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.

5. Standoff

Kings Landing Aftermath

Tywin was pleased with how things were going at the start, everything was going so well. The sack of Kings Landing was going according to plan and, his men were marching on the Red Keep. He may have come late to the rebels cause but after today his position as a 'loyal' servant to the new king would be unquestioned.

It had been a year since he last saw this wretched city, a year since he resigned his commission as Hand of the King. I spent 20 years of my life serving that madman, 20 years running the kingdom and ensuring everything went smoothly. But how did he repay my loyalty? By spurning my daughter, and taking my second son, and showering my family with insults to me, my children, but most unforgiving of all Joanna. Now everything has changed and all of Westeros will understand, nobody taunts the lion and escapes unscathed.

Tywin had chosen finer manse's near the Red Keep as a command post until the Red Keep was taken. There was still a small force of Targaryen loyalist had managed to bar themselves in the Red Keep, but it shouldn't be long before it fell.

Along with his brother Kevan and Tygett, Tywin's council was his most trusted lords Damon Marbrand and Roland Crackhall.

"What is our current progress," Tywin demanded.

Damon Marbrand was the one to speak, "MY lord, all Targaryen loyalists in the city have been subdued. The resistance is the Red Keep is already crumbling, I expect that it will fall shortly."

Tywin nodded, "Good, has there been any word from Grand Maester Pycelle?"

Damon shook his head, "none my lord, he may have been detained by the loyalists."

Tywin sighed, it was known to the Lannister brothers that Pycelle was one of their staunch supporters, is was the Grand Maester that convinced King Aerys to open their gates to his host. but the silence was troublesome. "Is there any news of my son?"

"I fear we don't know anything Lord Tywin," Damon replied grimly.

Tywin admitted that he was slightly worried that Aerys would have his second son killed in retaliation for the sack. Yet Aerys seemed to trust Jaime enough to the point where he was the only Kingsguard left in the city.

Before he could say more, Lord Elys Westerling stepped, he bowed before speaking. "My lords, a host is approaching the city."

Tywin turned to him, "Baratheon?"

Lord Elys shook his head, "Stark my lord."

Tywin frowned, Starks like all northerners take pride in their honor, when they see this they would look upon his own men with disdain. More troubling was if the Starks arrived before Tywin could take the Red Keep, he would lose all credibility with Robert for his actions. Perhaps Tychus was right about our second contribution after all.

As he thought about his next move, Quentin Banefort also entered the manse, he too bowed before giving his report. "Lord Tywin, the Red Keep is secure and the remaining defenders have been detained."

"What of King Aerys?"

"Dead, my lord."

The Lords cheered and Tywin smiled inwardly before asking. "Have you found my son?" Quentin shifted uncomfortably and nodded. Tywin's eyes narrowed, "what news do you have of him?"

Quentin frowned, "your son is alive, but I think you need to come with me. There is more to this that is better shown than told."

Tywin and his brothers looked at each other and saddled their horses, making to the Red Keep with haste. Once the Keep itself was secure Tywin and his brothers Kevan and Tygett entered the castle. The first place they went to was the throne room since that is where King Aerys would be so it stood to reason that is where Jaime would be too.

Jonothor Darry and Lewyn Martell were dead and Barristan Selmy was incapacitated. The other three Gerold Hightower, Arthur Dayne and Oswell Whent were nowhere to be found. That truly puzzled him, the absence of the Lord Commander, The sword of the Morning and one of Rhaegar's closest friends was rather odd. Regardless it was a problem for later, For now, he had more urgent matters to deal with.

When they entered the throne room and Tywin was correct. King Aerys and Jaime were indeed in the room but the scene before him surprised him. The Mad King was lying at the foot of the throne still. His own blood trickled down the stairs and created a pool at the foot of the stairs. A short distance from him was Jaime sitting against a pillar. A maester was checking his head while another offered him water.

Elys Westerling overturned the body and everyone stared at the grisly handiwork. "Gods, a stab to the back would have been sufficient but whoever did this wanted to make sure he died."

Tygett took a look at Aerys slit throat and pulled out tongue and smirked, "a dothraki necklace." He said, "how fitting."

Tywin breathed a sigh learning that Jaime was alright, "It's time to finish this."

