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.

7. Unexpected Turns

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Even after confirming it and seeing with his own eyes, Jon Arryn still couldn't believe it. Robert Baratheon, the face of the rebellion, the Demon of the Trident was dead
Robert was found in his bed with the cover over him and at first glance, he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. An empty jug of wine remained at his bedside along with an empty bottle which Jon realized contained sweetsleep. Jon immediately went to confront Pycelle, but the Grand Maester was found dead in his study his head twisted completely around.

The death of Robert Baratheon sent a shockwave throughout Westeros. While the former Targaryen supporters in all over Westeros secretly drank in celebration. The former Rebels mourned the loss of the man that had kept them together. Now the big question remained, who would sit on the Iron Throne now. The rebels knew that with the death of their king, the Loyalists would try to make a move to try and put Viserys on the throne or perhaps Princess Rhaenys. With this in mind, the Rebels knew they would have to move quickly to secure their position. the one thing was certain to them was that they would not allow another Targaryen to rule over them. For they risked facing terrible retribution from the loyalists. With this in mind calling a Great Council was out of the question.

Jon Arryn, Hoster Tully, and Tywin Lannister were seated at the council chamber. Jaime had been sent back with his uncle Tygett to Casterly Rock while Kevan stayed in the capital with his brother. Lord Stannis arrived at the Capitol shortly upon hearing the news leaving Donal Noyne as the Castellan of Storm's End.

Jon sighed deeply, "Robert took Lyanna's death harder than I thought."

Hoster Tully turned to Jon, "have you written to Eddard?"

Jon nodded, "Eddard will return to the capitol once he has returned Lyanna Stark to Winterfell."

Hoster shook his head, "poor boy, what more can the gods take from him. First his father, his older brother, then his sister and now he has lost the man he considered a brother just after they had mended their relationship."

Jon nodded, "the gods are indeed cruel, now I'm starting to understand why Tychus Lannister pledged himself to the Stranger."

At the other end of the table, Tywin was in his own discussion with Kevan. "When I heard Lyanna had died, I had hoped to join our houses by marrying Cersei to Robert. But Jon insisted not bothering Robert with the matter and let him mourn."

"What is our plan now Tywin?" Kevan asked.

Tywin frowned, "Robert's death is a minor setback but one that can yet be salvaged. I will propose to Lord Stannis a new marriage pact with Cersei."

"Lord Stannis?" Kevan questioned.

Tywin nodded, "he is Robert's brother, yet unmarried and by the laws of secession is next in line to the throne."

"What do we know about him?" Kevan was unsure about backing an unknown."

"Tychus described him as a serious and resolute individual, he cares little for courtesies and is slow to forgive a slight the pinnacle example of a truly just man."

"Sounds like he admires him," Kevan noted.

"My son respects strength and competence, so it makes sense that a man like Stannis would easily earn it."

"Why not take the throne yourself," Kevan asked.

Tywin turned to him, "no one will support us, not only did we arrive late in the war but we also sacked the capital. While Robert saw the sense in our actions the other lords do not share that view." Tywin drained a goblet, "in any case, there is no one else, Hoster Tully will not take the throne and neither will Jon Arryn or Eddard Stark, their honor prevents them."

As the lords continued to converse, Stannis Baratheon stood up and all the lords turned to him. "There will be time to grieve for my brother, but we cannot dwell on the past there is only the here and now. Right now the people will be asking who will be their king we must all come to a decision and it must be soon. There are still those in the realm that consider us usurpers and they will try to take advantage of this crisis and restore the Targaryen dynasty."

Jon nodded, "I agree, Lord Stannis, however, I will refrain from any judgment until Lord Stark arrives."

"As will I," Hoster agreed.

Stannis nodded, "very well, after everything he has lost because of this war, the North has the right to be heard."

Tywin chose this moment to speak, "Lord Stannis, if I may." Stannis turned to the Lord of Casterly Rock expectantly and Tywin continued. "I have a proposal to put to you."

"What do you have in mind Lord Tywin," Stannis asked curtly.

Tywin sat back and intertwined his hands, "I'm sure you are aware that this was your brother's rebellion. He was after all the driving force behind all those who rose up against the Targaryens."

