Chapter 18 - The Election of 292 AC
The death of King Jon Arryn initiated a four-month process leading to a new election for the monarchy. Following the protocol established during the first Election in 287 AC, the Small Council transitioned into the Regency Council, with the Hand of the King, Tywin Lannister, assuming the role of Lord Protector of the Realm during the interim period. This bestowed upon the Lord Protector significant authority, although decisions still required the approval of the rest of the council. King Jon was laid to rest in the sept of the Gates of the Moon two days after his passing. While the funeral was not as elaborate as tradition dictated, it was still a relatively grand affair given the challenges posed by winter's grip on the mountain passes and the difficulty of reaching the Gates of the Moon. Despite this, he was honored with a burial in a marble tomb, which would later be sculpted to resemble him.
Upon King Jon Arryn's demise, Denys Arryn ascended to the position of Lord Paramount of the Vale. Recognizing his new status, the Regency Council offered him an advisory seat and formally sought his permission to establish their base at the Gates of the Moon until the election. Denys Arryn consented to their request before departing for Gulltown, where he would convene with the Lords of the Vale, who would pledge their allegiance to him. When conferring on when the election would take place the Regency Council came to a unanimous decision. An election date was set for the 1st day of the tenth month of 292 AC, and Harrenhal was designated as the venue for the event, being the only holdfast spacious enough to accommodate the realm's lords.
In response to King Jon's death, one of the primary objectives of the Regency Council was to maintain peace throughout the realm. Concerns lingered about potential uprisings by Targaryen loyalists seeking to restore the House to the throne, given the recent conclusion of Robert’s Rebellion. To address this, Lord Protector Tywin Lannister dispatched a raven to Dragonstone, demanding that Prince Rhaegar Targaryen present himself to Lord Renly Baratheon at Storm’s End, where he would remain under peaceful custody until the conclusion of the election. In the missive, assurances were provided that Prince Rhaegar would not be harmed and would be placed in comfortable accommodations. He would be released once the new king had been chosen. Though Prince Rhaegar was understandably aggrieved by this demand, he recognized the futility of challenging it. Encouraged by his new wife (details to be discussed later), Prince Rhaegar complied, sailing to Massey’s Hook before journeying to Storm’s End. There, he was provided with fine lodgings within the venerable holdfast. Despite their reservations, the Stormlanders treated Prince Rhaegar with courtesy while maintaining a vigilant watch over him.
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen of Dragonstone under Baratheon custody at Storm's End
As the election approached, Harrenhal underwent a remarkable transformation into a bustling city of tents. It became a vibrant hub not only for lords and knights, but also for traders, merchants from across Westeros and Essos, mystics, holy men, sellswords seeking patrons, hedge knights, jugglers, dancers, musicians, fiddlers, and a variety of courtesans. Despite the harsh winter prevailing over Westeros, Harrenhal drew crowds seeking pleasure, escape, or fortune.The influx of people was so immense that Lord Walter Whent, the ruler of Harrenhal, had to impose restrictions on the number of common folk admitted. However, his authority extended only to the immediate vicinity outside the gates of Harrenhal. By the eve of the election, nearly all the lords of the realm had arrived, setting the stage for the commencement of voting.
An artist's rendition of the Election of 292 AC
On the first day of the election, an extensive array of candidates emerged, totalling nearly four hundred, though many were unlikely to secure the throne. As the day progressed, distinct factions began to crystallize, each vying for control of the realm. The first faction comprised those loyal to the current Lord Protector, Tywin Lannister, who advocated for his ascension to the throne. Despite Lord Tywin's unmatched experience in governance and reputation for efficient rule, some lords feared his iron-fisted approach, particularly his ruthless suppression of rivals like the Reynes of Castamere. These apprehensive factions rallied behind three alternative candidates. First among them was Lord Renly Baratheon, only fifteen years old but bolstered by his illustrious family name and association with his brother Robert, who had achieved legendary status since the Rebellion. Prince Doran Martell, having clashed with Lord Tywin on numerous occasions during his tenure on the Small Council, emerged as another contender. He pledged to preserve the autonomy established during King Jon Arryn's reign. Finally, Lord Leyton Hightower of Oldtown emerged as a protest candidate, drawing support from lesser lords across Westeros dissatisfied with the other options. Despite the competition, none of these challengers could hope to match the formidable vote tally amassed by Lord Tywin's supporters.
