Chapter 34 - The 21st day of December, 298 years after Aegon's Conquest
The camp was large, home to fifteen or twenty thousand men, depending on how many might have been off raiding, scouting or foraging at that time. The tents sprawled over several hectares. The Lannister footsoldiers eyed the newcomers curiously. Few words were exchanged. Some did a doubletake examining the green men at the rear of the procession, however. Three of the green 'men' were women. Here and there, soldiers elbowed their fellows and pointed, open mouthed.
After a couple of minutes they stood before what might have been the largest tent in the camp, a monstrosity of gold and red half a hundred feet across and twenty feet high. A guard pulled back a lion-embroidered partition and Ser Kevan led them inside.
Tywin Lannister was seated at the head of an ornate wooden table, wearing his crimson armor, a pair of golden lions on his shoulders. Bald and whiskered, he looked as tall, lean and hard as ever. Beside him were several other Westerlands lords, most of whom Ser Barristan had no trouble recognizing. There was Leo Lefford of the Golden Tooth, Lewys Lydden of Deep Den and Lucius Serrett of Silverhill. Sers Harys Swyft, Flement Brax and Amory Lorch were also present. A tankard of ale and some loaves of bread sat in the center of the table. Several seats on the nearer side were empty, presumably for the use of guests.
Ser Barristan gave Lord Tywin a small nod. "My lord" he said curtly.
"Ser Barristan" the Lord Paramount of the Westerlands said. "It has been a while, but a pleasant surprise to see you. May I ask after your companions?"
Dutton, Fifield and a couple of others entered the room, dressed in almost identical black suits with matching blue or red ties. The green men waited outside, silently forming a line in front of the tent opposite. The Lannister guards clutched their spears, eyeing their counterparts and trying not to look at all perturbed. Ser Barristan turned to the Australians, trying to remember all the introductions.
"This is Peter Dutton, a member of the Small Council of the Commonwealth of Australia, Alexander Downer and Mitch Fifield, both former members of the Council, and Julian Burnside, a prominent legal advocate."
Tywin turned to the visitors.
"How shall we address you?"
Dutton gave a similar nod that was probably the closest the man would get to a bow. "You may call me 'minister' or Mr. Dutton, my lord, the same for my colleagues, Mr. Downer and Mr. Fifield."
"I'm just Mr. Burnside" said the silver haired, bespectacled legal advocate. "Or Julian if you prefer, my lord."
"Very well…minister. Please take a seat. Most of us have just broken our fast, but we can share some bread and beer with you."
"We thank you, my lord."
Ser Kevan sat down in the seat just to the right of Tywin. Ser Barristan and the Australians took the next empty seats in turn. Bread was shared and glasses of ale poured. The Australians took a few token bites and sips. Ser Barristan found himself taking a deeper swill. He had found the Australians had an abundance of alcohol, but he had not dared to drink when on duty. Tywin did not take his eyes off the guests. After a minute Dutton spoke.
"I thank you for your hospitality my lord. I believe we have much to discuss."
"Indeed. I must start by asking where you have come from, especially regarding Ser Barristan."
"I have come from Robert's side, in the city of Melbourne, on the far side of the Maidenring."
Tywin glanced at his brother, who gave a tiny nod. "We have heard much of this…Ring. Many ravens were sent to us from King's Landing and elsewhere. I had half a mind to go myself and view this most curious apparition, before the news of my son reached me."
"It is a most queer thing" Ser Barristan granted. "But all I can say is that it most certainty exists. A great Ring, a thousand yards across, in the hills over Blackwater Bay, just south of Rosby. On the other side there is an entirely new world, its people not of Planetos." Ser Barristan gestured at the Australians.
"Then how did this Ring appear? I have never heard of such a thing, nor has any other man I have consulted on the matter. Even in myth and legend, we find no refence to…giant magic rings."
"I understand, my lord" replied Dutton. "It is a great mystery, even to us. We did not create it, nor would we have the knowledge to do so. How our two worlds have been linked, and why, is currently unknown to us. We have many theories. A god? A wizard perhaps? Or a people, an alien race from another world maybe, greater in power than either of us? All we know for certain is that it does exist, and as long as it does, we are neighbors, as I explained to the court at King's Landing on our first meeting."
