TYRION

Tyrion Lannister had always struggled for his place in his family. His mother died giving birth to him. His father Tywin and sister Cersei blames him for her death. It was no surprise to Tyrion that Cersei would blame him for the death of her wretched son. On more than one occasion Tyrion corrected Joffrey, gods know that Cersei never gave the boy any discipline. When Robert was alive he never gave the boy any guidance as a father. When Joffrey became King he found great pleasure in humiliating Tyrion. That didn't mean Tyrion would poison him.

"Open this door!" Tyrion smiles recognizing the voice of his Aunt Genna. She enters the cell. "Well at least they didn't place you in the black cells."

"There is that to be grateful for..." Tyrion replies.

Other than Jaime Genna was one of the few people in his family to show Tyrion love. "How are you?"

"Well considering my circumstances...They feed me regularly...Allow me a bath and fresh clothes."

She removes a few items from a bag, "I bought you a few books to read..."

"I appreciate that..." Tyrion reads the title, "The Dance of Dragons...My favorite..."

"Tommen has been crowned King...There will be a trial...five days from now."

"Auntie I didn't do it..."

"I know my sweet nephew...Cersei is so full of hate..." she sighs, "She tries so much to be like Tywin and she reminds him to much of Joanna..."

"And I killed my mother..."

"Non-sense!"

"Oh I know that...It is what they believe..."

"Has Jaime been to see you?"

"No not yet..."

She shakes her head, "I guess I will have to knock some sense into him before I leave..."

"Leave? Your not staying for the trial?"

"I only wish...I tried to talk your father out of this non-sense, but he won't listen...He wants me to return to Casterly Rock and oversee a special project..."

Tyrion frowns staring at Genna, "He wants you to move the gold in the family vaults to the Iron Bank of Braavos…"

"This Aegon has sacked the Twins...Walder Frey is dead, along with all his sons...A large army is gathering at Riverrun...Your father is gathering an army at Golden Tooth..."

"Stay safe auntie..."

She is sitting down next to him, "Tyrion...You are the smartest person I know..."

He smiles, "Thank you..."

"You figured your way out of that mess with Lysa Arryn...Use your head to get out of this...Outsmart your sister and father..."

He smiles, "I will try my best..." She gets up to leave, "Wait where is Sansa? How are they treating her?"

"Sansa has fled the city...Somehow she escaped..."

Tyrion nods, "Well good for her...Maybe she can reunite with her family...What of my hill-tribesmen?"

She shakes her head, "All dead...After you were arrested they tried to mount a rescue...Your father had them all killed..." She kisses Tyrion on the cheek and leaves.

That night as he sleeps Tyrion dreams of Dragons. The Dragon dreams were happening more often now. The next day after midday meal Tyrion gets another visitor in the form of Podrik Payne. "Pod...what in the name of all the gods are you doing here?"

"I had to see you my Lord..."

"You are a good lad..."

"Do you need anything?"

"A way out of this mess..." They both smile.

"Do you know about the trial?"

"I do...My Aunt Genna told me..."

"My Lord someone approached me."

"Who?"

"He never gave me his name and I have never seen him before...He offered me gold and a Knighthood to testify against you."

"That would be Cersei building a case against me...What did you say?"

"No of course."

"Podrik…" Tyrion writes some information on a piece of paper, then he hands it to Pod, "Take this...follow the instructions and get out of King's Landing..."

"My Lord don't ask me to abandon you in your most desperate hour of need."

"If something happened to you I would never forgive myself..." After Podrik leaves Jaime comes to see Tyrion one day before the trial. "Slumming?"

Jaime sits down staring at Tyrion, "Did you do it?"

"How could you ask me that?"

"Sorry...What about Sansa did she do it? And did you agree to take the blame?"

"Sansa is no mastermind."

"Still she ran..."

"I didn't kill Joffrey and neither did Sansa."

The two brothers sit in silence, "I have a way to get you out of this."

