The Demon of the Rock

by Aldon Blackreyne

If a Lion knows his own strength, no men can control him. This could not be more true than for the older brother of Cersei and Jaime. Tychus Lannister owes allegiance to no one and cares nothing for the game but all the world will Hear Him Roar. Story getting a rewrite with the chapters getting expanded and a new Chapter 2.

4. Homeward Bound

By following the Kingsroad it didn't take long for Tychus and his company to reach the Lannister host at Bronzegate. As they rode Ser Alliser interrogated the younger man.
"What are you planning to do exactly?"

Tychus didn't look at him as he answered. "I intend to destroy the Tyrell host then use one of their ships to take us to Sunspear."

"Why not join the Tyrells, with them at our side we will make it to Dorne without fear of an attack."

Tychus sighed and shook his head, 'gods this man is dense.' "Because if they have already learned about my father's actions than they might turn on us. Face it Ser Alliser the Targaryen cause is lost. The King is dead, his heir is dead and his grandson is dead. The dornish military has been halved and the only remaining Targaryen loyalists are led by a fool who can't tell his ass from his Adam's apple. But by saving Storm's End we increase our chances of getting to Dorne."

While Ser Alliser didn't like this idea he could not deny it was the only viable option, Mace Tyrell had victory in his grasp and refuse to take advantage of it, now because of his stupidity, they had to play both sides of the war in order to fulfill their duty. A shameful display, but nothing could be done about it.

His thoughts turned to Elia and this confused him, Despite Tychus' brutal reputation, she seemed to have an ironclad reason for trusting him the seven only knew why. But it was clear that Tychus was her best chance at getting home.

Mere days after they left King's Landing, Tychus and his band finally reached the Lannister encampment. Upon seeing their lord approach Lyle Crakehall rode out to greet him. "General Tychus," he began. "Were you able to slay the king?"

Tychus grinned and nodded, "the madman will trouble nobody, no more."

Ser Lyle nodded and let Tychus to the command tent, two sets of tents was erected for his companions. One for Elia, Rhaenys and the Loyalists, and the other for the Maw.

Tychus sought council with his commanders in the command tent, among them were Lords Leo Lefford, Andros Brax, and Mors Westford. Now that they were back at full force once again, Tychus could now make the big push to Storm's End.

"Our scouts report that Mace Tyrell continues to lay siege to Storm's End," Lord Leo summarized. "The Rebel forces arrived at King's Landing not long after you left."

Tychus laughed and shook his head, "Some men just don't know when to quit, in any case, that is good for us. What is the state of the Tyrell encampment?"

Lord Andros laughed, "no trenches, no palisade, all their attention is on the castle."

Tychus nodded, "excellent, all the easier for us."

After resting for a day Tychus set off to Storm's End with his host. He led his army on a forced march doing 40 miles a day in order to take the Tyrells by surprise, his forces consisted of 6,000 cavalry and 12,000 Men at arms. While he didn't bring any siege weapons, he had dozens of carts carrying hay rolls. Now it seemed they would serve a purpose after all.

Thanks to the forced march Tychus was able to reach Storm's End in just two days. Once he arrived he divided his forces into two camps, his men at arms took positions north of the Tyrell camp while his cavalry took positions off to the west. He sent the Fangs of Maw to sweep the area for Tyrell scouts. It was decided that Leo Lefford would command the Men at Arms while Tychus led the cavalry.

In the dead of night the Lannisters crept slowly towards the Tyrell encampment, the Tyrells had encamped themselves in the flatlands surrounding the castle, but around that was heightened ground, hills and slopes and Tychus used this to his advantage. At midnight he began the first attack. The night sky lit up as the Lannisters loosed flaming arrows onto the ground surrounding the Tyrell Camp. In the distance, Tychus could hear the sound of horns and bells sounding the cry of alarm. Once the arrows had been loosed Tychus gave the signal and the men pulled the hay rolls to the slopes. Once they were up and over the Lannisters released the rolls letting gravity and the decline provide the momentum. The hay bowled down towards the flame lit ground before them. The moment they touched the arrows they burst into flames creating a cylinder of fire that now made its way towards the Tyrell encampment.

