Pycelle is kept on because he’s already a Lannister stooge. Barristan is a symbol of continuity, legitimacy, and Robert’s knightly mercy. Jaime can’t be released from the Kingsguard because that would reward his kingslaying, but neither can he be forced to take the black without making an enemy of Tywin and Robert’s new queen from the outset. But is there a valid Watsonian reason for keeping Varys alive? He was wholly a creature of Aerys, a foreigner with no natural allied constituency.

stevenattewell Uncategorized December 14, 2015 1 Minute

1. Robert was generally pro-amnesty.

2. Varys is good at his job.

3. In part because he’s a foreigner, he’s not deemed to have any specific loyalties to House Targaryen – a sellspy if you will.

4. It’s kind of a dirty job, so there might be fewer other candidates.

Published by stevenattewell

Published December 14, 2015