Roland Crakehall entered the room his face displayed shock clearly. "M-My lord," he got out. "There's something you should see."

The three brothers followed Lord Crackhall to the Holdfast and they got their second shock. They had supposed to have only just taken the castle yet the scene before them detailed that a fierce skirmish had ensued. Tywin had sent the Clegane, and Lorch men at arms on a 'special' task. But it seems things did not go according to plan. the bodies Lannister and Targaryen bannermen were scattered all over the lower courtyard, yet the Targaryens seem to be spread out along the outer part while the westermen were closer to the holdfast. It also didn't escape Tywin's notice that the Lannister casualties outnumbered the Targaryens 2 to 1. A scenario formed in his mind, The westermen were assaulting the Holdfast when they were attacked from behind by Targaryen guards.

Several men came out dragging two bodies forward. Even though they had been brutally butchered, Tywin knew who they were immediately, Gregor Clegane and Amory Lorch. Lorch's corpse was brutal enough his face was completely caved in but Gregor Clegane-. Several of his own men who had seen many much in their years hurled their guts out at the remains of the Mountain. His back was crudely flayed, several of his ribs had been separated from the spine and his lungs were hanging out like a pair of wings.

Kevan looked away but Tygett seemed fascinated by the sight. "What in seven hells could do this to the Mountain," Elys Westerling gasped in shock.

Tygett looked at the remains of Amory Lorch, "there's not much left of this man," He said with amusement.

"Must have been some kind of Demon," Roland Crackhall said off-handed.

So not only did Ser Clegane lose his entire army, he lost his eldest son as well. Tywin frowned, Gregor Clegane had been a useful servant, it would be difficult to replace him now.

Two men came forward, each holding objects in their hands. "We found these on the bodies," one said. The objects turned out to be A bowl of blood and a plate of cheese.

"What is that to me?" Tywin asked uninterestedly.

Tygett however, looked at the objects and chuckled softly, "Well whoever killed our men has a dark sense of humor."

Tywin glared at him, "Explain."

Tygett smirked and obeyed, "The story of Blood and Cheese," he explained. "During the Dance of the Dragons, Queen Rhaenyra's husband Daemon Targaryen, sent two men into the Red Keep to avenge the death of her son Lucerys. One a big hulking butcher named Blood and small ratcatcher named Cheese.

"Yes I remember now, Kevan realized. "They snuck into the holdfast to kill-" Kevan's eyes widened, "-Aegon II's heir."

Ser Ilyn Payne came forward with a bundle wrapped in a red cloak, Tywin studied it for a moment, "Prince Aegon?" Ser Ilyn nodded. Tywin looked around a noticed something amiss.

"Where are Elia Martell and Rhaenys Targaryen?"

Roland Crackhall answered, "they're not here my lord."

Tywin whirled to face him, "What do you mean not here?"

Roland kept calm and explained, "we've looked everywhere my lord but there's no sign of Elia or her daughter."

Tywin fumed this could cast him in a bad light through King Robert's eyes, true he had the King and Prince Aegon but it wasn't good enough for Tywin. He wanted them all. "I want them found NOW. Not tomorrow, not tonight, NOW!"

Roland and the other westermen nodded, "yes my lord."

Tywin, Kevan and Tygett returned to the throne room to find Lord Eddard Stark there with several of his bannermen. GreatJon Umber, Rickard Karstark, Roose Bolton, Wyman Manderly, Willam Dustin, Mark Ryswell, Howland Reed and Ethan Glover. They were all looking down at the corpse of the late mad king. Most were amused but others like Reed and Bolton displayed little emotion, Lord Stark, however, looked angry, this confused Tywin until it hit him. Eddard must have been looking forward to killing the mad king himself

"Seems the Lannisters finished him off," Howland commented.

"Good Riddance!" Greatjon roared as he spat on the corpse.

Not long after Tywin entered the room Stark and his men turned to him. "Was this your doing?" Lord Stark asked.

Tywin shook his head, "as much as I wanted him dead, no, he was dead before we arrived."

"Pity," Roose Bolton said, "the king would want to reward this whoever did so."

"Isn't your son one of the Aerys' Kingsguard?" Wyman Manderly observed.