The Tyrells had formed ranks at the edges of the camp expecting a nighttime assault. But upon seeing the flaming hay rolls they panicked and the line scattered. Men scrambled to get away from the path of the approaching infernos. The hay rolls bowled over the encampment setting fire to tents supply carts, even men, and horses unlucky enough to get out of the way in time.

Tychus and his men watched the spectacle. From their camp Lords Lefford and Brax looking on in awe, a mixture of fascination and horror on the faces. Tychus chuckled softly to himself, and a wide grin spread across his face as the flames grew. The Tyrells spent the entire night trying to put out the flames.

It was early morning when Lord Lefford gave the order to move out. The Lannisters lined up on the ridge and began clashing their spears on their shields. This got the Tyrells attention and they began to form ranks facing the approaching Lannister host.

Lord Randyll Tarly noted that the Lannister host was about a fourth the size of their own. Believing they could win the day, he rallied the men and led them on a charge towards the Lannisters. The Lannisters unleashed a hail of arrows taking down many infantry before the main force charged. The two sides clashed in a sea of steel and muscle. Tychus previous analysis had been correct, despite having the numbers it was clear they were inferior to the Lannisters. Their skills honed by Tychus's brutal training made short work of the green boys green boys that made up Mace's host. Most of the Tyrells only had chainmail and boiled leather, while all the Lannisters wore plate. It didn't help that they were deprived of sleep thanks to Tychus' night time assault.

Tychus smiled this is what he had hoped for, with the bulk of the Tyrells diverted, it was time for his cavalry to deliver the killing blow. Tychus drew his axe and turned to his men, "FOR HOUSE LANNISTER!" he thundered.

"HEAR ME ROAR," The men cried out in unison. Tychus then galloped down the hill with the cavalry close behind.

The Tyrells had not realized the trap until it was too late, the Lannisters bowled over the Tyrell infantry cutting through their unorganized ranks like a scythe with wheat. Tychus cut down several Tyrell knights and disembodied others. He even beheaded one in highly ornate armour. With their lines shattered and trapped in a pincer. The Tyrells soldiers surrendered, Randyll Tarly was one of the last to do so, he had cut down a good number of men before being defeated by Ser Lirigon.

By the battle's end, the Tyrell host was all but broken. Of the 50,000 men that Mace Tyrell had brought with him to Storm's End, 21,000 lay dead and another 10,000 were wounded. The Lannisters lost a mere 3,000 men. Upon learning of the defeat of his liege lord on land, Paxtor Redwyne, Commander of the Tyrell fleet dipped his banners.

About 25,000 reachmen had been captured, the other 4,000 had managed to break through the Lannister lines and flee to the safety of home. Among the captured was Randyll Tarly and Mathis Rowan. It was later discovered that the man Tychus beheaded was Mace Tyrell himself. Among the slain was Mace's uncle Garth and his cousin Luthor.

---

Stannis Baratheon was abed when he first heard the sounds of battle. Rushing to the battlements Stannis saw much of the Tyrell encampment in flames and the screams of the dead, dying and injured could be heard throughout the castle.

"Do we know what is happening?" Stannis asked Donal Noye.

Donal shook his head, the night was quiet until the Hour of the Wolf struck. I could just make out a volley of flaming arrows. The Tyrells sounded the alarm and before we knew it the whole encampment is in flames."

"Do we know who is attacking?"

Donal shook his head, "none my Lord, there have been no reports of any rebel forces nearby." Donal turned to his lord, "should we attack?"

"Stannis shook his head, we do not know who is out there and until we do we stay alert and double the guards tonight. Donal nodded and looked toward the raging inferno before them. Stannis stayed up the rest of the night anxiety prevented weariness from taking him.

By dawn, the fires had died down leaving only smoke. Stannis heard a distinct sound, like war drums but with a single rhythmic beat.

'Voom, voom, voom, VOOM.'

Looking in the far distance Stannis could just make out battle formations, that is where he saw the distinct colours of red and gold, "Lannisters," Stannis breathed, 'so the Lions have joined the war at last.'

Stannis watched as the Lannister infantry clashed with Tyrells from the north and then the Lannister Cavalry smash into the Tyrells exposed, left flank. in 3 hours the battle was over and the Leader of the Lannister host rode up to storms end asking to meet with Lord Stannis. The gates of Storm's End opened He rode out with 5 men, one bearing the flag of House Baratheon.

