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.

6. A Change of Plans

Highgarden

In the sept of Highgarden, the Tyrell family stood around where their late lord Mace Tyrell was lying on the stone table. There was Olenna, the Queen of Thorns, her daughter in law Alerie and grandsons Willas and Garlan aged 7 and 6 respectively. With them were their many cousins and other distant relatives. Olenna remained stoic as always despite her grief but Alerie's eyes were swimming with tears. Her grandsons didn't cry being too young to comprehend what had happened to their father.

Mace was a handsome man with a powerful build and never disgraced himself when it came to the feat of arms. But he was no warrior, not like Robert Baratheon, Brandon Stark, the Red Viper or him. Just thinking his name sent a chill down her spine, for what he did to their family, for what he did to their army.

The Tyrell army, or rather what was left of it returned beaten broken and clad in nothing but their undergarments. No weapons or armour of any kind, stripped of all possessions they looked like a mass of smallfolk. To top it off several other members of House Tyrell were also killed while Randyll Tarly, Paxtor Redwyne and Mathis Rowan were being held, prisoner. Olenna knew it would cost them a fortune to ransom them back. She shook her head Mace may have been an oaf but he was still her son. Now he was gone taken by this god-awful war he had no business going into.

"That evil sadistic Lannister brute," Alerie screeched. "My husband was a good, kind, jolly man, why did he have to kill him."

Olenna shook her head, "I warned him," she murmured. "I practically begged him not to get involved in this war. Paxtor, Randyll and Mathis could have handled the entire campaign easily and much would have been different. But no he just had to show everyone what a big boy he was and all for a grasp of glory. Battle of Ashford, 'HA' that victory belongs to Randyll Tarly and everyone knows it. If My son had any brilliance at all he would have stayed well out of all of this."

Alerie banged her fist against the table", He didn't even give my husband or our men the opportunity to surrender."

"According to Tychus he did," Olenna muttered grimly. Alerie turned to him her eyes flashing with anger as her mother in law continued unfazed. "We had received the news of the Lannister's sacking kings Landing and the death of King Aerys. According to Tychus Lannister that should have been opportunity enough.

Along with his Uncle Garth and his cousins Quentin and Luthor, Mace had also brought their sons with him in his campaign. Theodore, Olymer and Leo Tyrell, all newly made knights and eager for their first taste of battle. They got exactly that at the Battle of Ashford. The Tyrells emerged victoriously but Quentin was killed by Robert Baratheon in the process.

Out of either stupidity or a wise move, Mace chose to avoid pitched battle and laid siege to Storms End. The fighting, after all, was hundreds of miles away what danger could there have been. Mace foolishly thought that while he besieged Storm's End, the Lions of the Rock would pounce on Robert's weakened army. But the Lannisters did nothing and Robert was able to join the forces of Ned Stark, Jon Arryn and Hoster Tully. Together the four rebel lords crushed the army of Prince Rhaegar at the Trident. With the Death of the Crown Prince, Targaryen cause died with him for it was Rhaegar that most of the Targaryen supporters had been loyal to. Now that Rhaegar was dead any supporters the Targaryens had in the Stormlands, Riverlands and Vale dipped their banners to Robert Baratheon. To make matters worse it seemed House Greyjoy had finally grown a spine and used the opportunity to attack the western coast of the Reach striking first at the Shield Island. Though the shield island fleet managed to beat back the Ironborn victory came at the cost of their fleet which was all but destroyed. This left Highgarden vulnerable to another Ironborn incursion should it come.

But Mace didn't need to find danger, despite his efforts, danger found him, it came in all its fury roaring like a lion. Mace had been right about one thing the Lion did indeed pounce...on them. Olenna shook her head, of all the rebels he could have encountered it had to be HIM. Not Jon Arryn, not Eddard Stark, not even Robert Baratheon. Mace had to face the fucking boogeyman. When she learned that Tywin Lannister's army was on the march after the Battle of the Trident, she immediately knew which side he would be aiding. But when she discovered that a second Lannister Force led by Tychus was marching towards Storm's End she had a gut-wrenching feeling about what would happen next. In all haste, she gathered another army of 10,000 men under Leyton Hightower in the hopes of heading him off and even sent ravens to Mace warning him of the danger.