"My son was unable to do so," Tywin said carefully. He knew that his son would be blamed for failing to protect the king.

As he said this, two more northerners burst in dragging an old man in Maester's robes. "Look what we found hiding in a brothel." Theo Wull cried out as they threw the old man to the floor. "The Grand Maester himself."

The northerners gathered around to see most had grins on their faces and even stoic Roose Bolton smirked. "I guess that oath of chastity is not so firm after all." Martyn Cassel quipped. The northerners howled with laughter.

Tywin knelt down and grabbed Pycelle by the collar, "you were supposed to be here." Tywin said his voice dangerously calm. "Tell us what happened."

Pycelle was still trembling and his voice stuttered. "I-I, I had to, m-my lord, h-he w-would have k-killed me if I d-didn't d-do as he s-said."

"Who" Tywin urged.

Pycelle didn't seem to hear him and continued his rant, "K-killed the k-king, b-butchered him. T-then s-slaughtered your m-men."

"Are you saying the man who killed the king also slaughtered our men?" Tygett wondered. The Lannisters looked at each other, this wasn't making any sense.

Tywin, however, continued to interrogate the Grand Maester. "Elia Martell and her children, were they with this man."

Pycelle nodded weekly, "H-he h-helped them escape, along with s-several l-loyalists."

"Who was this man?" Tywin demanded.

Pycelle shook his head and started mumbling, "he's a d-demon, a m-monster."

Tywin lifted him up and pressed him against the pillar. "WHO WAS HE?"

One could hear a feather drop at the silence that followed the Grand Maester's words. "Tychus Lannister, your son."

After a silence that seemed to last forever Tygett Lannister said simply, "well, that explains a lot."

---

Robert Baratheon arrived not long after the shocking revelation of Tychus Lannisters actions came to light. He was pleased to learn of the Mad King's demise and even more so when Tywin presented him with the body of Prince Aegon wrapped in a cloak to conceal the blood.

Both Eddard Stark and Jon Arryn were horrified at the sight and looked at Tywin with utter disgust. But while they didn't voice their feelings many of Starks men were not so quiet."

"Brutes."

"Savages."

"Disgraceful."

"Do they have no honor at all?"

Mutterings such as this were heard not just from the Stark's men but also Arryn's, Tully's and even several Stormlords. Tywin just glared at them, 'none of them understand. do they not see this needed to be done?' "It was necessary to eliminate all threats to Robert Baratheon's claim to the throne," Tywin explained his face stoic as ever. He looked around and saw only a few expressions softened, the rest remained disgusted.

Eddard was the first to speak, "threat, THREAT, HE WAS JUST A BABY,' he cried out in exasperation.

"Leave it be Ned," Robert said finally, "what's done is done."

Eddard turned to his best friend in disbelief, unable to comprehend what he had just heard. Tywin smirked mentally, 'at least the king understands.'

Eddard was in shock at what he just heard "You-you don't mean that Robert," Eddard pleaded. "You're still angry with Rhaegar, you're not thinking straight. "Believe me I wanted to Kill Aerys after what he did to my father and brother. But innocent children shouldn't have to suffer for their father's actions."

"I see no babe, only a dragonspawn." Robert growled coldly.

Eddard was speechless, he couldn't believe that his friend would fall so far so quickly. "What is wrong with you Robert, Elia had to watch her own son get butchered right in front of her and if it had not been for the courageous actions of Tychus Lannister, she and her daughter would have met the same fate."

Now it was Robert that stared in disbelief, "what are you saying?" he asked. "Do you mean to tell me that Rhaegar's daughter still lives?"

Eddard nodded, "the same man that killed the Mad King is also the man that saved Elia Martell and her daughter from a gruesome fate."

King Robert's temper soured when he learned that Elia Martell and Rhaenys escaped. It worsened once he was told that it was Tywin's own son and heir that helped them do so. Most of the rebel lords nodded in approval for Tychus.

"Your son will pay for his treachery!" Robert roared. He turned to one of his bannermen, "I want my men ready to march as soon as possible, with any luck we can catch the fugitives before they reach Dorne."

"Robert, be reasonable," Jon Arryn said sternly.