"How?"

"Well I told father that I would give him what he always wanted and take my place at Casterly Rock. I would even marry Lord Lefford's daughter...If he would release Sansa...I will make the same offer on your behalf."

Tyrion shakes his head, "My older brother...always looking out for me..."

"A prerequisite for being an older brother."

"I can't let you do that."

"What you have an idea for getting out of this mess?"

"Maybe...I might ask for a trial by combat...Its how I got out of this the last time."

"No...Let me save you...It will work and you'll be free."

Jaime gets up to leave, "Jaime!" He pauses, "Is she the only woman you have ever been with?"

"What are you talking about?"

Tyrion stares intently. Eventually he smiles taking his meaning, "Yes..."

"Do you love her?"

"Yeah why all the questions?"

Tyrion sighs, "I am not saying this out of spite or revenge...I say this because you are my brother. While you were held captive she sought comfort with our cousin Lancel…"

Jaime stares at Tyrion for a long while before leaving. Tyrion spends a restless night staring at the ceiling. A breakfast of bacon, fish, bread, cheese and boiled eggs with Ale is bought to Tyrion. Then he is shackled and bought to the throne room. The nobles of court are already present. Tyrion is placed in a stand. Then everyone stands up when Tommen stands, "I Tommen Second of his name...King of the Andels and the First men...Lord of the Seven Kingdoms...Protector of the Realm do hear-by recuse myself from this trial..."

"Your Grace!" Tommen pauses and looks at Tyrion. "Do you think I poisoned your brother?" Tommen looks at his mother and then at his Grandfather who enters with Prince Oberyn and Lord Tyrell.

"No Uncle...I do not think you poisoned him..."

"I Tywin of House Lannister...Lord of Casterly Rock, Warden of the West, and Hand of the King stand in judgment of Tyrion Lannister...With me are Prince Oberyn of Dorne and Lord Mace Tyrell Warden of the South and Lord of High Garden..."

Maester Pycell is the first witness called to testify. He verbally lists the poisons in his stock. "You have a lot of poisons Grand Maester…" Oberyn says cutting him off, "Which one was used to kill the King?"

"The Strangler..."

"Are you sure?" Tywin asks.

"I am my lord...It was found in this necklace on the body of the King's Fool Ser Dantos...His body was found in a boat near the King's dock of the Red Keep...The gods never put a more brave and noble human being..."

Tyrion starts laughing, "Brave and noble!"

"The Accused will be silent!" Tywin commands.

Tyrion stops laughing, "I am sorry forgive my outburst...Its just that Maester Pycell used the words brave and noble..."

"Be quiet or I will have you gagged..."

Tyrion stops laughing, "May I ask the witness a question? It is my right..."

Tywin looks at Prince Oberyn, "He has the right." Mace Tyrell shakes his head no.

"Ask your questions...If I feel they are irrelevant I will dismiss the witness..."

"I'm sure you will father...Maester you used the words Noble and brave...Did you ever treat two women...Whores named Ros and Avalyn."

"The witness is excused..."

"Wait!" Prince Oberyn says, "Why is this relevant?"

"Well Maester Pycell used the words noble and brave...I sent these women to Joffrey's chambers in order to cure what ales him...He amused himself by beating these women...Later Ros was found dead in his chambers..."

"That is a lie!" Cersei yells standing up.

"She was tied to the bed..."

"ENOUGH!" Tywin yells.

Tyrion speaks even louder, "...Joffrey shot her three times with his crossbow."

"Silence!" Tywin commands, "The witness is excused..."

They call the Queen and she testifies of how Tyrion threatened her one evening after she had invited him to dinner. "I have some questions..."

Cersei stands up, "I will not answer any of your questions..."

"The witness is excused." Mace Tyrell says.

"Do you remember your visit to Casterly Rock with Robert and the Children?"

Cersei pauses and looks at Tyrion, "What of it?"