"I think the fact that it is called Robert's Rebellion or as the loyalist call it The War of the Usurper proves that goes without saying, Stannis said bluntly. "I take it you have a point to all of this."

'Straight to it then," Tywin thought, 'very well I can work with this.' "As Robert's younger brother you are considered an unknown and thus do not share your brother's popularity or recognition despite that fact that it was your determination that ensured the Targaryen's biggest supporters did not take the field at the trident. Thus in order to secure a foothold, it is important that you forge alliances with your supporters, Most allianced are often forged through marriage."

"Ahh, so the point emerges," Stannis realized. "You wish for me to marry your daughter since you were unable to do so with the late Crown Prince Rhaegar." Tywin nodded, and Stannis frowned. "Many good men died to overthrow the mad king, we must ensure their deaths cannot be in vain. Whatever happens, we cannot let the Loyalists gain a foothold for if they do then those sacrifices will be for nothing." He looked at Tywin, "by all rights I should refuse, after all, you only joined my brother's cause when victory was all but assured. the other rebel Lords nodded in agreement and Tywin seethed inwardly at their silent contempt. Then Stannis sighed, "but your son did save Renly, myself and 500 good men from the Tyrell siege and slew the Mad King. I had a duty to my brother and now I have a duty to the realm, great or small we must do our duty." Stannis paused for a moment before nodding, "You were instrumental in making sure the realm remained stable. So be it Lord Tywin, in order to restore peace and stability to Westeros I shall marry Cersei."

Winterfell

Eddard was speechless for what seemed like an eternity, even now he was in denial. 'Robert can't be dead,' he thought. He survived the whole bloody war how can he be dead now?' What was more surprising was that Robert died just two days after Eddard had left. Eddard stared down at the baby cradled in his arms, his sister's baby. The infant looked up at him calmly with dark grey eyes. He gently stroked his cheek, 'this child will grow up never knowing either of his parents' he thought sadly.

The days leading up to the pregnancy had been fairly normal it was only when the pain started that everything started to go wrong. Lyanna was in agony and bleeding profusely. Eddard cursed Rhaegar for not leaving a maester here to look after Lyanna. Despite the efforts of the three kingsguard and the handmaiden named Wylla. There was nothing they could do. The baby came out healthy but Lyanna had lost too much blood. With her dying moment, she named him Jon and asked Ned to look after her child. Ned swore that he would even if he had to go to war in order to do so. Their ship docked at White Harbor two weeks after sailing from King's Landing. The moment they docked, the maester came to them and told Eddard the news. what was once a happy return home became a solemn affair.

Now he looked down at the child being nursed by Wylla wondering what his life would be like. He thought about what Tychus had told him, about naming the child as Brandon's. He didn't like the idea of lying least of all to his wife about his brother. Then again he would be lying anyway by saying Jon was his. But Tychus was right about one thing, Catelyn would not treat Jon well if she thought he was his. For Jon sake and to further the promise he made the lie had to be told.

Beside him, his remaining companions accompanied him, Howland Reed returned to Greywater Watch, Willem Dustin returned to his wife in Barrowton and Mark Ryswell left for the Rills.

"After all we have lost going South I pray we never have to go back down there again," Theo Wull muttered.

"Some more than others I deem," Ethan Glover said grimly as he looked at Eddard and the pallet carrying his dead sister.

Martyn Cassel shook his head, "I think it's safe to say that the Quiet Wolf has lost more than any of us have." the others nodded in agreement.

Ethan placed a hand on Eddard's shoulder, "I'm sorry about Robert, " he said grimly.

Eddard sighed, "I knew Robert would be devastated by Lyanna's death but I never dreamed it would be enough to kill him."

Martyn looked at him worried, "what will happen now?"

Eddard shook his head, "a new king must be chosen. I must return to Kings Landing."

"I'm not sure your wife will be happy about that," Theo replied.

Eddard shook his head, "I have no choice, a king must be chosen and I must see it done, lest Tywin Lannister or another Targaryen takes the throne."