Stannis noted the leader of the Lannisters, A large figure wearing a helm with bull-like horns and two axes on his belt, Stannis realized who his savior was.

"Lord Stannis," Tychus gave a nod in respect.

"Lord Tychus," Stannis returned the gesture.

"What is the condition of your men," Tychus asked immediately.

Satisfied by the younger man's bluntness, Stannis replied. "They are malnourished and weak but they live yet."

Tychus frowned and turned to Lord Lefford. "Make sure Stannis' men get their fill from the Tyrell stockpile, they have earned this reprieve." Lord Lefford nodded and left to gather the provisions.

"I thank you for breaking the siege and relieving my men," Stannis said gruffly, "Storm's End is open to you and your men."

Though Tychus was sorely tempted by the offer he knew he must decline. With everything happening so fast Tychus could not risk Stannis learning of his precious cargo or getting trapped inside Storm's End. "My thanks to you Lord Stannis, but I fear I cannot stay long. Several key Reach commanders are in my custody. Do you have a place for them?"

Stannis nodded, "I do Lord Tychus, and thank you again for this."

Tychus nodded respectfully and turned to his bannermen, "I want you to cooperate with Lord Stannis and his men, he is the new king's brother after all. Make sure that our new guests behave themselves."

The two lords nodded, "as you wish my lord."

Stannis came forward, "I must ask if you will not stay where will you go?"

Tychus turned to him. "Now that House Tyrell has been pacified, it is time to deal with the last Targaryen supporter left."

"House Martell," Stannis acknowledged. "But what makes you think they will listen to you?"

Tychus grinned, "Let me worry about that, Lord Stannis, for now, you have a garrison who's bellies need filling. Your brother is king now, I expect he will have much for you to do."

After his parley with Lord Stannis, Tychus overlooked the captive reachmen on the ground. Ser Lirigon was finishing off some of the wounded chuckling as he did so, some of the Fangs had followed his lead. The lords Lefford and Brax accompanied Tychus. "What would you have done with them Lord Tychus?" Lord Lefford asked.

Tychus regarded the beaten army on the ground, he turned to his subordinates with a smile. "These fine men look weary, and it's a long way back home. Releave this rabble of their burdens armour, weapons, gold, provisions everything. Divide the spoils amongst the men, they have all earned it. Once that is done set the reachmen free the Lords including Tarly, Rowan and Redwyne will remain hostages until the official end of all hostilities."

Lords Brax and Lefford smiled knowing that Lord Tyrell had brought with him a fortune worth of gold plates, goblets, fine tapestries and other treasures. Then as a final touch, Tychus gathered the squires who had fought well during the battle, about three dozen young men were knighted that day.

After the knighting, the men roared and cheered at their General's generosity and began chanting his name, "TYCHUS, TYCHUS, THE DEMON OF THE ROCK!"

As Tychus turned to leave he was confronted by Alester Sarwyck. "Is there something you needed Ser?"

Alester nodded, "is there somewhere we can talk in private?"

Tychus frowned and led him far from the camp. the Maw followed him. Once they were a safe distance away Tychus turned to the Fangs of Maw. "Make sure nobody is ease dropping." Ser Lirigon and the other's nodded and Tychus turned back to the two men. "Now what is so important that required such secrecy?"

Ser Alester paused before speaking. "Ser Mors told me about Elia and Rhaenys General," Mors began. "I wish to offer my services."

Tychus' eyes narrowed and he gripped the handles of his axes. "tell me why I shouldn't silence you permanently instead of taking such a chance?"

Ser Alester swallowed nervously, he knew he was playing a dangerous game especially with Tychus Lannister but he needed to know. "Despite our respect for your father not all of us approved of all his actions. Since I am of the same mindset I decided to as well as payment for what you have done for me," Ser Alester added. "Ever since your mother died he has become cruel and unreasonable, there is only so much we can tolerate before he goes too far and now he has."

The Lannister regarded the men for a moment, 'it could be a trick,' he thought. 'Then again if it is, then it is poorly done and ill thought out. He and the Maw can dispatch of them should they prove false.' Besides Mors is one of the best swords in the Westerlands second to his brother Jaime. So Tychus drew his axe and tapped the blade of each man's sword. "Rise Ser, welcome to the Fangs of Maw, may your loyalty never waver."

"Never My lord," he replied, "my sword is yours until death takes me."