"Reasonable? That Targaryen bitch is out there somewhere and should she find herself in the hands of Targaryen sympathizers she will be sprouting babies that will threaten me and my family. No Jon, I will not rest until every Targaryen is mounted on the walls."

"And what exactly is your plan Robert? March on Dorne? They will fight to the death to protect their princess. Do not forget that Dorne has never been conquered, even the Targaryens with their dragons failed to do so. How do you think you' are going to fare."

Robert Grumbled and turned to Tywin, "Why," he wondered, "Tychus hates the Targaryens as much as I do, why would he kill King Aerys, then save Rhaegar's daughter.

"To save you ungrateful lot," a voice rang out, everyone turned to see Jaime Lannister standing next to his father and uncles.

"Jaime," Tywin put a hand on his second son's shoulders to stop him from doing something rash but Jaime waved it away and stepped forward.

"We all Knew King Aerys was mad," Jaime began, "we also knew of his obsession with wildfire. But none of us knew how far this obsession extended. He ordered the head of the Achlemist Guild, Grand Master Rossart to have stashes of Wildfire placed all over the city. Soon there was Wildfire everywhere in Sept of Baelor, in the Barracks, in houses, stables, taverns, brothels, shops, markets, the slums of flea bottom, the dragonpit, and even the Red Keep. Aerys had no intention of letting King Robert or any of the rebels have the city. So he devised a plan, to put King's Landing to the torch if the rebels ever took it. 'Burn them all,' he said 'Let Robert be king of ashes and cooked meat.' That was when my brother burst in axe in one hand and Lord Rossart's head in the other. The king ordered me to bring him Tychus' head. Tychus is my be=rother but I was honor bound to obey my king so he and I fought. I tried to fight him off but I never could beat Tychus, we both knew that, he was always better than me. We also knew that neither one would kill the other. He pushed me back further and further to the steps of the throne until I slipped up and he was able to knock me out."

When Jaime finished his story the whole room was silenced. Tywin and his brothers paled somewhat at this realization. They and their army would have burned alive if Aerys had succeeded in his plan. They had rushed into the city oblivious to the danger they had been in and if it had not been for Tychus they would have lost it all.

Jon Arryn changed the subject, "Robert, your army is exhausted, it would do them no good to marched them into another conflict over a little girl. Dorne will be angered enough as it is for the death of the boy so don't even think about it." It was impressive to see a man as old as Jon Arryn to speak with such authority. If it were anyone else Robert would have flattened him without a second thought. But this was Jon Arryn, the man he considered as a second father to him. So Robert grunted indicating his submission. With that settled, Jon turned to the other Lords, "though we have taken kings landing there is still urgent matters to take care of. One of which is lifting the Tyrell seige, the other is negotiating a peace with Dorne. Ironically thanks to Tychus Lannister's actions peace is within our grasp

As he said this, a messenger came through the double doors bearing a message. The man came forward and bowed, "My king a raven arrived from Storm's End." He said holding a scroll out for Robert to take.

Knowing the situation happening in his home, Robert snatched the paper from the messenger hand and read it. Though it was a short message, Robert reread it, again and again, trying to make sense of it. "This has to be a mistake," he said.

"What is it," Jon Arryn wondered what could make Robert confused. Robert handed him the letter and he summarized the contents to the men present. "The Tyrell army besieging Storm's end has been crushed by a Lannister host under General Tychus."

A silent shock rippled through the court, even Tywin was shocked, his son despite his recent actions had kept his word. Jon continued, "Lord Mace Tyrell was killed along with several of his kin and over 21,000 men. His commanders Randyll Tarly and Mathis Rowan were captured and Paxter Redwyne has bend the knee.

Robert turned to Tywin, "did you know about this?" he demanded.

Tywin sighed and nodded, "My son and I had a plan I would march on the capital while he marched against the Tyrells at Storm's End." His lip curled, "I guess the chance to kill Aerys himself was too tempting to pass up."

"So does he expect that saving my home will grant him favor with me?" Robert scoffed.

Tywin shook his head, "Tychus loves carnage even as a boy, he would have battled the Tyrell army regardless of what has happened here. Honestly, I expected him to simply make them bend the knee. I never thought he would succeed in defeating them.' He turned to the messenger, "how many did my son lose?"