"I thought you should know that Joffrey attacked Myrcella…"

"Lies!" Cersei screams as the court breaks into an uproar.

"Silence!"

"If you don't believe me ask Tommen..."

"The witness will be quiet! This line of questioning has nothing to do with his guilt or innocence..."

"I am being painted as a monster...All I am trying to do is show that the one who died was a bigger monster than I..." Cersei pauses again when Tyrion says. "We both came upon him as he held Myrcella's head down in the fountain..."

"No more outbursts..."

"Are there any other witnesses to this act?" Oberyn asks.

"Oh yes Maester Garlyn...I paid him to keep it quiet...Write him and ask him the truth of it...Ask the King if you don't believe me..."

"Father I request a quick recess..." Cersei asks.

"We shall reconvene within the hour..."

Jaime walks up to Tyrion, "What are you doing?"

"Having fun? You?"

Jaime lowers his head, "Look I spoke to father and he has agreed to let you take the Black...Behave from now on."

Tyrion shakes his head, "That is no deal..."

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes..."

"Then do as I say...Be silent from now on..." Jaime stops before walking away, "Did Joffrey really try to drown Myrcella?"

"Yes he did..." When the trial resumes they call Varys. Tyrion was going to do as Jaime asked, but then Shae is called. Her testimony breaks his heart and he snaps. Tyrion insults the nobles, Joffrey's memory, and the validity of the trial. He is tempted to destroy them all with his power over fire, but he demands a trial by combat. As they lead him from the throne room Tyrion sees Jaime run up to Cersei and whisper something. Tyrion sits in his cell trying to figure out how to save himself.

The door opens and in walks Jaime. They stare at each other, "Why? You promised."

"She betrayed me...I sent her away because I loved her. And I could tell that Cersei had finally figured out who she is..."

Jaime sighs, "I feel that your obsession with whores is my fault..."

Tyrion smiles, "We both know that no woman in her right mind would ever love me unless I paid her..."

"Tysha..."

Tyrion raises his hand, "Please don't...I have enough problems as it is..."

"You should know that Cersei has sent for Ser Gregor Clegane..."

Tyrion laughs, "Of course she did..."

"I can't champion you...Even if I could..." He raises his hand.

"I know, but someone came to defense before and they will do it again..."

"Whoever champions you the gods will have to help them..." Tyrion's mind starts racing and then he starts laughing, "What is so funny?"

"Nothing..." He replies trying not give anything away, "Before I was taken from the throne room...You and Cersei had words...What did you say to her?"

He sighs at the change of conversation, "I told her that I know about Lancel and if she does not drop these charges that I will never forgive her or speak with her again."

"And?"
"She doesn't believe me."

"Did you mean it..."

"If you die because of this I will leave Westeros and never look back..."

"At least you won't have to marry the Lefford girl..." After Jaime leaves Tyrion takes time to refine his plan. When he has a mental list of everything he needs to do to make it work; Tyrion requests to speak with Podrick. A day passes before Tyrion receives a visitor, but it is not the person he requested. "Prince Oberyn what brings you by..."

Oberyn leans against the beam, "I met you a long time ago you know..."

Tyrion frowns, "I don't remember."

"No you wouldn't you were just a baby...My family came to Casterly Rock for a visit...Your sister had been filling our ears about the monster of Casterly Rock...Then she took us to a room...I was so disappointed...I said this is not a monster...Its just a baby...My brother and sister said much of the same...Your sister called you a monster and then she reached into the crib and grabbed your little cock...She squeezed until you cried...I thought she was going to pull it off, until Jaime stopped her."

"Thank you...I think..."

"I did not hate you then or pitied you...I pitied Cersei...I pity her now...My sister died in this castle...Murdered on the orders of your father...When I heard what happened I came to hate all Lannisters...Then you opened your mouth in Court...I wanted to laugh so many times...And I heard how you held this city from Stannis...Until your father showed up...Whether your father and sister realized it or not...They need you especially now...Anyway I came because I want to champion you against the Mountain..."