Tychus nodded, "then be recognized, as a brother, as a companion, as a member of the Maw." Ser Alester rose and the other members of the Maw patted him in congratulations.

Paxtor Redwyne had brought a sizable portion of his fleet to help lay siege to Storms End. Tychus ordered that most of those ships would be claimed for the Lannister Fleet. Tychus and his men inspected the ships looking for one that would suit their needs. They finally found one, a galleass named the Huntress.

---

Tychus and the Maw took command of the Huntress, Elia and Rhaenys were given the most comfortable quarters. To help him navigate Shipbreaker's bay Tychus enlisted the help of the smuggler Ser Davos Seaworth. With the aid of Ser Davos, the Huntress was able to make it out of the treacherous waters unharmed. Once he was out is shipbreaker's bay it was a straight path to the dornish capital of Sunspear.

Tychus regularly checked on Elia to see if she was okay. Elia had written a letter to Doran explaining the situation prior to their departure. Due to the sea, Elia remained bedridden for most of the trip with her daughter asleep right next to her.

"I hope the journey isn't affecting your health too much," he said one day.

Elia shook her head, "just a little nauseous Tyk. But it is a small price to pay if it means Rhaenys and I are safely back home."

"It shan't be long Elia," Tychus assured her. "Soon you will be with your brothers and Rhaenys will be playing in the water gardens with Oberyn's little snakelings." Tychus smirked, "you know you are one of the few people I allow to get away with calling me that."

Elia smiled mischievously, "I know that's why I do it."

Tychus reached forward and pushed back a strand of Rhaenys hair. "She didn't belong there, Tychus muttered sadly, "neither of you should have been there."

"You had no way of stopping it," Elia assured him.

Tychus shook his head, "I could have broken his neck the day he shamed you in front of the entire realm. Then none of this would have happened, you would be safe in Dorne away from that fifty-five layers of madness."

Elia placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you hate Rhaegar and by all rights, I should too with everything he brought upon us. But I don't, Rhaenys is OUR daughter Tychus, he gave me my children and for that very reason, I can't bring myself to hate the father of my children. He never abused them, and he did love them."

"He had a funny way of showing it," Tychus quipped.

Elia shook her head, "I don't think I will ever understand why he did what he did, But I hope that for whatever the reason it was with good intentions."

"The road to hell is so often paved with good intentions," Tychus replied. He placed a hand on her forehead. "Get some rest El, you need to regain your strength." Tychus stroked Rhaenys cheek before quietly leaving the room.

The rest of the way to Dorne was rather uneventful save for one thing. The events at Kings Landing had taken their toll on Rhaenys, she often had nightmares about the 'Bad-man' Amory Lorch and would wake up sobbing.

One night woke her Tychus up with a terrible scream so he decided to do something about it regardless of how irritated he was. He lightly tapped on the door of Elia's cabin. The Dornish princess opened it up.

"Is she alright?" He asked.

Elia sighed, "she keeps having nightmares about that day, sometimes she is crying for her father in her sleep." She thought for a moment, maybe you can help"
"I'm not good with children," Tychus replied, "or most people for that matter."

Elia insisted, "you saved her life, she has not forgotten. You don't have to do much but perhaps just your presence alone can calm her."

Tychus sighed and nodded, he entered the room and found the little girl shaking like a leaf, but upon seeing him her trembling stopped and she relaxed a bit. "Can't sleep little one?" Tychus asked.

Rhaenys shook her head and clutched his arm, Tychus instinctively wrapped his arm around her, she was covered in sheets. "W-when I sleep the b-bad m-man comes," she stammered.

"The bad men are dead now, they can't hurt you anymore," Tychus tried to assure her.

"But they get back up again," Rhaenys explained, "other men cut them down and the bad men get back up."

"Then I will destroy them again," Tychus declared.

"Promise?"

"I promise, now get some sleep your uncles will see you soon."

Rhaenys nodded and curled up and closed her eyes, every so often she opened them slightly to make sure he was still there. Tychus stayed at her bedside until she was fast asleep. Somehow his presence seemed to make her feel completely safe. As a result, Rhaenys had taken to spending time with Tychus calling him the 'Axe-Man,' Tychus was perplexed that the little girl would cling to him so much. The gesture made him uncomfortable, not because it came from Rhaenys, but rather the gesture itself. He was not one for showing affection it was awkward for him.