But her efforts were in vain as Mace either never received her raven or was too arrogant to heed it. Either way, the result was the same, her relief force was only halfway when Tychus Lannister and his army came bearing down on Mace'ss host like a tidal wave against the shores. Mace got his first real taste of battle and it became his last, he was slain along with Garth, Luthor, Theodore, Olymer, and Leo. The relief force could do nothing but help escort the survivors back home

Most would have been satisfied by simply defeating the Tyrell host, but to Tychus Lannister defeat was a merely an appetizer. Aside from defeating them, Tychus went on to humiliate them as well. His father Tywin was known to be cruel, but his son seems to take the concept to a level of his own. Olenna had made it a point to observe the next Lord of the Rock. At first, she had been unimpressed, Tychus was a vicious, cold and bloodthirsty individual, more so than his father was. From that alone, Olenna waved the boy off as something akin to a typical brute with more muscles than brains who thinks with a sword than his mind. Still, she found him an interesting character, not many people refused knighthood with the exception of the Ironborn and most Northmen. In fact, even fewer would defy a king by declining a place in the Kingsguard.

Tychus made it clear to all of Westeros that he didn't care what they thought of him and thought himself better than them at least in terms of effectiveness. a fact that was tested when Tychus became acting Lord of the Rock. Her initial assessment ended from that point forward as the Hungry Lion showed another side of himself by managing the Westerlands effectively in his father's absence. That and the siege of storm's end proved his cunning and cool logic. It was a disturbing thing that a man that lived and breathed violence could be so savvy at counting coppers as the smallfolk would say.

Olenna once believed she had Tychus figured out, but once again Tychus Lannister surprised the realm when he saved Elia Martell and her daughter. Of all his actions, this was the one that Olenna least expected him to do. Now it got the Queen of Thorns wondering. "What are you up to Tychus Lannister? What is your Game?"

"Tywin's family had always lived under his shadow," Alerie spoke up. "For his own son and heir to defy him in such a manner, Tywin will bear down on him hard. Whatever it takes to bring his son to heel again."

Olenna shook her head, "I don't think Tywin Lannister will be able to do so this time."

Alerie looked at her mother-in-law, "what do you mean?"

She rubbed her chin in thought, "I remember something my mother once told me. 'Advisors exist to tell a King what he ought to do and never what he can do. For if a lion knows his own strength, no man will be able to control him'."

Alerie put her hand to her mouth in horror, "gods what can be done?"

Olenna shook her head, "there's nothing to be done, Tywin Lannister inadvertently broke the chain, now the Demon of the Rock has been unleashed."

Kings Landing

For the first time in his life, Tywin was unsure about what to do, Tychus actions had put his family in a precarious position. With his eldest son and heir going rogue, the matter of secession had become rather complicated. It didn't help matters that Tychus was supposed to marry Lysa Tully but with him gone it seemed that union was null and void. Then there were his other actions, Tychus had slaughtered dozens of his men, men that would be his future banners. All so he could whisk away his chance at currying favour with the new king.

Still, he did kill the Mad King and did keep his word regarding Storm's End which helped cement themselves as one of the Rebels. In a way, he was impressed by his son's contribution to their cause at Storm's End. His victory proved that Tychus was both a daring and aggressive commander in the field. Yet at the same time, he was far from reckless, his trick with the hay was proof of that.

The whole realm seemed divided on what to call him, Many of the rebels such as the North, the Vale, Dorne and the Stormlands regarded him as one of the heroes of the rebellion. Former Targaryen loyalists and the Riverlands considered him a two-faced opportunist. The Tyrells deemed him a demon, though everyone knew that Tychus would just take it as a compliment.

