Introduction

In the world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the death of King Aerys II Targaryen and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen in 280 AC is a pivotal moment that reshapes the entire realm. However, what if these tragic events occurred before the Tourney of Harrenhal? This what-if scenario explores how the timeline might change, including the possibility of King Viserys Targaryen ascending the throne, the fate of the Targaryen line, and the events of the Tourney.

The Timeline Before the Crown

The series chronicles the brutal conflict and political maneuvering that led to the War of the Seven Kingdoms. In 280 AC, King Aerys II succumbed to a mysterious illness, leading to his son Prince Rhaegar's imminent ascension. However, this did not happen as planned. Instead, Aerys and Rhaegar both died before the Tourney of Harrenhal, changing the fate of the Targaryen line and the realm itself. This what-if scenario imagines a world where Viserys ascends the throne and where Jon Stark is still alive, being the son of Ned Stark and Ashara Dayne.

The Fall of House Targaryen

Without Aerys and Rhaegar to forge alliances and maintain order, the realm becomes a chaotic landscape. King Viserys, now the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, meets with a tragic end, falling ill in King's Landing and perishing. His wife, Queen Elia, and her unborn child also die. This leaves Robert Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End and Hand of the King, to call a Great Council at Harrenhol.

Timeline Summary:

In 280 AC, King Aerys II and Prince Rhaegar both die from unknown causes. A Great Council is convened at Harrenhal, leading to Robert Baratheon's ascension as King. Robert Baratheon becomes the first of his name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.

The Tourney of Harrenhal

The Tourney of Harrenhal, originally scheduled for the day following Prince Rhaegar's expected coronation, still proceeds. However, the atmosphere is far from celebratory. Instead, it is tinged with sorrow and foreboding. The most significant changes in the tourney itself include:

Ser Barristan Selmy's Victory

According to historical accounts, Ser Barristan Selmy likely finished second in the tourney. The Crowned Lessers event, where knights triumph over squires, still occurs. The Knight of the Laughing Tree remains victorious against all the squires' knights, their former mentors. Prince Rhaegar's search for the Knight of the Laughing Tree fails, as Aerys's paranoia no longer drives him to take action.

The Stark Family's Tragedy

Brandon Stark, originally a finalist, is unhorsed by Rhaegar and later dies in a tragic accident. The exact cause of his death can be left to the imagination, but it sets a somber tone for the tourney. Ned Stark, who had been betrothed to Catelyn Tully, now faces a different fate. He has impregnated Catelyn's sister, Ashara Dayne, and is eventually betrothed to Catelyn in a double wedding ceremony alongside Lysa, much like the original plot, but with the added complexity of Jon Stark being still alive.

Rebellion and the Endgame

The Baratheon-Arryn-Sark-Tully alliance is odd, but Robert Baratheon, along with his allies), is still able to capitalize on the breakdown of Targaryen rule. The War of the Five Kings is largely inevitable, driven by the chaos and the desire for the Iron Throne. The Stark, Tully, and Arryn families align with Robert Baratheon, while the Lannisters, wary of Targaryen reconquest, may initially support House Baratheon or even join the Stark-Tully-Arryn coalition.

The Impact of Jon Stark

Jon Stark, the son of Ned Stark and Ashara Dayne, is still alive in this what-if scenario. This adds a new dynamic to the ongoing war. With Jon Stark still in the picture, the Lannisters and other houses may be more cautious in their maneuvers, knowing that Jon might become a significant threat to their plans.

Conclusion

This what-if scenario presents an interesting twist on the traditional narrative of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It explores the consequences of the early deaths of King Aerys II and Prince Rhaegar, leading to the ascension of Viserys and the eventual rise of Robert Baratheon. The Tourney of Harrenhal and the subsequent events set the stage for a complex and chaotic war, one where Jon Stark remains an important figure.

While this narrative is speculative and diverges significantly from the original storyline, it offers a rich tapestry of what might have been. The potential alliances, betrayals, and battles would be shaped by this new timeline, leading to an even more intricate and unpredictable story.