Varys had escorted Tyrion through a secret tunnel that led out of the castle. They emerged beside the Blackwater, where Tyrion had won his famous victory against Stannis. A ship was waiting for them, crewed by otters from Mossflower.

The captain, Starwort, called to Varys. "Ahoy, Varys matey. Who's this cove? I thought you were the only passenger."

"There's been a slight change of plans," Varys said. "This is Tyrion Lannister. He's coming along too."

Starwort squinted. "What sort of animal is he?"

"I'm a human being, just like Varys," said Tyrion.

"Really?" said the otter. "I always thought humans were taller than that. Well, welcome aboard the good ship Waterlily."

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They had sailed up the Blackwater and were out on the open ocean now. A crew of two dozen otters hauled the single square sail to catch the mild breeze, singing lustily as they heaved on the ropes.

Tyrion stood at the rail, watching the city of King's Landing recede in the distance. Varys came over and stood beside him.

"Where are we sailing?" Tyrion asked. "Bravos? Tyrosh? Myr?"

Varys smiled. "Farther than that."

"I've killed my father," Tyrion said, in the same tone a man might use to say, "I've stubbed my toe."

All Varys had to say about that was, "Hmm, Joffrey's going to need a new Hand now."

"Maybe I shouldn't have done it," Tyrion said. "My father was a vile man, but now I'm a kinslayer. That's even worse than being a kingslayer."

The eunuch's eyes glittered like gemstones. "There are those in Westeros who would say that killing Lord Lannister was merely a good beginning."

Tyrion shook his head. "With Tywin dead, Joffrey will drive the realm into ruin."

"On the contrary," said Varys. "Joffrey is the only person who can unite all the people of the seven kingdoms… because he'll be such an awful ruler that they'll unite against him." He tittered. "And then they'll be looking for a savior."

"They may look, but if all they find is Stannis…"

"Not Stannis. Another. A savior come from across the sea to bind up the wounds of poor, bleeding Westeros."

"Fine words." Tyrion was unimpressed. "Words are wind. Who is this bloody savior?"

"A dragon," said Varys. "A dragon with three heads."

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Bertram was running blindly through the snow, not knowing where he was going. He tripped and fell on his face.

When he looked up, he was staring into the cold blue eyes of a White Walker! He screamed. He scrambled back to his feet and tried to run away, but more White Walkers were approaching from behind him. Bertram shut his eyes.

"Hello, Stewie Griffin," a voice said. "I've been looking forward to meeting you. My name's Bill Cipher."

Bertram opened his eyes again to see Bill Cipher hovering in front of him. "I'm not Stewie!" he cried. "My name's Bertram!"

Bill studied him. "Yes, I can see you aren't Stewie now. Too bad."

"I hate Stewie too," Bertram babbled. "I can kill him for you, if you don't kill me!"

Bill appeared to be thinking this over. The White Walkers around them stood absolutely still. Somehow, Bertram had the feeling they wouldn't attack him unless this strange creature ordered them to.

At last, Bill waved his sticklike arm and the White Walkers dispersed. Bertram was amazed. "All right, Bertram," Bill said. "Come to think of it, you could actually be quite helpful. Stewie Griffin is headed for a place where my White Walkers and I can't follow him. But you can! You're no wight animated by ice. You're a flesh and blood human just like Stewie. Yes, you can track Stewie down and kill him before he ruins everything. In return, I'll give you whatever you want. You can have Winterfell, y'can even have the Iron Throne if you want. Just kill Stewie Griffin for me."

"It's a deal," said Bertram. They shook hands. Then Bill disappeared.