Even his own men were divided, some named him a traitor, while a good number who had taken part in the sacking were now sulking, they had been so proud when they sacked King's Landing, but upon learning of Tychus' victory at Storm's End, many felt like they had been left out. Tychus had not only given his men the glory of victory but a good deal of plunder had been taken from the Tyrell host. Most of those men would be returning home considerably richer, yet Tychus took not a coin for himself.

Still, some of Tywin's bannerman decided to declare their support for his son more openly, such as Mors Westford and Alester Sarwyck. Mors' family had ever been loyal to the Lannisters. A gifted warrior, he served well and loyally during both the War of the Ninepenny Kings and later the Reyne-Tarbeck Rebellion. That was why Tywin has chosen him to carry out the task of Eliminating the children of Rhaegar Targaryen. But the honour bound fool refused to be part of it, so Tywin detained him with the intention of sending him to the Wall and was forced to turn to Ser Gregor Clegane to carry out the task. Now Ser Gregor was dead and Mors, having been freed by Tychus had now pledged his sword to his son.

Tywin was not about to let such defiance go unpunished so when he learned of the defection of the two knights, Tywin sent ravens to the westerlands with orders, seize the Sarwyck and Westford families, strip them of all titles and holdings and have them await punishment. But when his men arrived, they found nothing but empty keeps. This told Tywin two things, either his son had been planning this for a while or they had help from other houses, perhaps it was both.

The second thought disturbed Tywin, his son had managed to make a number of supporters in the Westerlands among the heirs to some of his most prominent bannermen. His brief friendship with Brandon Stark, the Red Viper and even the new King-to-be proved that he seemed to have a way with those who were cold and impulsive. Now the question began to haunt the mind of the old lion, which bannermen were his and which ones where Tychus' men. Many compared Tychus to King Tyrion II known as 'the Tormentor,' While a strong ruler of the Rock, Tyrion II was known for his prowess with an axe and nack for Torturing enemies. This put the lords of the westerlands in an impossible position between earning the father's wrath today or the son's wrath tomorrow. Since they would still be technically loyal to House Lannister, the term treason would be dubious. The guard that has informed him about Tychus' mistress was never seen again and Tywin was willing to bet half of Casterly Rock that Tychus was responsible. Though he had considered killing one of his son's men he knew that it would only lead to a stream of revenge killings which would not do anyone good. Now that Tychus had given men glory of victory and young squire knighthood, he will find himself with even more supporters.

Another issue that arose was that it was going to be difficult to replace Gregor Clegane. Every Lord needs a beast and the loss of a capable warrior willing to do 'dirty' work would not be easy to find, the defiance of Mors Westford was proof of this. The only suitable replacements were the Fangs of Maw, but unfortunately, their allegiance was solely to Tychus, So not only had his son robbed him of his beast, he had denied him any potential replacement.

But these were problems for another time, right now he needed to salvage the situation as much as he could while they still had a hand in the game. He opened the door to a particular chamber and found Jaime sitting up from a bed already dressed in full kingsguard armour. He rubbed the back of his neck where Tychus had hit him while his other hand held his sword. "How are you feeling son?" Tywin asked.

Jaime shrugged, "my head is still throbbing but I'll manage, I've had worse in any case."

Tywin nodded and walked over to the table pouring a glass of wine, "your brother has made quite a mess of things."

Jaime shrugged, "I think he did rather well for himself."

Tywin gave him a glare, "this is not a joking matter."

Jaime responded to his father's glare with a lopsided grin, "for once father I wasn't joking."

"Don't you understand that without Rhaegar's daughter it will be difficult for us to integrate our house into the new regime."

"We are better off I think," Jamie replied. "You already have the blood of Rhaegar's son on your hands, that should be enough to appease the new King."