Ethan laughed, "it's funny that how much we curse Tywin Lannister for his treachery yet if not for his son some of us may be returning home in a cart instead of a horse."

Eddard nodded, and as he looked up he saw the battlements of Winterfell. The sight and the thought of being home again caused Eddard to shed silent tears. He didn't care if it would only be for a brief moment. It was just a relief to be back where he belonged, in the north, with his countrymen. He rode through the gates and there in the courtyard was his beloved wife Catelyn standing there with their newborn son in her arms.

Eddard practically leapt off his horse and rushed to her. Catelyn handed their son to a nursemaid as he pulled her into a tight embrace crashing his lips to hers.

"Ned," she breathed.

"I've missed you Cat," Ned replied.

Beside them the wagon carrying Lyanna had arrived, Catelyn gasped and covered her mouth. Eddard turned to his men, "take my sister to the crypts to be buried next to my family. The men nodded and got to work as Eddard turned to his wife, "I fear I cannot stay long, I must go south again."

Catelyn nodded sadly, "I heard what happened to Robert, I so sorry Ned, I know he was like a brother to you."

"At least he's at peace now," Eddard replied. A small cry came out causing Catelyn and Eddard to turn. Wylla soothed him with soft words and baby quieted.

Catelyn looked at him her face pale, "why do you have a baby with you Eddard?"

Eddard sighed and turned to the child stroking his cheek. "His name is Jon Cat, he's my brother Brandon's son."

Catelyn looked down and the infant boy who looked at her with familiar grey eyes. "where is his mother?"

"Dead," Eddard replied quickly, it was there that he realized how easy it was to lie. But that didn't stop it from making him squirm inside.

Catelyn looked up, "he shall have a home and a family here," she promised as she reached down and stroked the baby's cheek.

Dorne

To say they were unwelcome in Dorne was a gross understatement, the people's reactions to the three Targaryen Kingsguard was nothing short of hostile. Prince Oberyn arrived shortly after Eddard Stark left with the body of his sister. He then escorted all three of them back to Sunspear. Along the way, they stopped at nearby castles for food and rest. But it was clear that if not for the presence of the Red Viper most of them would not have them at all

Despite their discomfort, they knew it was understandable. In the eyes of the Dornish, they had abandoned their princess to spend the war sitting in a tower defending Prince Rhaegar's concubine. Though they hated that Lyanna Stark was referred to as such, there was little they could do about it since they were in no position to choose their hosts. That didn't stop it from hurting them though, despite the fact that they were only doing what their prince commanded. Nobody seemed to care evidently doing their sworn duty mattered little to the Martells.

During their journey, the three men had ample time to contemplate the choices they had made. "We should not have let them take him," Ser Oswell insisted. "We should have fought."

"We wouldn't win," Ser Gerold replied. "It was thirty against three, all skilled warriors, not good odds for men of our skill even the Sword of the Morning."

"Lord Stark had good men with him," Ser Oswell admitted, "but Tychus' men are little more that cutthroats and just a shade above brigands."

That doesn't take anything away from their prowess," Ser Arthur replied. "Tychus didn't select those men for their charming personalities, you have to be deadly to ride with the Demon of the Rock."

Ser Oswell nodded, "I may be a kingsguard but I know when I'm outmatched. I may not beat him, but that would not stop me from doing my duty." he sighed heavily contemplating that his skill was nowhere near the same level as Barristan the Bold, the White Bull, or the Sword of the Morning. So who can beat him then?"

Ser Gerold thought long and hard on that, "Arthur Dayne could take him easily, as could Ser Barristan Selmy and the Red Viper. The late Robert Baratheon is likely his equal and I could match his strength in my younger days, and Ser Jaime depending on the circumstances."

Oswell frowned, "though that begs the question why your cousin would be riding with him." the question directed at Ser Arthur.

Ser Arthur shook his head, "that boy is full of envy and hate, he has shown potential with a sword but there is cruelty in his eyes. Though he is but a boy, he is more viper than Prince Oberyn is."

After riding for many days and nights, they finally arrived in Sunspear. As they waited they had to endure the stares of the Martell guards who glared at them with utter contempt. Finally, Aero Hotah opened the gates, "The princes will see you now." He said in an expressionless voice.

