quote:Interesting yes....but you still would have had Viserys and Dany in Essos...and likely it plays out the same and you still hve Dany and her Dragons at some point. And you still would have had Jon at the wall, but likely with a little more backing from the North, which likely means he doesn;t end up as Lord Commander.....
All of this could have been avoided had Ned told Robert "No, I won't be your Hand".. Robert B would have return home broken hearted and picked a Lannister.. who would have ran the country quite well and kept the piece.. oh sure Cersie would have killed her husband at some point and Stanis would have still rebel but this time Ned would most likely sided with Stanis. The Stormlord, North, Riverlands and Vale (assuming sister love and all..) vs King Landing and the Lannister. Ned would have kept the Boltons and Frey in check and ensure Rob married the Frey girl. Stanis and Ned armies would have taken King Landing. Stanis would be named King and then march the combined Armies North to fight whitewalker.. Theon Greyjoy would never have been sent to home and would have kept his staff...no Reek.
Bran would have not gone up North of the Wall.. but it would not have matter because the Wall would have fallen to Mance since Stanis never came up to help Jon Snow earlier.. i.e. his Army would be in King Landing and only march North after word of the Wall fallen to free folks.
With Stanis trying to recapture the wall with Ned.. they leave the Capital open to a combined attack of the Golden Company.. and Queen Ta.. oh nevermind she would still be in Mereen.. who takes the City with little interference. Renly still bangs Flower lord.
All cause Ned could not say "No"
eveything happens for a reason.