"Reports say about 3,000, my lord," the messenger replied. Tywin was admittedly impressed, the fact that Tychus was able to defeat a much larger host, and inflict such losses on them while his own was minimal was impressive indeed.

Eddard Stark stepped forward, his expression cold. "Since Storms End is liberated, I'm going to Dorne to get Lyanna." He stated, this was not a request, and he made that clear.

Robert nodded and waved his hand, "go, get my betrothed, bring Lyanna back to me."

Eddard left without a word, Jon never thought he would live to see the day when the two men he had raised as his own sons would turn so cold towards each other, and he knew thing would never be as they once were. But before he left he crossed paths with Tywin and hissed a single sentence. "Your son is twice the man any of you are." Tywin burned at that as the Stark lord stormed out the door without another word.

Robert sighed, "I don't know whether to hug your son or strangle him."

Tywin locked eyes with the young king, "truthfully your grace that feeling is mutual."

---

Showdown at the Tower of Joy

"Hurry," Ser Gerold said sternly, "we must leave quickly before rebel forces find us."

Ser Arthur still had doubts about what they were doing, "surely she will be safe with her brother, must we keep her from her own family."

Ser Gerold shook his head, "we swore a vow, the risk is too great to take. We have already heard what happened to Prince Aegon the same cannot happen to Lady Lyanna's child. Now come there is little time to waste."

"I'm afraid it's too late for that Lord Commander," Ser Oswell said sadly.

The kingsguard looked and saw a dust cloud approaching, in the distance they could see riders approaching, and from the size of the dustcloud, it looked to be a lot of them.

Arthur Dayne squinted his eyes to see if he could make out a banner, but what he could see was-. Arthur's eyes widened in shock and he gripped his helm, "Seven hells."

"What is it?" Oswell asked gripping his sword, "Lannisters? Baratheons? Starks?"

Arthur shook his head sadly, "worse, Dornish."

The kingsguards exchanged looks, the dornish were likelt angry at them for deserting Elia and would likely want retribution. Honestly they had no idea how this would play out, they could not outrun them nor hide and fighting would be suicidal against their numbers. so with few viable options available, they decided to stay and see how this would play out. To their horror they realised that the riders were not dornish at all, but the infamous Fangs of Maw. At the head of the group was the leader Tychus Lannister and with him were about 20 Fangs of Maw. The Kingsguard exchanged glances, The Demon of the Rock was hardly a good sign.

Tychus grinned widely as he hopped off his horse, he stepped towards the three and gestured for the men to stay back. "Well looky here boys, so this is where these three shining knights have been hiding all this time." Tychus looked around, "how quaint." this caused the Fangs to chuckle in response.

"We are not hiding," Ser Gerold snapped, "The kingsguard does not hide."

"The kingsguard does not fight either apparently," Tychus sneered, "lest your king, your precious prince, and his son would still be breathing."

"How did you find us?" Ser Arthur demanded.

Tychus ginned and gestured behind him as a figure rode forward. "A relative of yours was quite helpful," Tychus replied and Ser Arthur's eyes widened as he recognised the boy who came forward."

"GEROLD!" He exclaimed, "How-? But-? WHY!"

Gerold smirked, "nothing personal 'cousin,' but I have no hope of growing under your family's shadow."

"So you've pledged allegiance to the Demon of the Rock?" Ser Oswell spoke out through gritted teeth. "A man of no honor and no conscience."

Gerold nodded, "better than a pledging allegiance to a mad fool and his witless prince."

Tychus looked around and smirked, "I killed that miserable old dragon. You should have heard your king squeal when I cut open his throat, I swear he soiled himself as I did so."

Ser Gerold's eyes narrowed, "then you shall pay with your life for your crimes against the royal family." He and his companions drew their swords while Tychus, Oberyn and their companions did the same.

But Tychus let out a short laugh. "Royal family? Hardly, if not for me, Princess Elia and her daughter would have been slain." He chuckled softly, "Funny that her savior came in the form of not some heathen god or a glorified knight, but a demon in human skin."