Tywin glared at his son, "perhaps you should wear motley under that white cloak, it is essential to get rid of ALL threats to Robert's claim to the throne."

Jaime let out a short laugh, "well unless we get Viserys and the Babe in Queen Rhaena's belly too, killing Rhaenys would be pointless." He sighed and said, "but I suppose it doesn't matter now, what's done is done."

Tywin frowned and nodded begrudgingly, "yes, but regardless you have a duty to your family and I intend to find a way to persuade Robert to release you from the Kingsguard."

Jaime nodded, "I won't object, after everything that's happened." Tywin then walked out and Jaime got up and followed close behind. They headed for the small council chambers as a meeting was about to take place. After they had taken Kingslanding, the Rebel Lords had taken temporary residence in the Red Keep, each had been allowed a small force of guards for protection against any Targaryen Sympathizers. Tywin walked by several groups and some were raising toasts to his son.

"To Tychus Lannister," a stormlander declared, "the saviour of Storm's End."

"It's good to know at least Tywin's sons have dignity," A northerner replied raising his own cup.

"To the Hungry Lion, the Demon of the Rock." A riverlord answered.

Everyone seemed to raise their toasts to that, "THE DEMON OF THE ROCK."

Tywin frowned as he and his second son entered the council chambers with Kevan and Tygett beside him. "For nineteen years I've tried to teach that boy," Tywin growled. "Has he learned nothing?"

"Are you truly that surprised brother," Tygett quipped.

"Careful Tygett," Tywin warned him.

Tygett ignored the warning and continued, "if you had spent any real time with Tychus that didn't involve lessons, then you would know that Tychus and Elia have been friends for years. Did you really think he would not try to save her and the children."

"Elia didn't need to die," Tywin agreed. "But he didn't have to butcher our men."

Tygett laughed bitterly, "after what that brute did to his 'companion,' I guess the desire for revenge was too tempting to resist."

"He should know better than to give in to petty things like desire." Tywin shot at him.

"He's a boy," Tygett snapped, "not everyone can be as chaste as you. Besides, you should have handled the situation better. All you needed to do was give the girl a bag of gold and sent her on her way, Tychus would have gotten over it, you did not have to kill her."

Tywin sighed, "it was done too brutally I admit but that is no excuse for him to defy me in such a matter."

"Then maybe you should have sent someone else instead of the hulking brute. We all know what he did to his own brother, despite what the father claims. What exactly did you expect was going to happen?"

Tywin frowned when Tychus returned he was in for a good hard lesson but for now there was delicate work to do. Now he sat at the council table with the other rebel leaders, Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn, Hoster Tully, and the King himself Robert Baratheon. They were all discussing the future of the realm.

Jon Arryn was the first to speak, "our first order of business should be to negotiate with the Loyalist houses. Namely the Tyrells and Martells."

"You would have us treat with those who fought under the Mad King?!" Robert asked incredulously. "Have you forgotten that their bumbling Lord nearly starved my brothers to death. If it hadn't been for Tychus, they would still be fighting."

"The King Aerys is dead Robert," Jon reasoned, "as is Prince Rhaegar, their allies have already surrendered. There is no need to continue the war."

The mention of Rhaegar made Robert smile, "Rhaegar, I could kill him a thousand times and I would still be unsatisfied."

"It's Done Robert," Jon Arryn replied, "Rhaegar is dead. "On the morrow, I will sail to Sunspear to negotiate peace with Dorne, thanks to Tychus that task will be less complicated than it would be otherwise.

As Robert and Jon continued to talk, Tywin decided to take this time to speak with Lord Tully. "I suppose this means the betrothal is off?"

Hoster shrugged and nodded, "Unless your son decided to return then yes. I can't give my daughter to an empty seat," he said gruffly. "I must admit I've never known anyone to escape a marriage in such a spectacular way. I had asked Jon Arryn if he was interested in the union, but he declined. 'I'm an Arryn, not a Frey,' He had said. 'Lysa is young enough to be my granddaughter. I will not force such a union on the girl.'"