They arrived at Sunspear shortly after, even from a distance Tychus could make out the distinct spires of the Spear Tower and the Tower of the Sun. Before long the Sandship and the Triple walls came into view and finally all of Sunspear and the Shadow City below.

Tychus sighed at the blistering heat and pulled on the collar of his jerkin, 'no wonder Dornishmen have such hot tempers.'

Tychus gently woke his passenger to inform her of their arrival. As they come to the docks Tychus saw that it is far from empty, an escort of dornish spearmen were there accompanied by a large man holding a six foot longaxe. Tychus knew him as Aero Hotah, House Martell's Captain of the Guards. Standing next to him was a tall, lithe man, He had a thin brow and a sharp nose, but his most distinct feature was his eyes, dark, piercing eyes. Tychus disembarked and walked towards the dark-eyed man.

"Prince Oberyn."

"Lord Tychus."

Oberyn Martell smirked, "your father has done us a great wrong so I ought to cut your head off and send it back to him."

"Funny I ought to cut his head off and sent it to you," Tychus quipped. "Regardless it's a good thing I come bearing gifts, the welcome kind to boot." Tychus stepped aside and Elia came forward with her daughter in tow.

Brother and sister embraced each other tightly after the broke apart Oberyn turned to his niece Rhaenys. Oddly the little girl was hiding behind Tychus' leg, she looked between Tychus and Oberyn uncertain.

"Go to your uncle now little one," Tychus told her. Rhaenys cautiously stepped toward Oberyn and the man gently took her hand.

"It's okay, Rhaenys," Oberyn said gently, "you're home again now." He turned to Aero, "take my sister and niece to her chambers."

The captain escorted the two away Rhaenys turned back to Tychus worried, Tychus gave her an assuring nod before she turned and followed her mother."

With Elia and Rhaenys gone, Oberyn turned to Tychus, "may I ask the fate of my nephew's murderer?"

"In hell with the new wings I gave him," Tychus said grimly. Your niece's would-be murderer accompanies him with no face."

Oberyn nodded, "thank you for that. Come Tychus, there is much my brother wished to discuss with you."

Tychus and the Fangs of Maw followed Oberyn down the winding paths of the Shadow city. Little more than a rundown town, the Shadow City was a treacherous place for those who did not know it. Many people tend to disappear in this place never to be heard from again. Finally, they reached Sunspear's triple walls. In between these walls are winding alleys, narrow markets, false paths and hidden passages. In short Sunspear and the shadow city together could be described as a giant fortified maze. To make things easier, the gates of the Triple walls are set in a perfect line. Tychus shook his head, 'someone ought to teach these people the strategic significance of off-centered gates.' All one needs to do is attack the gates and avoid the labyrinth altogether.

Passing through the three gates, the band finally reached the Old Palace. They entered the Tower of the Sun and made their way down the hallways before they came upon the doors that lead to the throne room.

Oberyn turned to Tychus, "you will come with me, your men shall be given quarters."

Tychus nodded and turned to his men, "do not cause any grievances to our hosts, any who do shall be subject to what I did to the late king." The Fangs nodded and followed the waiting servants.

The throne room of Sunspear looked better than the one in the red keep in Tychus' mind, Marble floors, leaded windows and a great domed roof. Before him, was a heightened level with two seats, one had a sun carved on it and the other had a sun. Seated on the Spear seat was a middle-aged man with a wise yet stern face, his eyes were calculating and his features hard.

Oberyn spoke first, "Tychus Lannister, may I introduce my elder brother, Doran Nymeros Martell, Lord of Sunspear and ruling Prince of Dorne."

Doran turned to the people present and gave a wave of his hand, "leave us." The court and the guards filed out without question.

Tychus bowed his head respectfully, "You wanted to see me, Prince Doran," he stated.

Doran studied Tychus before speaking, "before we begin, I want you to explain to us the events in Kings Landing, tell it all and tell it true."

Tychus nodded and began the story, his account was detailed and while he stuck with the part where he had slew King Aerys, the rest was accurate. "I was able to save Rhaenys in time," Tychus started to finish. "But by the time I reached Elia's room, there was nothing I can do for Aegon."