The kingsguards looked at each other and Ser Gerold addressed Tychus, "If you killed King Aerys, why would you bother saving Elia and her daughter," Ser Oswell asked suspiciously. "Especially since it was your own father that ordered her death."

Tychus scoffed, "King Aerys was a cunt, then again so is my father, not to mention Prince Rhaegar."

"Mind your tongue Lannister," Ser Oswell growled.

Tychus grinned, "or what, will you give me a proper scolding?" If Tychus was concerned he didn't show it, "such anger," he shook his head in amusement. "Though I suppose the dornish sun will do that to you. Three of Aerys finest to protect Rhaegar's northern trophy," Tychus observed. "Yet he gave little thought for his own wife and children." Tychus shook his head in disgust, "Even for someone like me that's just cruel."

"Rhaegar had his faults to be sure," Ser Arthur admitted, "But he was a good man and he was better than you."

"It's not exactly saying much claiming that someone is better than me," Tychus replied. His eyes then narrowed and he took a step forward. "He may have been better than me but of this I am certain. Rhaegar Targaryen didn't deserve Elia Martell nor did he deserve Lyanna Stark either."

"You truly care for her?" Ser Arthur acknowledged.

Tychus nodded, "I do, which is more than I can say for you lot."

"We did care for her," Ser Gerold protested. her children were Rhaegar's."

"Then where the hell were you when she was trapped in the Red Keep alone with the Mad King? Where were you when she huddled in her chambers fearing for her children's lives while father sacked the city? Where were you when Gregor dashed her infant sons head against a wall while his partner dragged her daughter from under her own father's bed. Where were you when the man who murdered her son tried to rape her. You are sworn to protect Rhaegar's family. So I ask you now kingsguard, Why weren't you there, when they needed you most?"

"Prince Rhaegar wanted us here," Ser Arthur answered.

Tychus laughed and paced around a bit, "you know in certain older more civilized cultures when men in your position fail as miserably as you have they would throw themselves on their swords."

"What are you doing here Lord Tychus?" Ser Gerold snarled clearly annoyed by this conversation.

Tychus stepped forward so that only he and the kingsguard could hear, "you and I both know what is up in that little tower," he said. The kingsguard looked at each other nervously as Tychus continued. "Truly it's not difficult to figure out, and it explains your unusual presence here."

Ser Gerold's eyes narrowed and pointed his blade at Tychus' neck. Tychus looked more amused than threatened and chuckled softly. "Don't worry I'm not going to kill the little wolf pup, that would be wasteful and unnecessary. I may not have honor but I'm not wasteful." He chuckled again, "besides, a bastard born to a Targaryen and Stark? That has to be the most linguistic story yet I can't wait to see how it plays out."

"Then, what exactly do you want?" Ser Oswell asked.

"What do I want?" Tychus asked sarcastically, "I want world peace, I want equality for all and a house made of gingerbread." Tychus laughed before straightening his face. "But in all seriousness, I want to stop you from leaving until the Starks arrive to retrieve their lady."

"General," Aegon Bloodborn walked toward the group, they turned to him as he spoke again. "Riders approaching," They turned and saw seven men on horseback galloping towards the tower.

Tychus smiled, "speak of the stranger and he shall appear. A bit sooner than expected but most welcome." The Kingsguard looked at each other, the situation was growing more complicated by the minute. they gripped their swords ready for the worst.

The Stark riders were led by none other than Lord Eddard himself. When he approached Eddard looked genuinely surprised by who was there. He stepped towards the four men while his companions hung back with the Fangs. "Lord Tychus.

Tychus gave him a nod, "Lord Stark."

"I had not thought to find you here," Eddard said.

"You're here early," Tychus replied.

"I was meant to lift the siege of storm's end," Lord Eddard explained. "But since you took care of that for us, I was able to ride straight here."

"You defeated Mace Tyrell," Ser Gerold asked in surprise. They had hoped to find an ally through him but since Tychus had beaten them meant they could no longer count on the Tyrell's support.

But Tychus shook his head, "No Ser Gerold, I KILLED Mave Tyrell, defeated his commanders and crushed his entire host."

The Kingsguard looked shocked, in a flash Tychus has practically destroyed a powerful potential ally.

