JUSTICE
PART 1. TRIAL
Petyr Baelish, he had played the game so well and now it was all going to hell. He hated feeling trapped and helpless. Tytos Lannister had gotten the upper hand on him. Told him that he owned Petyr and what could he do. It was Brandon Stark all over again, when he was laid open on his back bleeding. Only this time there would be no one to plead for him. Now Tytos commanded him to resign his commission as Master of Coin. He was to head for the Eyrie and marry Lysa Arryn. The worst part was that he could not touch her or Tytos threatened to reveal his secrets to the King.
His servants packed his things. He left the running of his whorehouses in the Capital to the new girl Ros. She was from the North and came just before Lord Stark. When he came to the docks, he was waiting for him, with Lord Varys. "Petyr." Tytos smugly called him. He didn't even call him Lord.
"Yes…My Lord."
"This is Harold and this is Benard…You will convince your lovely new bride to make Harold chief Steward and Benard Castellan…They are my eyes and ears. If anything happens to them Petyr an accident will befall Lysa Arryn and evidence will be found pointing to you. And then you…well I don't have to say it. Do I Petyr?"
"No My Lord you do not…"
"Good man…I will send gifts for your wedding day. Write me as soon as you are man and wife. And Petyr."
"Yes my Lord."
"Do remain faithful to your wife. No whores or other women."
"Yes my Lord." They board the ship and it sets sail. As they travel Petyr has to eat with Harold and Benard. He also tries to come up with a way to get the upper hand on Tytos Lannister.
As if he knew what he was thinking Benard speaks up, "If you are thinking about telling that crazy harpy about Lord Tytos and us, don't. She is unpredictable…If she asks about why your plans changed lie…And just so you know Harold and I aren't the only eyes Lord Tytos has in the Eyrie…"
They sail to Gulltown and then travel by land to the Eyrie. When he arrives Petyr is smothered with kisses by Lysa. Then they meet in private. "What happened in King's Landing…I am hearing all kinds of things?"
"Well I had to change my plans because, the King caught the Queen."
"So Cersei's filthy little secret is out. If only we could have exposed that whore." She kisses him again, "So your message said that you wanted to get married as soon as possible."
He nods, "I do." Ravens are sent out and the Lords of the Vale arrive to be at the wedding. As promised Tytos' gift arrives. A falcon for Robin, a golden statue of a fish leaping and mocking bird flying by it for Lysa, and finally a Valyrian sword for Petyr. The wedding happens in the main hall after Harold and Benard are given new positions in the castle.
Petyr asks to speak with Yohn Royce in private. "My Lord I need to speak with you."
"Is this about the new business venture with Lord Tytos Lannister."
"Business venture? Oh yes the business venture."
"I know Lord Tytos asked us not to discuss it, but I am sure as Lord Protector of the Vale you got a larger percentage than the rest of us."
"I can't discuss it…I do not want Lord Tytos to find out."
"Yes…yes…Still I'd sure like to know how he figured out the secret to making glass."
Petyr wanted to be sick. Every Maester, Lord, businessman, and merchant from Westeros to Essos wanted to know that secret. The Lords of Myr kept that secret close to their chest and Tytos Lannister somehow knew it. Not only that he is building a factory to make the glass in the Eyrie and all the Lords of the Vale had a stake in the new business venture. Tytos had secured their loyalty and gratitude to him. Now there was no chance he could charm the Lords and free himself from him.
"How did your meeting with Lord Royce go?" Harold asks.
"What is this about a glass factory? Does he really know the secret?"
"Yes he does…" Harold replies and walks away.
CERSEI
She wanted to kill herself, but all things she could use to do that had been removed from her room. All her requests had been denied; she asked to see her children, to see Jaime, and even to speak with the King. She wanted to tell him off before whatever happened would happen. The only visitor she got was her Aunt Genna. She was given food three times a day, but no wine, only juice or water. That day she was caught Jaime wanted sex and she said no, but gave in. If she initiated he would give in or vice versa. They had always been weak when it came to each other. Tytos, Tyrion's bastard had known and he knew when they would seek each other out.
