What if Ned Stark SURVIVED

What if Ned Stark SURVIVED? Let’s explore the depths of it in the video. Ned blinks several times, trying to clear the light from his eyes. When his vision comes into focus, he spots thousands of eyes on him. It seems like all of King’s Landing has arrived to watch him confess. His throat feels dry and his voice is weak from captivity, but he somehow hears everything amidst the roar of the city. Ned: “I am Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Hand of the King, and I come before you to confess my treason in the sight of gods and men. I betrayed the faith of my king and the trust of my friend, Robert. I swore to defend and protect his children, but before his blood was cold, I plotted to depose and murder his son and seize the throne for myself. Ned hears the roars of the crowd, condemning him and calling him a traitor among other viler things. The Sept of Baelor looms behind him along with the High Septon, queen, and the usurper, standing safely behind their Lannister guardsmen. He’s made his confession. The words of treason hang heavy in the air, thick with the taste of defeat, yet he bears it for Sansa’s sake. Joffrey, looking down on Nedd with a gleam of satisfaction, draws a breath to speak when a voice cuts through the crowd. As promised, he will allow Ned to take the black and spend the rest of his life in the Night’s Watch. Yoren: I’ll take him! I am Yoren of the Night’s Watch, a wandering crow in search of recruits. It seems I have one more. The crowd stirs as the man steps forward. Although stoop-shouldered and haggard, the worn black cloak of the Night’s Watch caught the light and forced the crowd to part. He takes Ned roughly and guides him away from the crowd. Yoren: There’s someone you ought to see first, Lord Stark.” Yoren leads Ned through the winding alleys of King’s Landing to small, weather-worn inn. Inside, the sounds of low chatter and clinking tankards greet them as dozens of Yoren’s recruits are preparing for their journey. Ned’s breath comes to a halt, as he sees Arya sitting alone. When she spots her father, she runs up and embraces him, but Yoren stops them and gestures to an empty back room. Nodding, Ned guides her away but once they are alone he eagerly returns the gesture, feeling tears sting his eyes as he looks at her. The tension in his chest eases seeing his daughter, dirty and messy, but alive. Once alone, Arya recounts her escape in hurried whispers, the massacre that took place, and how she managed to slip away from the palace. Ned’s face grows grim as he hears all this, but does not seem surprised. Ned: Arya, you’ve done well. I’m so proud of you, but what about Sansa and the Lannisters? Arya: She’s still in the Red Keep. Yoren: I can take you and the girl to Winterfell or Riverrun, but I cannot help you rescue your other daughter. Ned: I understand. The Night’s Watch is neutral in these conflicts. But we shall not be walking. I had chartered a ship to take my daughters back to the North, it is still there and will take you to the North. Arya: Us? You’re not going to? Ned: No, I’ve shamed myself by accepting their gift of mercy. Arya, I understand that this is difficult for you, but I’ve allowed a great wrong to pass by confessing treason so I must see it undone. Arya: Are you going to war, father? Ned: I’m afraid so. Arya: Just promise me you’ll come back with Sansa and you'll make the Lannisters pay. Ned allows himself to smile as pats her head. Soon, their small party departs for the Wind Witch. The Stark guards there are quick to let them through once they see Ned. As promised, they leave King’s Landing unharmed. But as it nears Dragonstone, a rowboat is lowered for Ned and his guardsmen to depart to the island. They are quickly captured by the Royal Fleet where Ned demands to be brought before Stannis. The king is surprised to see Lord Eddard, much less from a rowboat, and is displeased to hear about his confession. Ned explains that he did so to save the lives of his children, but he is here because he wishes to offer his services to him as he knows Stannis is the rightful king. Stannis: You put me in a difficult position, Stark. A fortnight ago your offer would have been a boon, but now you are a confessed traitor. How would it look if I were to sail with the man who betrayed my brother? Ned: Like a fool to many, but a man of justice to others. You’ve forgiven men for crimes in the past, would you be willing to condemn a man you knew is innocent? Stannis: Pauses. I see prison hasn’t dulled your senses. You are right, I am no Cersei or Littlefinger. I know what justice means, and perhaps there is something you can help me with. Though the Lannisters and their toadies believe your treason, some know better. You are loved in the North and Riverlands. Everyone in the Stormlands knows of you and Robert’s friendship. Perhaps it might win back supporters from the usurper.