Tywin was seething now Tychus had broken a chance to make an alliance with the Riverlands, yet there was a way he could salvage this. "If I can convince the king to relieve Jaime of his post perhaps it can be possible to betroth him to Lysa instead."

Hoster thought on this, "it would still retain the ties with House Lannister. and I'm sure Lysa would not mind." He thought for a moment and nodded. "Get him out of the kingsguard then we'll talk," he replied.

Tywin nodded turned to the King, "You grace, I wonder if it would be possible for you to release my son Jaime from the Kingsguard."

Robert turned to him, "Now why would I do that Lord Tywin. Kingsguard serves for life, and his damned brother rescued Rhaegar's spawn."

"He killed the Mad King," Tywin replied calmly. "He crushed the Targaryens strongest allies and saved your brothers, surely that must count for something?"

Robert sighed and smiled slightly, "I wish I had been there to see it. Not just the look of the Mad King when your son gutted him but also Mace Tyrell's when his death came charging at him screaming like a dothraki."

Robert thought for a moment and nodded. "Send for your son, I would have words." Tywin nodded and sent a servant after him. Jamie entered the room a short time later.
"You summoned me, your grace?" Jaime asked.

Robert nodded, "your father tells me you wish to leave the kingsguard."

Jaime nodded, "yes your grace."

Robert smirked, "did serving the Mad King take its toll on you boy?"

Jaime sighed, "all boys dream of becoming knights, my brother being a notable exception."

Robert chuckled softly, "yes Tychus always did find Knighthood a humorous topic."

Jaime smiled at that, "Tychus once told me that only children and fools fight for honour. I use to think that was nonsense. But as I served Aerys Targaryen I saw what he meant. I watched as he burned Rickon Stark alive and his son choke to death trying to save him. I stood outside his chambers and listened as he raped his own wife. All I could do was obey because honour demanded it. I didn't listen to my brother and it cost me my soul. I was a tyrant's puppet, I don't want to make the same mistake again.

Next to him, Barristan stared at the young man with sadness. The poor boy picked the wrong king and the wrong time to join the kingsguard. Perhaps if he had joined during Rhaegar's reign his view would have been different. Now he had become disillusioned and will likely follow a man who spat at honour and snickered at chivalry. While everything Jaime had said was true, Aerys was their king even if he was mad.

Robert was silent for a moment anyway, and shrugged, "ahh hells, the kingsguard was a Targaryen invention anyway. Very well Ser Jaime, I, King Robert Baratheon hereby release you from your position as a Kingsguard."

Ser Jaime bowed, "thank you, your grace."

Robert nodded, "I trust you will put that sword to better use now than as a kingsguard."

"I will your grace, that I promise." As Jaime turned and left the chambers. Jon spoke up, "now Robert we must discuss your coronation."

Robert scowled, "I told you for the thousandth time, I will take no other wife but Lyanna Stark and that's FINAL!"

"Robert, the Lannisters are the richest family in Westeros, the seven kingdoms are still divided. You will need Tywin's men if you want to secure your reign."

Robert waved it off, "I released his son didn't I? That should be reward enough, worry not Jon when Eddard returns with Lyanna everything will be fine again."

At that moment a squire came in, "a letter from Eddard Stark your grace."

Robert smiled, "see Jon no doubt he will be here with Lyanna soon." Robert took the scroll and read it, his face paled as he read it again and again. "No," he whispered, "NO." Robert collapsed into his chair as he started to shudder.

Jon went to his side, "what is it Robert?" His expression clear with worry, "what's wrong?"

Robert looked at him his eyes starting to water, "Lyanna is dead," he shuddered.