The Kingsguards entered the throne room of Sunspear where Prince Doran was seated. Prince Oberyn took a seat next to his brother his face was practically contorted with anger, his hatred clear as a bell and his fists were clenched tight as he glared at the three men standing before them. Prince Doran, however, chose to keep his emotions in check, no expression, no emotion displayed on his face. Yet it was Doran's face the kingsguard found more unnerving.

After a deathly silence, Prince Doran spoke, his voice as calm as it was stern. "I believe we can dispense with the false pleasantries, Ser Gerold. Why are you here?"

Ser Gerold nervously took a deep breath and spoke, "Prince Doran we wish to resume our duties protecting Princess Elia and Princess Rhaenys-"

Before he could say more Prince Oberyn let out a harsh laugh for all to hear. "Oh so 'NOW' you suddenly care about the well being of my sister and niece? Yet you were at the Tower of Joy protecting a bastard, that's rich. Tell me what brought about this sudden change of heart." The Red Viper's voice dripped with sarcasm.

Ser Gerold bowed his head, "Prince Oberyn, I know you are angry with us and you have every right to be. But you must understand we were only doing as our Prince commanded."

"Which you succeeded in doing to a ridiculous degree, and my nephew Aegon died because of it," Oberyn snarled rising from his chair. "Be thankful that my sister and niece were saved by the Demon of the Rock or not even my brother could have stopped me from hunting all three of you down."

Doran raised his hand, "that will do Oberyn." Oberyn sighed and sat back down yet his eyes still blazed. Doran continued, "I confess I too am to blame for I put my faith in the wrong people. Tychus offered to help retrieve them if I agreed to stay out of the war and I declined. I was determined to keep the oaths my house had sworn and I knew that should the Rebels succeed, they would overthrow House Targaryen and thus end the birthright of Elia's children. We stayed loyal even though Prince Rhaegar spurned my sister and his father threatened her life. I foolishly believed that they were protected, certain people assured me such. But in the end, they didn't keep their promise. Had I taken up Tychus on his offer to get them out of Kings Landing my nephew would still be alive as well as the lives of 10,000 good dornishman I sent to go fight for the Prince who spurned us." He sighed his head filled with regret "the last time I trusted you knights with my sister's protection it cost me, my nephew. I cannot and will not make such a mistake again. Ser Gerold Hightower and Ser Owell Whent, for your failure to protect my sister and her children I hereby banish you from Dorne never to return under pain of Death. Ser Arthur Dayne is one of our own so he shall remain and spent the rest of his days atoning for his offense."

The two knights looked at each other and Ser Oswell protested, "Prince Doran we are sworn to protect House Targaryen, Princes Rhaenys deserves all the protection possible."

"Not from a failing order of men who can't even decide where their loyalties lie," Oberyn snarled.

"I believe my brother, Arthur Dayne, and the might of Dorne is more than enough to protect my niece." Doran said calmly, "Beside you shall be needed elsewhere."

Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell looked at each other again as the Prince of Dorne continued. "I have received word from one of our loyal supporters that Queen Rhaella has died giving birth to a baby girl named Danaerys."

The two kingsguard were shocked at this revelation, they had not expected Viserys to still be alive. but now there were two children of the Mad King that lived. Honor compelled the kingsguard to serve them. "Where are the Prince and Princess now?" Ser Oswell asked.

"The report says they are currently residing in Braavos under the care of Willem Darry," Doran replied. "I will not deny your loyalty to House Targaryen and thus you will continue to do so, but not here."

After a moment Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell bowed their heads. "Very well, Prince Doran, we shall go to these remaining Targaryens and serve them as we served their father and brother." And with that, the two turned and left leaving Arthur Dayne with the two princes.

Doran turned to Ser Arthur, "a servant will show you to your new quarters, and a new set of armour will be provided for you. I do not believe that the white plate your wearing will suit you in Dorne." Ser Arthur bowed as a boy escorted him out of the room.

Once he left Oberyn turned to his brother, "so many surprises this year brother."