It is a Thursday and after they bought her food, the servants came in with fresh clothes, water, and towels. As usual they said nothing. When Cersei was dressed two Baratheon guards entered. "Its time my Lady." No longer was she referred to as Your Grace, Higness, or Majesty. Robert had their marriage annulled and the children stripped of their titles and the Baratheon name.
When she arrives in the throne room, Catelyn and Sansa Stark are present, along with Ser Rodrik Cassel. Her Aunt Genna, her father Tywin, and Ser Gregor Clegane. Tyrion is present sitting with his son Tytos; Jaime is present as well, he is in chains standing off to the side with guards. She mouths I love you and he the same. "His Grace Robert of House Baretheon…King of the Andels and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm…"
Robert enters and sits on the Iron Throne. "Prince Renly of House Baratheon…Master of Laws, Lord of Storm's End. Lord Eddard Stark, Hand of the King, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. High Septon Dyllard, will sit in judgement."
After everyone is seated Renly stands up, "Cersei Lannister…Former Queen of the Seven Kingdoms…You are charged with treason against his Grace King Robert of House Baratheon, First of his name, King of the Andels and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm. You did knowingly carry on an incestuous relationship with your brother Jaime Lannister…Former Knight and member of the King's Guard. You were caught in the act by the King, myself, Lord Eddard Stark, Tytos Lannister, and Ser Barristan Selmy…Before witnesses are called…Do you wish to make a statement?"
"I do… It is true that before my marriage to King Robert. I had a relationship with my brother Jaime. And as any young maid born of nobility I dreamed of marrying a Prince and becoming Queen one day. I was promised to Prince Rhaegar Targaryen…until the Mad King broke the betrothal. Then Robert Baratheon the Usurper overthrew the Targaryens. To solidify his power he married me. When I married King Robert he was young, strong as an ox…A great warrior. I swore I would never be with my brother again. I would love the King and be his Queen. To give him sons and daughters. On our Wedding day he was drunk and when he took me to the bed chamber he called me by another woman's name…Lyanna he called me…
In the first year of our marriage…I was found with child. His child, but the baby did not live. And my good husband did not console me…He sought comfort with whores and maid servants. So I ask, who committed treason first. No one will speak of how the brave King Robert sleeps with whores…No one speaks of how any man breaks their wedding vows and gets a free pass…
Even the great honorable Eddard Stark, could not remain faithful to his vows and his wife. But the King's treason to his Queen will not be acknowledged or taken into consideration. And I like many women throughout the world, I just have to take it, We are bought, sold, married, off for power, glory." She looks at her father, "Legacy! And gods forbid a woman try to find love and pleasure…Did I commit treason yes…Did my husband commit treason…Yes…Will he be put on trial? No!" She looks at Catelyn Stark.
"Lady Stark…I am truly sorry for what happened to your son…But I ask you. Let your daughter marry for love…No matter where she finds it. Don't saddle her to a husband to expand the power of House Stark or for friendship…Let her find her own way and love…" She looks at Tywin, "I know you hate me father and you think I disgraced House Lannister…I ask you father. Allow my daughter to find love."
She looks at Renly, Eddard, and the High Septon, "By the law of gods and men I have the right to ask for a trial by combat…I ask it now and name Ser Gregor Clegane my champion, if any would dare to face him."
Renly looks at his brother and he nods, "Ser Gregor Clegane. Will you Champion Lady Cersei Lannister."
He stands up, "I will Champion the Lady."
"Who will Champion his Grace the King?"
Tytos stands up and as he does, Tyrion grabs his hand and shakes his head. Cersei smiles as he leans down and whispers to Tyrion. "I will champion the King." He says standing straight.
"At high on tomorrow Ser Gregor Clegane will Champion Lady Cersei Lannister against Lord Tytos Lannister in a trial by combat."
As they take Cersei and Jaime away, Tywin walks up to the King. "Your Grace a word in private please."
