Speaking of the monarchy’s limited legal powers do you think Martin gave the lords the power of pit-and-gallows just so he could have Ned pass the sentence on the NW deserter and Tyrion outmaneuver Lysa at the Eyrie?

I don’t think it’s *just*. I mean, he also wants to have the issue come up with Rohanne Webber and Ser Eustace Osgrey, and he wants to have something for Egg to reform, etc. 

But I think that was a big part of the original impulse.