Jon Arryn was speechless, Lyanna the cause for their rebellion, the girl that Robert fought so hard for and risked so much was gone. His thought then turned to Eddard, he could not begin to imagine how Eddard felt about this let alone Robert. Truthfully he was more worried about Robert. There was no telling what he will do now.

"Lyanna," Robert mourned covering his face with his hands, "my beautiful spirited Lyanna. Why her, why did she have to die. By all rights, she should have been the one to outlast me." Jon watched as Robert drained a goblet of wine than another and another soon the flagon was empty. Tywin was looking thoughtful if he played this right, he could place Cersei in Robert's sights and his ambition to put his daughter on the throne would finally be realized.

"Rhaegar," Robert growled. "Damn him, DAMN THAT MAN TO THE SEVEN HELLS!" He threw the empty wine goblet against the wall and roared for more wine. "Rhaegar took my Lyanna to his tower and did gods know what to her. He didn't even have the decency to care for or leave a maester to do so." Robert grabbed another goblet and drained it, "all he left her was three lickspittles to guard her like some trophy." He filled the goblet and drained it again. "A thousand deaths each one more horrible than the last would still be less than that dragonspawn deserves. I swear if I ever get my hands on those three they will wish they had died with their prince."

Off to the side, Ser Barristan stayed silent. He didn't like how Robert was talking about his sworn brothers but he would not lie that he understood the man's grief. He started a war to get her back fought battle after battle, bled and nearly died for it. Now that reason was gone forever. He never knew what his fellow kingsguard were doing so far away. But a part of him wanted to believe that they were doing the right thing. Although considering all that had happened, believing was hard to do.

Jon frowned he knew he would have to wait before reasoning with him. "what are you going to do now Robert?"

Robert looked at him his eyes downcast, "nothing sensible." He grabbed the flask and stumbled to his new chambers." Jon sighed deeply and after settling a few minor matters dismissed the council.

For days afterward it stayed that way Robert had shut himself in his quarters refusing to see anyone. Though Jon wanted to negotiate peace terms as quickly as possible he also knew he couldn't leave him in such a state and Robert needed time to mourn. Eddard arrived shortly after with his companions and a cart carrying Lyanna. Jon came forward and embraced the man he considered a son. "I'm so sorry about Lyanna Eddard," he said softly, "this should not have happened."

Eddard looked as bad as Robert his eyes sunken in and his hair limp. "First my father, then Brandon now this war has taken Lyanna as well." He looked up at the man who was a second father to him, "when will it end Jon? Does it ever end?"

Jon shook his head sadly "this war has ravaged our land, our people. I lost my nephew to the war now all that is left of House Arryn is myself and a distant cousin. If this is victory it is a bitter one."

Eddard remembered the distant cousin, Denys Arryn the Darling of the Vale. would have participated in the war but with no other Arryns left Jon left him to rule the Vale in Jon's stead. It was sad, two men were all that remained of the great house. Eddard bowed his head, "How is Robert?"

The sad look Jon gave him told Eddard everything. "Robert has not taken well, he has shut himself in his chambers and the servants tell me he is eating little and drinking heavily."

Eddard nodded, "I'll try and talk to him." Eddard headed to Robert's chambers and knocked on the door.

"Go'way," the slurred voice behind the door answered.

"Robert, can't we talk?" Eddard asked

Upon hearing who it was, Robert came up to him, and Eddard gasped slightly at the state of his friend. Robert looked deathly sick and it was clear he was deep in his cups "Robert?"

"Ned," the king replied as he pulled his friend into a tight embrace. "My fault Eddard," he mumbled, "s'all my fault."

Eddard shook his head, "this was not your doing Robert," he tried to assure him.

"Is," Robert insisted his eyes downcast, "I wanted a child dead and the gods have punished me for it. You lost your sister and I lost the only woman I will ever love because I condemned a poor innocent child."