Doran nodded, "the gods love playing with their creations it seems"

Oberyn laughed, "this is why I'm not pious. So will we continue to fight for the Targaryens?"

Doran frowned, "considering Prince Rhaegar's unforgivable slights to us I'm not inclined to do so. No, for now, we shall wait and see what happens. Who knows, as I said, the gods work in mysterious ways the death of the Usurper is a testament to that. There is also the matter of Tychus Lannister to make things all the more interesting. Fear, not Oberyn, one day something will happen and when it does we shall finally be able to take our revenge against Tywin Lannister. But for now the death of the usurper provides us with a unique opportunity and I intend to go to Kings Landing and capitalize on it."

The Spider

As Westeros scrambled to take advantage of the power vacuum, a ship managed to slip out of the Bay and was now making its way to the free city of Pentos. Inside one of the ship's private cabin, Varys sat at a desk contemplating his next move. It's amazing how much can happen in just two years and how little it takes to bring down years of work. Varys prided himself on his ability to obtain information, using the secrets of the rich and powerful in Essos to amass a considerable fortune. This talent he had learned caught the attention of the King on the Iron Throne who invited him to court and made him his new Master of Whisperers. At the time Varys felt that his fortunes had reached their apex.

But for all his talent, Varys soon discovered that Westeros was not Essos. The high lords in Westeros not only wielded actual power but they proved to be far more difficult to manipulate than previously anticipated. Houses like Starks and Arryns took pride in their honor, and refuse to betray their core principles no matter what. Others were led by intelligent and effective leaders like Tywin Lannister and Olenna Tyrell. Varys knew better than to try his usual tricks on them lest he may find himself a piece on their game board. For the last 5 years, he had developed a vast spy network spreading through much of Southern Westeros, the North due to its vast size and sparse population made things more tricky but he had every intention to change that in the future. It's a shame that whispers couldn't give insight into a person's head such a thing would have been so useful. But now four events happened, events that he had not anticipated and he was certainly not prepared for.

The First was Prince Rhaegar's abduction of Lyanna Stark, Varys could not figure out what madness drove Prince Rhaegar to do such an outrageous and reckless act and now that he was dead Varys suspected he never will. Perhaps the three kingsguard at the Tower of Joy knew but that was a mission for another time. Regardless of the reason, it set off the effects that led to the next three events. The next was how uncontrollable the King had truly become. Though Varys warned him against it King Aerys executed the Warden of the North and his eldest son. While Brandon had threatened the crown prince, the crown prince had stolen the boy's sister. But that wasn't enough and demanded the heads of the Lord of the Stormlands and Rickard Stark's second son.

These two events were enough to finally set off the Rebellion. Though there had been uprisings in the past usually by minor houses. Such as the Defiance of Duskendale and the Peake Uprising, this time it was different, it no longer involved a handful of meager houses, Now it was the Great Lords who were rebelling. The Targaryens could have handled one or even two of them but no, three of the Great Lords rebelled and soon became four once the Tullys realised that Tywin would take no part in the war thanks to a letter from Tychus to Lord Hoster confirming this.

Despite this it could have been worse, The Targaryens could have found themselves facing five Great lords and one less ally. Dorne was understandably angered by Rhaegar's offense to their family and had it not been for Varys, the Targaryens would have found himself with one less ally. Thanks to his birds Varys learned of Tychus Lannister's attempt to get Dorne out of the war offering to retrieve Princess Elia and her children who were hostages in all but name. But Varys had convinced Prince Doran to stay loyal to Rhaegar claiming that he could help them when the time came.

If Tychus somehow managed to retrieve the princess and her children Dorne would have left Rhaegar to his fate and focused their efforts on protecting their kin. Perhaps Tychus hoped that with Dorne out of the way it would be enough to convince his father to finally join the rebels. Perhaps Prince Oberyn, a man who hated Rhaegar with a burning passion would have ridden to join the rebels as well. With the most dangerous men in Westeros bearing down on them and only the Tyrells to fully support them, the Targaryens fate would have been sealed.