"Yes Lord Tywin. What is it?"
"I thought we agreed to have someone who would fail against the Mountain."
"That little shit told me that if I chose anyone else he would pull the loan. What was I to do?"
"Fine I will pay the loan. Now chose someone else."
"Do you think the Iron Bank would cross Tytos Lannister. He has been doing business with them for most of his life. How many times has House Lannister done business with you?"
PART 2. RECKONING
CERSEI
She sat at her desk writing letters to her children. Then she ate, read for a little while and went to bed. Sleep did not come easy for her. The Mountain had never been defeated in single combat or battle. But she wondered and part of her doubted. Tytos did defeat Jaime, but he was the greatest swordsman in the Seven Kingdoms. No Tytos had cheated by kicking Jaime in the groin. Jaime would have killed him. She was sure of that. Yes, Ser Gregor would win and kill that bastard.
Eventually she falls asleep. She awakes and gets dressed, the servants bring her food. She picks at and then paces back and forth. The hours go by slowly. Then the bells ring for midday and the Guard comes to fetch her. They walk her down the hall, then the steps through the foyer. They walk down another hallway and into the training yard. Everyone who was at court is present. Tywin surprises her walking up to Cersei.
He huffs, "I am sorry…My arrogance bought this upon all of us…I am also sorry that I wasn't a better father to you. You look so much like your mother that I couldn't…I couldn't deal with you at times…Forgive me."
She tears up, "Father!" They hug.
"I hope Ser Gregor wins…"
"And then we will kill that bastard."
"Yes we will that bastard…Lannisters always pay their debts."
Tywin returns to his sister, as the High Septon comes forward. "By the will of the gods! We come to bare witness to this trial by combat. Ser Gregor Clegane…will champion Cersei of House Lannister. Lord Tytos Lannister, the Lion of the East, will champion the crown. May the gods grant justice."
When he steps out of the arena. The two fighters get ready, "Begin!" The High Septon yells.
Tytos initiate the combat, He raises his left sword and throws it. As it flies across the arena Tytos runs behind it. Ser Gregor armed with the King's Valyrian sword Fury bats the sword away. Then he swings for Tytos' neck hoping to remove his head. At the last minute Tytos slides on his feet leaning back and hits the ground. He draws his legs in and then with both feet his aim is true as he hits Gregor's knee. There is a sickening crack as his leg bends backwards.
The Mountain roars falling forward to all fours, he uses his left hand to prop himself up. As he breaths heavy Gregor swings his sword, but Tytos rolls out of the way. "No!" Cersei screams. "Ser Gregor get up!"
Tytos gets to his feet and walks around Gregor out of the range of his sword. He walks around the Mountain twice and stops at the back. Then he runs and leaps with his knees out and lands on Gregor's back. He hits the ground face first There is too much pain to fight back. "No!" Cersei screams again as Tytos raises his sword, Lion's roar and stabs him in the head through his helm. His body convulses on the ground, his bowels spill and his urine runs, then he is still as his blood pools around his head.
Everyone stares in awe as Tytos walks to where his sword Dragon's Fang had fallen. Suddenly a man leaps out from behind the guards with a dagger. Tytos drops to his right knee and with his left sword he cuts off the man's hands, then he opens his stomach. As the assassin falls to the ground dead Tytos walks up to Tywin.
"Nice try old man. I will be seeing you soon."
"Sooner than you think."
Cersei is taken away. Women undress her and place her in a plain white one-piece cotton dress. Then they cut her long hair and she is made to sit and wait. The door opens and she takes a breath. "Mother!" Myrcella and Tommen scream at the same time running up to her. Eddard Stark is with them.
"My children, my sweet babies."
"Mother is it true?" Myrcella asks.
She looks at Eddard Stark and he shakes his head, "Is what true?"
"I heard…They say that Uncle Jaime is our father. And that you betrayed…You betrayed the King. Is it true?"
