The Road to Ashford: a Complete Breakdown of the Event Leading to the Trial of the Seven
By Alexander Ross
Q1: Why was Prince Baelor fighting against his own brother and nephew?
A1: Baelor Breakspear firmly believed that royal blood did not place Targaryens above the law or basic chivalric honor. Recognizing that Duncan acted justly in defending a defenseless subject, and knowing his nephew Aerion’s accusation was fueled by petulance, Baelor chose to defend justice over dynastic blind loyalty.
Q2: What happened to Prince Aerion after the Trial of the Seven?
A2: Humiliated and exposed as a sadistic liar, Aerion was exiled to the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea by his father, Prince Maekar. Years later, he died a horrific death after drinking wildfire in a mad delusion that it would transform him into a true dragon.
Q3: How did this single trial alter the Targaryen line of succession?
A3: Baelor’s sudden death triggered a chain reaction. His direct heirs died shortly after during the Great Spring Sickness. When King Daeron II also perished, the throne passed to the bookish Aerys I, then to Maekar, and ultimately to Duncan's squire Egg, who was crowned King Aegon V Targaryen.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