Eddard stared at him in shock, he looked into Robert's eyes and for the first since the war began. He saw his old friend again the one he had made during his time in the Vale a man who loved warring drinking and fooling with every girl he could get his hands on but also knew the limits of violence and showed compassion. It pained Eddard to see him in such a state.

"It should have been you," Robert began again. "You were right about Rhaegar's children, even though I refuse to see it." He looked at Eddard, "can you forgive me, Ned? Could you forgive this fool of a king?"

Eddard smiled sadly, "of course Robert, I think I can do that."

Robert smiled back slightly, "you're good man Ned too good for this one, s'more than I deserve."

Eddard sighed, "I should get back home, I've been too long away from Cat, and now I hear I'm now a father."

Robert nodded, "of course, of course, go be with your family." He sighed "can I see her one last time before you take her north?" Eddard nodded and took him to the cart where Lyanna laid. At the sight of her face, Robert broke down and wept bitterly. "Good Bye My Love," Robert whispered tearfully as he cupped her cheek. "I pray that where ever you are you're happy." He placed his lips on her forehead as a final farewell as Eddard covered her once again.

"Take care Ned," Robert told him. "Do not wait to cherish what you have with Cat and the boy."

Eddard nodded curtly, "I will return for the coronation, after that, I don't plan to leave the north for a long time."

Robert chuckled, "I don't blame you." He said sadly as Eddard boarded a ship with Lyanna's body in tow. From the highest tower of the Red Keep Robert stared at the ship as it sailed away until it was out of sight before taking a slow walk back to his chambers to drink some more.

Meanwhile, in the White Tower, Jaime made preparations to leave with his father, Ser Barristan took this time to confront him.

"So you've made your decision," he asked firmly.

Jaime turned to him and nodded, "I'm doing what I should have done years ago."

Ser Barristan frowned, "you would have forsaken the vows you swore before gods and men and shame your name forever?"

Jaime wheeled on him. "Our king made me fight Tychus, he wanted me to kill my own brother. No man is more cursed than a kinslayer. Do you want me to stay after that?"

Barristan remained silent before shaking his head, "I had the same thoughts myself when Aerys murdered the Starks. I too wanted to leave but honour prevented me from doing anything."

"Honor also dictates that we defend the helpless," Jaime pointed out. "But all we did was stand there and watch," Jaime sighed, "forgive me Ser Barristan but I don't see the honor in that." He shook his head, "my brother was right, he was right about everything. How can I call myself a Knight if I am forced to protect a madman over women and children? I strived to become a knight and found myself a knave instead."

Ser Barristan smiled sadly and placed a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I'm not here to lecture you, truthfully I understand." He then patted Jaime's shoulder. "Take care Ser Jaime Lannister I hope you find an honourable path you're looking for."

Jaime returned the smile and clasped the man's hand, "You as well Ser Barristan Selmy."

Tywin and his family left with the full Lannister host in tow, of the 30,000 men that had marched to war, 5,000 were lost in the campaign, and 2,000 of which were lost in the Sack. Tywin knew he would now have to make new plans for the Future now that Tychus was absent.

That night, Jon sat at his desk pondering his plans for House Martell. He knew he would have to tread carefully around them is he wanted this to work. Thus Jon decided that the best course of Action would be to simply tell the truth and make it clear that none of the rebel lords save for Tywin had anything to do with Prince Aegon's death. Lying or telling half-truths would do no good since the Martells will likely have heard Tychus' testimony of the events. The last thing Robert needed was to make an enemy of a House that defied the dragons and emerged victorious.

With this in mind Jon endured a fitful sleep. Peace with Dorne was just a single step. Too many things needed to be done Westeros was broken and they had a long way to go in mending it. The next morning he awoke to bells ringing and a servant banging on his door. "MY LORD," the servant said frantically, "you must come quickly."

Jon looked up at his servant, "What is it boy?"

The servant's eyes were wide and his face pale and he spoke four words that stopped Jon's world, "Robert Baratheon is dead."