replaced with a flicker of uncertainty and grim determination. Jaime: Stark, this does not need to end in blood. Confess your crimes and we’ll let you take the Black. Ned: It is not I who needs to confess, ser. But you. Seeing as there will be no peaceful resolution, both fighters draw their swords and circle one another. The hall is silent, save for the distant crackling of torches and the steady breathing of the two warriors. The Kingslayer moves first, feinting left before slashing right in a blur. However, the old knight sees this movement and steps back, pushing the blade back and countering with a backswing that forces Ser Jaime to retreat. This is only for a moment though as he advances yet again, advancing in a rapid series of strikes. His eyes don’t leave Ser Barristan as he thrusts and slashes at him, trying to force him back. His movements are fast and his technique perfect, but Barristan the Bold checks each one with methodical grace. Beads of sweat form on his head as the old knight tries to hold him back. If this continues he knows he will be worn out. As he turns one final slash, Barristan reverses and thrusts his sword out. It bounces against Jaime’s breastplate, but the blow is enough to rattle him. His next strike comes out clumsy as he lunges. Barristan sidesteps, delivering a punishing riposte that forces the younger knight back. Now, it is his turn to go on the offensive, advancing in a slow, but methodical attack that leaves Jaime on the defensive. Unused to the one being having to protect himself, he begins to falter and Ser Barristan thumps his breastplate more and more, each one a warning, commanding that he yield. Frustration flashes in Jaime’s eyes. He steps in, launching a powerful overhand swing but Barristan meets it head-on, their swords clashing above their heads. But Barristan pivots suddenly, knocking Jaime’s blade wide and landing a brutal pommel strike to his ribs. #gameofthrones #nedstark #gameofthroneswhatif