There was some further discussion of the Maidenring. Ser Barristan realized after a time that he seemed to be the only one calling it that. No one else was using any prefix before 'Ring'. The talk soon turned back to the situation in Westeros.
"A mystery then, something the archmaesters will not doubt wish to study" Lord Tywin seemed to conclude after a while. "Then I must ask, as neighbors, what is it you have come here to discuss?"
Dutton and Fifield shared a glance.
"Peace" said the latter. "The Ring has been open for over three months. When we arrived, Westeros was at peace. We made contact with King Robert Baratheon and his court. We tried to explain the situation. Obviously there was some confusion, but our contact was peaceful. Opportunities for fruitful trade between Australia and Westeros were discussed.
King Robert sent his brother Renly through to our world as an ambassador. We showed him a great deal. I do not think I exaggerate when I say he was most impressed. There is much I believe our people could teach yours, though we are also very curious about your world in turn. He was shortly to return to Westeros, so that we could sign a formal treaty of mutual friendship and fair trade, when we got word that Robert had been injured while hunting in the Kingswood."
"We heard of this incident" Ser Kevan spoke up, after glancing at his brother. "We were told that Robert's injuries were surely fatal."
"With respect ser, that is not the truth" Ser Barristan replied. "I saw the king suffer his wound myself, and did not leave his side for a long while after. It is true the wound was very serious. I doubt any maester could have saved him. But the Australians have very talented healers. Some of their men accompanied us on the hunt. When they saw what had befallen the king, they told their Prime Minister. He spoke with Renly, and they agreed taking him to Melbourne was his best chance of survival. The Prime Minister sent a flying machine to our aid. I went with the king myself. We flew through the Maidenring to their uh…hospital, where they operated on him. His recovery has been long, but he is regaining his strength. He will soon be ready to return."
Kevan and Tywin again exchanged a glance.
"My own son, Lancel Lannister, was present as well. He wrote to us shortly after, testifying that the king was not merely injured, but died. His breathing stopped, as did his heartbeat. He bled out profusely and his eyes closed. Ser Preston Greenfield testified to the same. Grand Maester Pycelle agreed."
"The Grand Maester never got near the king" Ser Barristan replied. "Ser Preston is a Westerlands knight. He is a capable fighter yes, and not a man I have known to be dishonest, but very much under the queen's influence I believe. He will say whatever he is instructed to say. As for Lancel…I know this may be hard for you to believe, ser Kevan, but I fear your son has not been innocent in this whole affair."
"What do you mean ser?"
"I have escorted Robert on the hunt many times. I have seen him skewer a hundred boars and other beasts. I have never seen him miss his thrust. On that day, Lancel was acting as his squire of course. He brought with him many wineskins. He ensured the king stayed…very well refreshed. Indeed, I believe by Robert's state, the wine was especially fortified."
Ser Kevan blinked. Beside him, Tywin's face showed no emotion.
"What is your accusation exactly? You accuse my son of offering the king…refreshment?"
"To the point that he would miss his thrust, yes."
There was a moment of silence at this statement.
"You dare…" Kevan started.
"How long have we known each other ser?" Barristan said sharply. Suddenly, he felt anger. "I have served under four kings ser. I remember when we fought together in the stepstones, when you were a mere squire" he turned his gaze to Tywin. "You saw me slay Maelys yourself my lord. You sent me into Duskendale to rescue the king. I fought on the Trident, while you bided your time in the west. I do not pretend we are the best of friends my lord, but have you ever known me for a liar? Or a fool?"
Tywin frowned, but did not reply. Kevan was red-faced with anger but held his tongue also.
"So yes, I dare. I believe Lancel intended harm to come to the king, a king I have sworn to protect. It may not have been poison he served Robert, but his actions had the same result. I do not believe he did all this by himself of course, he is just a boy, after all. I believe he acted on the queen's orders."
Another pause, then Tywin spoke.
"You accuse my own daughter of this? Why would she do such a thing?"