Alas, it was all in vain, though Varys had managed to keep Dorne on Rhaegar's side, which in turn convinced Tywin to stay out of the war. Still, the Rebels posed a serious threat and despite defeating Robert at Ashford, they continued to win more battles until the Trident. After Robert slew Rhaegar and smashed his army, Varys knew the Targaryen's fate was sealed. Thus, in the end, his efforts were in vain so he began making plans to prepare for the inevitable.

Varys knew that Tywin now marched to strike a death blow while another marched to subdue the Tyrells. This led to the third unexpected factor Tychus Lannister who instead of marching against the Tyrells right away, took a small force and rode for the Capital. There he fought his way to the Red Keep, 'killed' King Aerys and Saved Rhaegar's wife and daughter from his father's own minions. Varys was fully aware that it was Really Jaime that killed the Mad King but also knew it would be his word against theirs.

When he saw him rescue the Martells, Varys had been tempted, sorely tempted to approach him and convince him to cooperate since the child would be useful in the future. But the more he thought on it the more ridiculous the idea sounded. Tychus usually did his own thing so he was not likely to listen to him. In fact, Tychus was more likely to throw him into the spike trench than listen to what he had to say. So Varys opted to stay out of the way, though he did help that one man find the Grand Maester albeit indirectly.

Once that was over all that was needed was to embed himself into the new rebel formed regime, but then came the fourth and final blow, the death of Robert Baratheon. Of all the things that had happened so far this was by far the most unexpected. Worse it was a scenario that not only was he not prepared for, but was unsure how to respond to it. All he knew was that he could not stay at court, too many variables and no friends. He was no fool, he knew he was not beloved and many regarded him with disdain especially Ser Barristan Selmy. King Aerys had surrounded himself with lackeys and lickspittles. With men Like Tywin Lannister, Jon Arryn and Hoster Tully behind the rebels, it was doubtful that they would make the same the vultures were closing in, intending to scour the court clean and it would not be long before they turned their attention to him. Now here he was going back to one of his only real friends left. There he would bide his time and wait for an opportunity to present itself, something will turn up, something always did.

The Summer Sea

Tychus sipped a goblet of Arbor red as he sat in a Tavern in Lys smiling to himself. Just recently the news about the Death of the Usurper Robert Baratheon had found its way to the free cities. Tychus frowned, he rarely regretted killing anyone mainly because he never killed unless he wanted to. Tychus never truly had anything against Robert, the two men had much in common. They were both strong, fierce and had an appetite for war, they both hated Rhaegar with a passion and both gained a reputation as a demon. Unfortunately, since Lyanna made it clear that she wasn't going back to him then the great lords would be pushing their daughters in the man's path and Tychus knew full well just who would be front and center. Tychus knew how lovesick Robert was for Lyanna and understood that a marriage between him and Cersei would be a miserable one. Tychus was not about to allow his sister to be subjugated to that kind of existence, so he did what needed to be done. The death of Lyanna provided a golden opportunity that Tychus was quick to take advantage of thus resulting in the perfect murder. Tychus knew the man was a liability one that his siblings could ill afford if they were to survive. Tomorrow he will be boarding the next ship to Volantis and from there link up with the Golden Company. Then the real work could begin.

He finishes his drink and laid his coin on the table. Just as he was getting up to leave, a loud crash caught his attention. he looked and saw a hooded woman in a fight with a bunch of drunkards. She seemed to be holding her own slashing one across the face with a dirk and kicking another into a wall. Yet the more she knocked down the more came up. One was trying to sneak up on her with a knife. Tychus frowned, nothing spoiled a good fight like a backstabbing. Breaking the bottle on his table, he charged in and drove the broken bottle piece into the would-be backstabber's neck. Grabbing hold of the back of the man's neck Tychus drove the bottle deeper into his victim's throat.

For some reason, this seemed to set everyone off cause everyone with their blood up entered the fray most joining the drunks while a few decided to take the woman's side. The only exception was a few wiser people who chose to stay out of it, and the tavern keeper who hid behind the counter. Another man lunged at him, Tychus grabbed a chair and smashed it across the man's face. he swung the chair at a few other men until he was holding nothing but a pair of chair legs. Tychus shrugged, 'oh well I'll make do I suppose.' After a few more minutes of more bones broken as well as furniture most of the fighting had ceased with only a few still standing and the rest were either dead or out cold. Tychus rummaged through their belongings until he found their money. He then gave the Tavern owner the coin as compensation for the damages done.