Lord Tywin Lannister canvassing for votes
Halfway through the first day of the election, Prince Doran Martell devised a strategic plan to counter Lord Tywin Lannister's seemingly inevitable victory. Recognizing that he lacked the support to defeat Tywin and acknowledging the obstacles facing Renly Baratheon and Leyton Hightower, Prince Doran sought an alternative candidate who could unite the realm against Tywin's dominance. He found such a candidate in Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell, a man esteemed for his honor, steadfastness, and commitment to principles. Despite their differing backgrounds, Prince Doran and Lord Eddard had developed a mutual respect during their time on the Small Council, often aligning against Lord Tywin's schemes. Approaching Lord Stark with his proposal, Prince Doran urged him to put his name forward for the election, emphasizing that Lord Stark's reluctance to rule made him the ideal candidate to carry on King Jon's legacy of principled leadership. Though initially hesitant, Lord Stark eventually acquiesced to the persuasion of his Northern vassal lords and his brother, Benjen Stark, agreeing to participate in the election. With Prince Doran rallying his supporters to vote for Lord Stark, the candidates proceeding to the second day of the election were announced. Lord Tywin Lannister led with 327 votes, followed by Lord Eddard Stark with 203 votes, Lord Renly Baratheon with 162 votes, and Lord Leyton Hightower with 113 votes.
On the second day of the election, as Lord Tywin Lannister continued to canvass for votes, Prince Doran Martell engaged in negotiations with Lord Renly Baratheon. Understanding the necessity of consolidating support behind Lord Eddard Stark to challenge Tywin's dominance, Prince Doran urged Renly to withdraw his candidacy and endorse Lord Stark instead. Initially resistant, Renly demanded an incentive for his cooperation. In response, Lord Stark offered Renly the position of Master of Ships once he came of age, along with significant incomes and other benefits. Swayed by the promise of future power and wealth, Renly agreed to throw his support behind Lord Stark and instructed his followers to do the same. Throughout the rest of the day, Prince Doran and Lord Stark worked tirelessly to persuade lesser lords to back Stark's candidacy. While some, like Lord Leyton Hightower, agreed to withdraw from the race, he would go on to support Lord Tywin. Others remained undecided or backed Stark's opponents. Despite facing challenges in securing unanimous support, Lord Stark's alliance with Renly Baratheon and the withdrawal of Lord Hightower's candidacy significantly strengthened his position in the election.
Prince Doran Martell (left) conversing with Lord Renly Baratheon (right)
Eventually the votes were cast and the lords of the realm filtered into the great hall of Harrenhal to hear the verdict. Grand Maester Ebrose, together with five other Archmaesters, had taken until nearly midnight to count the votes, far longer than anticipated. As Grand Maester Ebrose ascended the steps of a pulpit, his withered legs struggling with the steep stairs, he unfurled a scroll. He announced that Lord Tywin Lannister had received 523 votes, higher than what the victorious King Jon received in 287 AC. However, the Grand Maester then announced that Lord Eddard Stark had received 566 votes, making him the victor of the election and the new King. On one side of the hall there was jubilation and relief, and the other was disbelief and anger. Lord Tywin Lannister bowed his head to Grand Maester and exited the room. Lord Stark was said to be in disbelief, and some noted that he didn’t seem all that happy to have won.
Amidst the grandeur of Harrenhal's Great Hall, Eddard Stark, adorned in the trappings of royalty, knelt before the High Septon to receive his crown. Despite his allegiance to the Old Gods, the royal oaths were sworn upon both the Old Gods and the New, symbolizing the unity of the realm's faiths under his rule. With the weight of the crown upon his brow, he was officially proclaimed as
Eddard of House Stark, 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. As the lords of the realm looked on, a new chapter in the history of Westeros began under the reign of King Eddard Stark.