Ser Barristan frowned now. He glanced at the Australians.
"I want to assure you Lord Tywin, it was never the intention of our people to wade into internal Westerosi politics" Fifield began. "We came here to make friends, not enemies. When we heard Robert had been injured, we assumed it to be a simple accident. In deciding to help him, I do not deny a certain selfishness on our part. To save the king's life…surely he would be grateful? Surely this would prove our benevolence to all the Westerosi?
But it seems, in saving his life, we foiled an assassination attempt instead, and that is how we made enemies. The queen, whom I spoke to a number of times, has since begun telling, quite frankly, disgusting lies about us. I want to assure you; we do not practice necromancy. We know of no way to bring a man back from he dead. Through threats or lies or bribes, the queen has rallied others against us, and so we find ourselves in our present troubles."
"That has not answered the question" Tywin said calmly. "Perhaps you believe in this…conspiracy, Ser Barristan. It is true, I have never known you for a liar, but what proof is there? How can you be sure it was not a mere accident? A squire overly enthusiastic in his duties?"
"The king's marriage was never a particularly happy one. I do not think that is a great secret" Ser Barristan replied. Even as he said it, he knew it sounded weak. Careful now.
Dutton saved him.
"We could speculate further on the queen's motives. Robert fathered many bastard children, I am aware. Perhaps she also thought he would intervene in the recent hostilities between you and houses Tully and Stark. Regardless, Robert believes it to be true. He was greatly wroth when he awoke from his surgery. He vowed vengeance against the queen, and house Lannister, especially after the death of his friend Eddard Stark. His intentions on his return…" he looked at Ser Barristan, who nodded.
"The king has declared he no longer has any trust in house Lannister. He has vowed to disinherit Joffrey and the others. He intends to take a new wife. I believe it will be Margaery Tyrell."
Tywin absorbed all this, his face unmoving.
"And what of my daughter, and my grandchildren?"
Ser Barristan glanced at Dutton.
"The queen…I have talked to Robert at length on these matters. It took some time to talk him down. She must go into exile, beyond the borders of the seven kingdoms. The children as well, though perhaps they can return to Casterly Rock instead. As it appears you had no part in this plot, you may remain in your position as Lord Paramount of the Westerlands. I understand it was long your ambition to marry into the crown. This must come as a great disappointment to you, but the domains of House Lannister will otherwise remain intact."
"What of my son?" asked Ser Kevan.
Dutton frowned. "I have not discussed Lancel Lannister directly with Robert. A trial may be in order. Even if found guilty perhaps he could be, as you say, sent to the Wall."
Tywin was fixing the Australian minister with a withering glare. To his credit, Dutton didn't blink.
"I think you tell a lie" Tywin said simply. "Robert would never agree to such terms."
"King Robert is our guest" Dutton countered. "And we did, you may recall, save his life."
"So these are not his terms" Tywin concluded. "These are merely what you hope he will agree to. You cannot guarantee any of this."
"If it is necessary to bring peace, we will guarantee the physical safety of the queen and her children, and a fair trial for Lancel Lannister" he added, glancing at Kevan. "Here is what we propose. We promise to restrain Robert from any further action against your house, including the stripping of your domains or any threats to your lives. In return, we ask you to end this incursion against the Riverlands.
We have been observing your actions from the air every day since you marched out of Lannisport. We have seen the burned villages, the people slaughtered, women raped. We do not consider these the actions of civilized men. We ask that you turn around and march your army home. Robert will marry his new queen. Peace will return to Westeros. We will trade with any honorable and civilized people, including the sale of our flying machines, as we have already proven with Lord Renly. With our assistance, you will find your standard of living can be dramatically improved. The seven kingdoms can become greater and richer than at any time in their long history and all will prosper."
"And if I decline?" Tywin asked.
"Lords Renly and Stannis are marshaling troops in their brother's name. The Reach has declared for them as well. Robb Stark marches south with all the strength of the North, seeking vengeance for his father. You have already made enemies in the Riverlands. A vast alliance is aligned against you.