Doran sighed and nodded, "a part of me thinks I should have taken you up on your offer. Perhaps this could have been avoided. In any case, your family has done mine a great injustice Tychus Lannister." Doran began his voice was calm yet cold and steely, he started to say more but before he could Tychus raised a finger.

"Correction Prince Doran my father has done you a great injustice, my family just happens to have the misfortune of being stuck with him until he keels over."

"If you say so," Doran replied recovering from the unexpected interruption. "Yet here you are, Tywin's eldest son and heir with my sister and her daughter." Doran rubbed his chin, "as grateful as I am for that, one cannot help but wonder why."

Tychus simply smirked and said simply, "why not?"

The Martells looked at each other confused, "because by doing so you have defied your father and to a greater extent your own family as well as made yourself an enemy of the new king."

"What is that to me," Tychus asked his face showing no sign of concern. "If that warmongering drunkard wants to fight all he has to do is come down to Casterly Rock and start something then we'll be in a fight."

Doran studied the young man, "you are either brave or foolish if the thought of the Demon of the Trident doesn't bother you."

"You forget prince Doran, I too am a demon. I grew my horns long before Robert ever did."

"Indeed," Doran decided to ask him something, "did you kill King Aerys?"

Tychus grinned and nodded, "I did, I would have killed Rhaegar if he didn't do me the favor of getting killed by Robert Baratheon."

Doran stared up at Tychus, "So now that you're here what will you do now Tychus Lannister?" He asked the younger man, "will you continue on the path you have chosen?"

Tychus cocked his head, "and what path would that be?"

Doran's eyes darkened, "to aid us in the war to come, to make your father pay for his crimes against our family. Will you fight against your own family in order to restore House Targaryen as the rightful rulers of Westeros. Will you do this Tychus Lannister, for house Martell and your rightful monarchs." Doran's voice had become impassionate and dangerous, making a point to make the threat clear as day.

Tychus stared at Doran in utter silence for a moment his face blank the room was silent for what seemed like an hour but was really only a minute. Then to Doran's surprise Tychus started to chuckle, it was soft at first then it grew louder and more maniac, soon that chuckle turned into a cackle. It made the Martell brothers uneasy as that stared at the laughing lion in disbelief.

Tychus composed himself and straightened up. "Wow, and I thought my brother's jokes were bad," he scoffed.

Doran looked perplexed, "did I say something amusing?"

"You said much that was amusing," Tychus replied. "The idea that just because I saved Elia and Rhaenys from the clutched of my disgraceful father, makes you think I'm under some misguided obligation to you or the Targaryens is highly amusing."

"Then, by all means, let us in on the joke," Oberyn sneered, sarcastically.

"The fact that you seem more interested in power than the well-being of your family," Tychus replied with a mocking smile. "Seeking to restore the prestige of a tumbling house long bereft of glory, integrity or anything decent.

"Robert Baratheon and your father are threats to my niece's safety," Doran pointed out. "If we remove them from power than the threats end."

Tychus shook his head, "more bloodshed and for what, some stupid chair of blades. If what we know of Aerys and Rhaegar has any merit. Then putting this toddler Viserys on the throne doesn't sound like a smart idea."

"So what do suggest I do," Doran demanded, "wait here for the King's assassins to finish them off."

"I have a better idea," Tychus said with a smile. "If Robert asks for peace than accept it. If he calls for Rhaenys head than declare your independence. All will know you have a just reason to do so."

"Break off from the Seven Kingdoms?" Doran asked in disbelief. Oberyn seemed more interested in the idea.

"Why not? It's not like anyone will be able to stop you from doing so, Besides what is Robert going to do? March on Dorne? Everyone knows that invading Dorne is nothing short of suicide. "

Doran thought on it and realized Tychus had raised an interesting point. It was the dragons they joined and now the dragons were gone, save for his niece. It could be done and if they had to, perhaps House Tyrell might aid them.

"If you care so little then why would you go to such lengths to protect them?" Oberyn asked.

"Baratheon, Targaryen, give me one good reason why I should give a shit about that wretched Iron chair or who sits on it?" Tychus laughed, "Let me make something clear to both of you, I don't choose any paths, I make my own path. Saving Elia and Rhaenys just happened to be in said path, Elia is one of the few people in this wretched world that I can call a friend. I saved her because I do not abandon my friends." Tychus stepped forward. "Speaking of friends, I have a number of Targaryen loyalists in my company, they seem to be good men and I'm sure will serve your niece well if you wish."