Eddard Stark approached. "Ser Willam Darry escaped Dragonstone with Viserys Targaryen, I was certain you would be with them to protect the prince."

"Ser Willam is a good man and true," Ser Oswell acknowledged

"But not of the Kingsguard," Ser Gerold pointed out.

Tychus turned to Lord Stark, "your sister is in the tower, I'm sure you would want to see her now."

Ser Gerold raised his sword and his companions did the same. "I'm sorry Lord Stark," he said sadly, "But I can't allow you to pass."

Tychus looked up at the heavens, "Oh for fuck sake Ser Gerold, let the man see his sister."

Ser Gerold shook his head, "we cannot allow that."

Tychus stared at him incredulously, "have you got shit for brains Ser Gerold? Ned Stark isn't going to harm his own sister, what do you think he is? A southerner?"

"We swore a vow," Ser Oswell declared.

"You also swore a vow to king of the Iron Throne," Tychus pointed out. "Surely you remember that one when the lord commander draped those white cloaks over your backs? And we all know how well that turned out."

The kingsguard refused to budge so Tychus sighed, "what a waste." He finally drew his axes and the Fangs stepped forward. The Kingsguard readied themselves as Tychus turned to Eddard, Tychus put a hand on Eddard shoulder, "go get your sister," He turned to the Kingsguard with a grin on his face, "we shall keep them busy."

"What do you plan to do?" Eddard asked.

The Kingsguard watched as several of the Fangs advanced while the others stayed back. "You cannot hope to keep us all out," Tychus noted.

Ser Gerold's eyes narrowed, "twenty against three have you no honor Tychus Lannister?"

Tychus let out a short derisive laugh and said, "Honor Clouds Judgement." He spat on the ground, "that is why only children and fools fight for it."

"What would you have us do then?" Ser Gerold demanded, "forsake our duties? Or perhaps throw our selves on our swords, as you have implied?"

"How about doing your job right for once," Tychus snarled. The kingsguard just stared at him as he continued. "Rhaenys and Viserys," Tychus clarified. "Are they not worthy of your glorious protection?" The Kingsguard now looked at each other and Tychus continued. "Willem Darry is a good man to be sure, but he is also an old man. When he dies who will care for the young prince if not you? Here you will be giving your lives for nothing, but out there are two Targaryens that need your protection. Viserys and Rhaenys need good, loyal men to protect them."

"The Kingsguard does not flee," Ser Gerold declared. "We mustn't fail again."

Tychus shook his head in disbelief, "the way I see it you already have. You three have a choice, you can die a meaningless death here, or you can go out there and do something that matters."

The Kingsguard looked at each other, and realized he was right. If they left then they would have failed to keep their vow. But if they fought today death was certain, and the Starks would take the boy anyway unscathed and they would have failed anyway. Finally, Ser Gerold bowed his head and reluctantly gestured Lord Stark to enter the tower.

Tychus waited outside for what seemed like hours until Eddard stepped out looking solemn He turned to Tychus, "they say you know situation." Tychus nodded and Eddard continue, "what will you do?

Tychus shrugged, "nothing really it's not truly my concern. But I think the bigger question is what are YOU going to do now?"

"Lyanna cannot travel in her state, so me and my companions shall remain here until the baby is born."

"Do they not have a Maester anywhere?" Tychus asked. Eddard shook his head and Tychus scoffed. "Unbelievable, three kingsguards and not one fucking Maester, I'm starting to believe Rhaegar didn't think this through."

"No it seems not," Eddard agreed.

"So how will you explain it?"

"I will tell the world that he is mine," Eddard decided. "If Robert found out the truth he will kill him."

"Bad idea," Tychus replied.

"If you have a better one I'm all ears," Eddard challenged.

Tychus smirked, "tell the world he was Brandon's son. Everyone knows what kind of person your brother was so who would question it. If you say the child is yours, your wife will see it as an insult to her and her children. But by saying it was Brandon's child she would hardly fault you for wanting to keep some form of remembrance."

"I-I do not wish to speak ill of my brother," Ned said unsurely. In truth, this was a sound idea and not without merit, but the idea of tarnishing his memory in Catelyn's eyes didn't sit right with him.

"Would that be any worse than making him the focus of your wife's anger?" Tychus wondered.