If we are unable to mediate a just resolution to this dispute, we see no compulsion to restrain them from further actions against your house. From what we can see, their grievances against you are quite valid. Most likely, King's Landing will fall first. If they remain there, the queen and her children will all be in grave danger. In time, Robert's supporters may march on the Westerlands, and your house will face total ruin."
"We did not march on the Riverlands out of any dispute with Robert. My son was taken from me" Tywin retorted.
"We are aware of this" Alexander Downer offered. "We acknowledge that more than one grievance may have started this war. However, from what we have heard, Catelyn Stark no longer has Tyrion in her custody."
"Yes, we heard the same" Kevan replied, when his brother remained silent. "There was a trial by combat at the Eyrie. An illegal trial, to be sure. Tyrion was given no time to summon his own champion, otherwise Jaime would have ridden to fight for him. Nonetheless, we heard he won. Whatever charges may have been brought against him, he has been proven innocent before gods and men."
The advocate, Julian Burnside, spoke up at this point. "Trial by combat is…not something we have practiced in our world for some centuries, but we understand if that is the Westerosi custom. Indeed, if we both accept he has been found innocent and released from the custody of Lady Catelyn, then it would seem the dispute is over. What need is there for further violence?"
"Over?" Tywin said, a note of surprise mixing with the anger in his voice. "If it is over, then where is my son? I do not see him present, and where is the justice for those who wrongly seized him?"
"As far as we are aware, after the trial, he and his champion were released from the Eyrie" said Downer. "They headed west down the High Road."
"That road is swarming with savages" Kevan pointed out. "The mountain clansmen. Most likely they murdered him for his boots. You paint us as villains, yet Lady Catelyn seized Tyrion without any just cause, gave him a false trial and then, when found innocent, he was still sent to his death anyway. Do you call this justice in Australia?"
"We acknowledge that her actions may have been unwise, and perhaps regrettable" replied Downer. "As an act of friendship, we would be willing to send planes to scout along the High Road. If we can find your son, we would be all too happy to return him to you."
Tywin's top lip curled up a little, but he otherwise remained silent at this promise. Dutton spoke up at that point.
"When you talk of justice Lord Tywin. I would note that Eddard Stark died, quite treacherously, at the Red Keep at the hands of the queen's soldiers. They then attempted to attack us. Fortunately, our own soldiers have very powerful weapons. Our people have more than just flying machines. They were able to survive this attempted ambush. The queen may have told you a different story, that we were the aggressors, but this is false. If we wanted to take the Red Keep by force, we could, I assure you.
Despite this provocation, we have taken no further action against your family, and we even departed King's Landing, withdrawing our embassies so as to try and avoid further bloodshed. But please do not mistake our restraint for weakness. We hope to put this all down to a misunderstanding and resume peaceful relations in time. By my count though, after recent events, we have one dead Stark, and one possibly one Lannister. If your argument is an eye for an eye, surely the deed is already done?"
"If a Lannister was not worth ten Starks" piped up Ser Amory Lorch, before Tywin shot the knight a withering glare. He turned back to the Australians.
"I would welcome the return of my son, of course. Whatever events transpired in King's Landing…I intend to find out the truth in due course. But if we march home now, I am leaving my daughter and all her children, not to mention my nephew and others of my kin, to fend for themselves. We will be relying on your promises. You, whom we have just met. It is not just my daughter who has been telling us disturbing stories."
"I understand that trust of us does not come easy" started Fifield. "We did not start this war, nor intend to become entangled in it, but here we are, trying to restore the peace. We have not come to threaten you, we seek to mediate these disputes. In truth, I think you would do well to listen to us. I think you are marching into a war you cannot win. What I would urge you to do is to send word to your daughter. We will even fly you to her side if you wish, at your convenience, so you do not have to take our word for it.
We ask you to tell her to leave the capital, while there is still time. She can take all the retainers and guards she wants, and all your family members. They can head west to safety. We will watch to make sure no one interferes. If you take this action now, House Lannister can stay intact. You can keep Casterly Rock and all its attendant lands. But if you press the issue, you could lose everything. The further you delay the more your position deteriorates."