"I don't understand you," Doran shook his head. "You kill King Aerys yet you save his granddaughter, you betray your family, yet would protect them. You hate Rhaegar, yet you save his wife, You hate the Targaryens yet you seem to be helping them at the same time."

"Your point?"

"Who's side are you on?" Doran asked incredulously.

Tychus looked at the brothers placed a hand over his heart and smiled, "Isn't it obvious? I'm on MY side, no matter what I'm always on my side." Tychus stepped forward, "Power is constantly changing like the wind. They come and they go, dragons fly high and they fall far. A rising sun must also set. For Elia's sake, I'm going to give you some advice, you will do well to take it. Forget the Iron Throne, it will bring you and your family nothing but untold misery." Tychus smiled again, "besides I don't think you want to be near that area considering what I have in store for it."

"What do you plan to do?" Oberyn wondered."

"I plan to do plenty," Tychus replied. "Now if there is nothing else, once me and my men have rested we shall ride soon."

Doran glared at him, "It seems you have me trapped' he said after a moment, "I can't kill you, nor can I make you stay. Elia would not allow me to do either of those things, so you have my leave to go. But be warned Tychus Lannister if you should prove to be an enemy of House Martell-"

"-I would not expect anything less from you," Tychus replied with a smile. "Make no mistake if Elia and Rhaenys do find themselves in trouble, I will be there. But I will not get involved in your power-grabbing schemes. I've had a hundred belly full worth of that from my father, I do not need them from you."

Doran nodded, "very well Tychus." He gave a wave of his hand and Lannister left the throne room. As Tychus sat in his chambers plotting his next move a knock came to his room. A servant came in and said a boy named Gerold Dayne wanted to see him. The boy came in with his hands behind his back

"Now why would a Dayne be so urgent to see me?"

Gerold Dayne took a deep breath and started. "I am from a cadet branch of House Dayne Lord Tychus, I stand to inherit little, so I fail to see any benefit for me by staying here."

"And how can I help you in this dilemma," Tychus asked.

"Your band is reputed to have some of the most skilled fighters in Westeros," Gerold replied. "I am young but I can handle a sword well enough."

Tychus studied the boy for a moment before he realized what the Gerold was asking. "you want to join the Fangs of Maw."

Gerold nodded, "I understand you have one that is my age, give me a chance to prove my worth to you."

"Perhaps you are capable," Tychus said unconvinced.

Also," Gerold added, "I have information you may be interested in."

Tychus cocked an eyebrow and gestured him to continue. Gerold bagen telling the Demon what he knew and what he heard surprised Tychus as he leaned forward, "and you're certain about this?"

Gerold nodded, "absolutely."

Tychus rubbed his chin and smiled, The Fangs are always looking for new recruits and if this boy is as good as his boasting then he could prove very useful indeed. "Perhaps you will be of use to us after all. But we shall see Gerold Dayne, in time we shall see." After taking the pledge, Gerold left to join the others, he and Sandor Clegane started sparring to past the time.

The next day Tychus made ready to depart supplies were gathered and swords were sharpened. Doran supplied Tychus and his men with stallions and a guide. Due to the climate, the Fangs had changed their garb for that worn by dornish soldiers. Rhaenys was in tears and begged him to stay. Tychus gave the little girl a small smile. "I fear I must leave for now little bird," he said.

"Will I ever see you again?" she asked.

"Of course," Tychus said readily, "I will come and visit time and again."

"Promise?"

Tychus nodded "of course," the girl shocked him by wrapping him in a hug. 'I will never get used to this,' he thought as he gingerly patted her head.

Elia was the next to say farewell, "so where will you go now?" She asked., you can't go home and you won't stay here."

Tychus shrugged, "Now El that would be telling, but with any luck, Forward."

Elia laughed lightheartedly and Tychus received his second big shock when she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. The act made him blush furiously, "You're a good man Tychus, I hope one day you know that."

With that, Elia turned and as mother and child, headed back towards the palace. once they were out of earshot, Tychus smirked, "I'm not that good." Tychus then mounted his steed, the Fangs of Maw did the same and they began their ride west.

"So what is our next course?" Gerold Dayne asked as they rode.

"We have business at the Tower of Joy," Tychus said darkly.