She sighs grabbing them both, "I am sorry my darlings…Yes its all true. Jaime is your father."
"I don't care!" Tommen says.
Myrcella grabs her mother and starts crying, "Why did they cut your hair?" She finally asks.
"I am going away…Like grandmother."
"No I won't let you!"
She pulls back from them and looks them in the eyes, "What are we?"
"Lions…" Tommen sadly says.
Myrcella nods, "Lions."
"Lions don't cry. Lions are strong and brave…They fear nothing…Be lions my little ones."
"Yes Mother." Tommen says.
"Yes Mother." Myrcella also says.
"I'm sorry they have to go now."
Cersei looks at him, "Please a little longer."
He sighs, "I am going against the King's Command here."
Her lips tremble and tears fall down her face, "Thank you Lord Stark."
"You are welcome. Come children."
"No!" They say at the same time grabbing her tightly.
"Go with Lord Stark and remember who you are." As they walk away she wipes her eyes, "Lord Stark…" She calls. He looks at her, "Joffrey?"
"Already being taken to the docks with your brother."
She nods, "Thank you." Not long after Tywin and Genna show up. "Father! Aunt Genna…I am so sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry for." Genna says.
"This is my fault…" Tywin says, "I should have…I don't know. I hate regrets."
"Can have a hug from my father?" He nods and they hug, "Please protect my children from that man."
"I will." Tywin promises.
As Genna hugs Cersei, a Guard comes in, "I am sorry my Lord…My Lady it is time."
They follow silently as Cersei is led to the execution block. To her surprise Robert is there as well, "What you said in the Throne room was true…I have always been a weak man when it comes to women. I thought…I thought Lyanna was enough…I thought you would be enough…You were and still are so beautiful…I should have been there when our son died. And I thought. I thought he would bring us closer together…I…I didn't try hard enough to be a good husband…I hope you can forgive me…"
She kisses him on the cheek, "Thank you for saying that."
They lead her onto the stage, "Cersei Lannister former Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. On this day in the reign of his grace. King Robert Baratheon. You have been found guilty of treason by trial of combat. Your Champion Ser Gregor Clegane having fallen to the sword of Tytos Lannister Champion of the Crown…You are sentenced to die by beheading."
"Wait!" The King says. "Cersei Lannister…I…I pardon you for the crime of treason." Those gathered are shocked.
Cersei falls to her knees crying, "Thank you…Thank you…Thank you…"
"Fuck that bastard…If he wants to take back the loan so be it."
TYWIN
With a smile on his face and five hundred gold cloaks and five hundred Baratheon men at his back. Tywin marches through the streets to Tytos' mansion. "Who are you?"
"My name Arno Thad I am a citizen of the realm my lord…I deal with the sale and acquisition of property."
"Where is that bastard who dares to claim himself a Lannister?"
"Lord Tytos? He left right after the trial by combat. I was engaged days ago to sell his mansion…"
JAIME
In chains both Jaime and Joffrey are loaded onto a ship. "Jaime!" Cersei screams running towards the plank with four Baratheon guards.
He stops and looks back, "Cersei!" They hug and kiss.
"I thought you were dead by now."
"He changed his mind. Robert…Robert he pardoned me."
They hug and kiss again, "Unless you are coming with us, I would back up ma'am we don't want to miss the tide."
She looks at Joffrey, "My son…"
He sneers at her, "This is all your fault…whore…I never want to see you again."
"Joffrey!" That is when Jaime strikes him sending him to the floor. "Jaime!"
"Apologize to your mother you spoiled little brat. Do it now or you'll get more of the same!"
"I'm sorry mother." He says.
Cersei watches from the dock as the ship pulls away. Suddenly she feels a sharp pain on her foot. "Ouch!"
"Are you alright my Lady?"
"I…I…" She feints, but the guard is able to catch her.
"My Lady are you alright?" He asks holding her in his arms. She starts convulsing in his arms and foaming at the mouth. There had been an assassin under the dock who stuck her with a poison needle; the needle slipped in between the boards.