Eddard sighed and finally agreed, he promised Lyanna he would protect the child and if that meant forming a lie about Brandon then it was a cost worth paying.

"I assume that Lyanna will not go back to Robert?" Tychus questioned.

Eddard shook his head, his expression sad. "My sister cannot go back to Robert with the child she carries and I will not separate them. Robert is not the man I grew up with this war has...changed him." His face was sad as if the man he called brother was lost to him.

Thinking for a moment Tychus sheathed his axes, then unfastened his weapons belt before removing his gauntlets, "mind if I had a word with your sister?"

Seeing that Tychus was unarmed Eddard nodded and led him up the tower with the three kingsguards pointing their blades at his neck. Tychus paid them no mind as he ascended the stairs. Finally, they came to a bedroom where Lyanna Stark was seated her belly about to burst.

Lyanna looked and her face turned terrified at the sight of Tychus but seeing her brother with him relaxed her somewhat. "Lord Tychus," she greeted him coldly.

"Lady Lyanna," Tychus responded with a mocking bow. "Would you like to know what I find amusing about this whole situation?" Lyanna remained silent as Tychus continued, "you once criticized Robert on being unable to remain faithful even though he was unspoken for at the time, yet here you are running off with a married man. So from where I'm standing the fidelity issue was just a fabricated excuse for not wanting to marry him."

Lyanna's eyes glared at him fiercely but they had little effect against once who had developed a tolerance to Tywin Lannisters infamous gaze. "So you came all this way to judge me?" She demanded.

"Well you did start a war that got a lot of people killed including your father and brother, so I believe judgment is more than fair."

Lyanna bowed her head at the mention of father and Brandon, "I never meant for it to be like this," she said quietly. "Gods what will the north say if they knew, they would hate me forever."

"That will be up to Lord Eddard as to whether they learn the truth, they won't hear it from me."

"And nobody will, Eddard determined, "what has happened here will never leave the Tower of Joy."

"As you wish," Tychus replied, "though I think Tower of Tears is more fitting now, Well I've said my peace and now I must be leaving. I will retrieve a cart for you to use on the journey home," Tychus said bluntly. Eddard nodded in thanks and with that Tychus and the Fangs mounted their horses and rode off to Vulture's Roost where they planned their next move.

"My Father is likely to be angry with our actions," Tychus explained, "and even more so with the bannermen that have chosen to join me." This was directed at Mors Westford and Alester Sarswyck. Tychus turned to Mors, "I'm giving you command of the Maw for a time, I have written to my allies in the Westerlands to retrieve the families before Tywin makes them join the Reynes. You are to bring them to Dorne for their safety."

"Where shall we hide them?" Bronn asked.

Tychus opened a map and pointed at one castle in particular, "here at High Hermitage." He turned to the boy. "Do you accept this Gerold Dayne."

The boy nodded, "my home is open to you and yours," he said. Though he didn't like the idea of strangers in his home, he was determined to prove himself to his new Lord.

Tychus nodded, "good, the same shall go for the rest of you who have loved ones. They shall reside in High Hermitage."

"What shall we do afterwards?" Lothor Brune asked.

Tychus eyed his men and smiled, "join the Golden Company."

"The golden Company?" they wondered, The golden company was considered the largest and most reliable sellsword army in the world. "What shall we do there?" Bronn asked.

"Hone your skills in arms," Tychus answered, "there is a war brewing and we must be ready when it comes."

Many like Ser Lirigon grinned at the idea of bleeding his sword in the future. While others like Karl Tanner and Bronn were delighted at the prospect of assured coin. After all, the Golden Company didn't last as long as it has for nothing. Mors and Alester noted something amiss in Tychus' statement, "what about you my lord?" They asked, "What will you be doing?"

Tychus grinned, "One needs allies if they want to be victorious, it's high time I started making friends. In Westeros, we shall find few, but Essos has them in abundance. But first, there is some delicate work to do." He turned to one of the Fangs. "Karl Tanner, have your skills at killing waned in recent years?"

"My blades remain as sharp as ever," Karl declared.

Tychus nodded, "good, but it is not your blade I need. I have a special task for you, one that requires a sweeter rest."