He went back to his table to finish his drink when the woman sat down at his table and offered him a cloth soaked in rum. Tychus gave her a genuine smile as he took the cloth and pressed it to his bloody lip, "thank you." The woman responded by lowering her hood, and Tychus raised his eyebrows in surprise. She was young about a year younger than him and exotically beautiful. With auburn hair that fell down past her waist, deep-set Blue-green eyes and a voluptuous body. He smirked you don't look like you belong in a place like this.

The girl smiled, "if my father or brother knew I was here they would rage for a year."

Tychus sat back and gave her a half smile, "rebelling against your father? That is something I'm no stranger to, yet this all seems inappropriate to skip on ceremony, I'm Tychus."

"Serenei," the girl replied. She looked him up and down, "Judging by your manners, I take you're from the west."

Tychus nodded, "indeed I'm merely passing through." He looked back at the carnage, "not that it matters but do you usually enter bars looking to start a mess?"

Serenei blushed, "actually it was my doing, I suppose I was simply looking for trouble."

Tychus nodded, "well then I thank you, nothing better than a good tavern brawl to make a night interesting."

"Maybe we should do it again sometime."

Tychus chuckled "perhaps, sadly I leave in the morning."

The disappointment on her face was clear, but she smiled again, "that's a pity, but you must enjoy some pleasures in Lys while you can." Tychus cocked his eyebrow as Serenei drained her goblet. They talked through the night and Tychus found himself more and more drawn to her with each word. Tychus once swore that he would never love any woman as he loved Bree but Serenei seemed to cast that vow aside. She was everything Tychus ever wanted, willful, mysterious and even though she lacked the looks of traditional Lyseni, she was still beautiful even by Lysene standards.

As the night grew late, Serenei accompanied him to the in he was staying at. He barely had the door open when she pushed him in and shut the door behind her with her foot. Once the door was closed and the windows shut she practically leapt on him taking Tychus off guard. Apparently, she had a wildness to her to match her willfulness. Soon she was riding him like a bull and writhed as he touched her sweet spot. For the first time since Bree died, Tychus felt at peace.

Tychus awoke to an empty bed, not that he blamed her, likely she didn't want to be caught by her family. But she did leave something behind, a small note.

'I'll be waiting when you return.'

Tychus smiled, the thought of seeing Serenei again was now greatly anticipated. He got dressed packed his things and boarded the ship to Volantis. The journey was uneventful for two days, then on the third Tychus was woken from his nap by alarm bells. Tychus came up on the deck, "What's all the racket?" He demanded.

The captain turned to him, "Pirates, they'll be upon us soon."

Tychus looked and saw a small ship closing fast. He frowned, 'this certainly complicates things.' "What do you intend to do?" He asked.

The Captain stared at the approaching ship, "they may take my ship, but I will make them bleed for every inch of her."

Tychus nodded and rushed back to his room and grabbed his axes, he didn't have time to put on his armour but at least he was armed, 'it pays to be prepared.' He came out to see the rest of the crew preparing to be boarded. Ships like this didn't have much protection save for a handful of sellswords if the captain was rich enough.

The pirate ship latched on and the crew swarmed aboard. the first two to board were also the first two to be killed Tychus beheaded the first and threw the second overboard. Though he fought like a man possessed, the overwhelming number of pirates was able to overcome the rest of the crew. Soon the rest of the crew were either dead or surrendered. Tychus kept fighting and most of the pirates wanted him dead but the Captain insisted on taking him alive. So with several laced darts by two islanders Tychus was rendered unconscious.

"Why is he still alive?" One man protested, "The bastard killed 20 of our men captain, five of them were my friends."

"We should kill him and throw his body overboard," another man declared.

"AYE," the other pirates roared in agreement.

The captain shook his head and grinned, "for what he did he should die. But you all saw how savagely he fought. A man like that will fetch a hefty price as a pit fighter and I know many wealthy Meereenese that will pay a pretty price for him."