Introduction: Stannis Baratheon and His Challenges

Stannis Baratheon, a loyal supporter of the Iron Throne, faced numerous challenges in his quest to reclaim the Iron Throne from the Lannisters. One of the most significant obstacles was securing the necessary manpower and resources to defeat the powerful Lannister forces. In an alternate scenario where Melisandre, his advisor, suggested that he hire the Golden Company, a formidable mercenary force, the dynamics of the battle for Westeros would have shifted dramatically.

The Golden Company: Their Current Status

In a sample chapter of “The Winds of Winter,” the Golden Company, a powerful and ruthless mercenary force based in the Stepstones, was actively engaging in conquests in the Stormlands. They had taken control of several key castles, including Griffins Roost, Rain House, and Crows Nest, and were eyeing further conquests, with Storms End being their ultimate target.

Consequences of Hiring the Golden Company

If Stannis Baratheon had listened to Melisandre's suggestion and hired the Golden Company, the immediate effects would have been profound. Firstly, the Golden Company, known for their military prowess and brutality, would have significantly bolstered Stannis's forces, providing him with a powerful bargaining chip in the already complex political landscape of Westeros.

However, the Golden Company is not easily for hire. At the time of the suggested scenario, they were not in Essos but were located in the Stormlands. They had just completed a series of rapid conquests, establishing a foothold in the region. Their primary objective was to ensure the restoration of the Targaryen line, a cause that may or may not align with Stannis's interests.

Practical Considerations and Strategic Implications

To make the hiring of the Golden Company a viable strategy, Stannis would first need to navigate the complexities of aligning their interests with his own. The Golden Company, led primarily by a member of the Targaryen line, might have reservations about whether Stannis's cause is genuine or merely a means to a temporary alliance.

Furthermore, Stannis's desperate financial situation, evidenced by a paltry loan and a minimal sellsword army that was poorly equipped, would also play a significant role. Even if the Golden Company were to be approached, the immediate challenge would be securing their agreement, which would most likely come at a considerable financial cost. This scenario highlights the critical need for better strategic planning and resource management in Stannis's camp.

Strategic Collusion and Potential Armed Conflict

The strategic implications of hiring the Golden Company would extend beyond mere manpower. The Targaryens, led by Aegon, and Stannis, with Melisandre's influence, both claim the throne. For the Golden Company to become an ally, they would either need to form a temporary alliance or be coerced into fighting for the Iron Throne afterward. This makes the decision to hire them a complex one, fraught with risks and potential betrayals.

Upon successfully overcoming the Lannister forces and securing the Iron Throne, the loyalty of the Golden Company to Stannis would be put to the test. The Targaryens, especially their leader, Aegon, might find themselves in a position to challenge Stannis for the throne. This potential arms race between the two parties would set the stage for a power struggle in Westeros.

Conclusion: The Fallacy of Quick Wins

Hiring the Golden Company would undoubtedly strengthen Stannis's position, but it would also introduce a host of complex issues. The alignment of interests, the management of resources, and the potential for long-term conflict all play critical roles in the outcome. The scenario underscores the folly of rapid, short-term solutions in a world as politically nuanced as Westeros.

In the grand narrative of Westeros, alliances are as much about trust and personal loyalty as they are about military prowess. The hypothetical suggestion of hiring the Golden Company, while it may seem like the solution to Stannis's immediate problems, masks the intricate web of political and personal dynamics that would truly determine the outcome of the conflict.