Tywin was listening to this advice in silence. "The Rock has never fallen by storm" he said bluntly. "Not in thousands of years. I do not fear that outcome. It is larger than any castle in Westeros, even Harrenhal. It can be resupplied by sea as long as necessary. A hundred thousand men could besiege it, and they would break upon it. A lion does not fear wolves or stags or roses."
Tywin's eyes flicked upwards as he spoke. Outside, the dull roar of the hovering formation of helicopters was still clearly audible.
"Your…flying machines, and your soldiers, they do appear formidable. Aegon the Conqueror took most of Westeros with three dragons. Our ancestors bowed down to him it is true, but I notice you have not threatened me with your own intervention. This is curious. If you are so powerful, why this pretense of preferring one monarch over another. Why not just seize it all for yourself?"
Fifield made a sound that could have been a sigh. "I had this conversation with the queen before. Perhaps she made mention of it?" When Tywin did not reply, he continued. "Our people were once like yours. We fought wars all the time, over whatever petty disputes there were to hand…"
He went on at some length. The other Australians added their own points. "So no, our people no longer believe in aggressive conquest. It is a practice that has been all but eliminated on our world" concluded Mr. Burnside towards the end. "There are many past atrocities that we regret, but we consider ourselves past this time. If a man wants something, he should work to earn it, or trade for it peacefully. That is the lesson we have learned."
Finally Tywin responded.
"So you pay the gold price, never the iron?"
"I am not familiar with this expression" the advocate glanced at Ser Barristan.
"You will trade for something, not take it by force" the old knight explained quickly.
"Then yes, we pay the gold."
Tywin's lip curled again. It was a rather unnerving thing to behold.
"We may not be conquerors, but that does not make us pacifists" Dutton added. "For trade to occur, there must first be peace. Whoever makes the greatest contribution to bringing about that peace, they will have our favor. They will be first in line to benefit from our…partnership. Already, I should mention, we have sent an embassy to the Republic of Braavos and started such a relationship. We intend to do the same in Pentos soon, and perhaps other places.
From what we have seen however, most of the other cities in Essos still practice slavery. This, really, we cannot accept. We will not trade with those who hold others in bondage. Likewise, those who wage or prolong a needless war, who cause wanton destruction, who commit atrocities without rhyme or reason to them, we will not look upon them favorably either."
"It is not my intention to prolong anything" Tywin replied. Ser Barristan heard an unwelcome note of triumph in his voice, as if he had come to some decision. "When a lion hunts its prey, we go straight for the throat. You say you are here to mediate an end to this conflict. You have proposed terms, such as they are. Allow me to return the favor.
Whatever suspicions you may have ser Barristan, I remain unconvinced of this story of a conspiracy against the king. I think he drank too much wine and nearly died on a hunt and now seeks to blame others for his folly. I also think Lady Catelyn's son lost his footing and fell from a tower and she has gone mad with grief as a result.
Wherever happened to Robert, he has been absent from Westeros for months. I consider that tantamount to abdication. The Iron Throne cannot remain vacant. In his absence, my grandson rules. He has been crowned by the High Septon himself. If Robert wants his crown back, he is welcome to try and take it. I would brand him a mere outlaw, and all those who follow him in rebellion against the true king.
As for you men, and your Australia, I do not quite understand your place in all this. Certainly your flying machines appear formidable. If you intend to come through this Ring and conquer Westeros, as Aegon did, then perhaps we will all bow down before you in time. But if not, if you are not here to pay the iron price, then I hardly find myself deterred. For all your power, you do not seem to possess any proof of what you claim. I wonder if you have been misled, by charlatans with a vendetta against House Lannister. Many have long been jealous of our power.
So I would say I have no quarrel with you at present. Indeed, I thank you for your overture. Much is now clear to me. If my daughter has acted…rashly, and earned your enmity in some form, that is regrettable, perhaps in time we can make amends. But know that I intend to defend my grandson's throne and my family's legacy. If you intend to intervene and put that drunken oaf Robert back on it instead, then you are welcome to do so, though you are mistaken if you think this would be for the good of the realm. Otherwise, I see no reason for the lion to return home with its tail between its legs."