Tyrion could not believe it, "Why?"

"Because the mountain killed my sister and justice me done...My brother refuses to go to war against the Lannisters...So I will have justice without starting a war..." Tyrion was not expecting this. He already has a plan to save himself, but then if one small misstep and he is dead. Of course he had never seen Oberyn fight, but he has a reputation as a deadly warrior with the spear the Red Viper they call him. "Well?"

"I am thinking about it..."

"What is there to think about?"

Tyrion smiles, "Many things to consider...For one I have never seen you fight before..."

"Have you forgotten what happened in the brothel?"

Tyrion smiles, "No I have not forgotten that...Give me a night to think on it..."

"Very well..." Oberyn replies pushing off the beam.

Tyrion wrestles with the thought of allowing Oberyn to fight for him or face the mountain himself and ask the gods for help. "Wake the Dragon!" He hears a voice say while sleeping. Tyrion sits up and makes his decision. "I have decided to face the Mountain myself..."

"I am impressed...A foolish decision, but I am impressed...Why...What do you intend to do?"

"Well if you die in the arena against the Mountain...Dorne will blame my family and we don't need anymore enemies...Besides I have been allowing others to fight my battles all my life...If I am to die it will be with dignity...Thank you Prince Oberyn, but no..."

"I pray the gods old and new grant you victory...You are small go for his feet and stay away from him..."

Many hours later Bronn pays him a visit. "I was wondering if I'd see you..."

"I stayed away because they asked me to testify against you...And someone threatened me..."

"I am glad you are alive..."

"You are going to do that thing aren't you?" Bronn cryptically asks.

"I am going to pray to the gods for help..."

Bronn laughs, "Oh I can't wait to see this trial by combat..."

Just then Jaime bursts into the cell, "Are you insane?"

"I'll leave you two alone..."

"No stay...Maybe you can talk some sense into him...Prince Oberyn offers to be your Champion and you say no!"

"I have never seen him fight...Jaime you asked me to trust you...I ask the same trust me..."

Jaime kneels down in front of him, "If you die...It will break my heart...Oberyn has a reputation...They don't call him the Red Viper for nothing..."

Tyrion smiles, "I am afraid...But all my life people have been fighting for me...I swear this is not the end...The gods will help me..."

"This is no time for jokes..."

"Ser Jaime..." He looks at Bronn, "Everything will be alright...Don't underestimate your brother..."

"I was going to have you kidnapped and hidden on your way to the wall...I was never going to allow you to take the Black..."

Tyrion smiles, "I figured that was your plan...I need you to do something for me..."

"Anything..."

"Its about Podrik…"

The day finally comes for Tyrion's trial by combat. Tyrion wears the armor he wore when he led the Hill Tribesmen into battle. Podrik carries his axe and a prayer torch. It is decorated with the Seven in gold on a white porcelain torch. "These two men...Ser Gregor Clegane and Lord Tyrion of House Lannister come before gods and men...In a trial by combat..." The High Septon says, "May the gods judge rightly..."

Tyrion takes his axe and walks into the arena, "I call upon the seven..." Tyrion says in a loud voice before Gregor can attack him. He pauses, "...In whose light I was named...The Father..." Gregor starts laughing and so does the spectators. "...The Mother, the Maiden, The Crone, the Warrior, The Blacksmith, and the Stranger..." Tywn Lannister shakes his head, "...I know I am a great sinner...But I ask that if I am guilty; then allow the Mountain's sword to strike true...But if I and my bride Sansa Stark are innocent strike down this Mountain among men...With fire or give me the strength of thousand Mountains..."

Gregor Clegane starts walking towards Tyrion again, but he stops when the flame on Podrik's torch belches fire. It goes deathly quiet as a stream of fire leaps off the torch. Podrik drops it as the flames fly around Tyrion in a circle. He drops his axe, "Thank you gods..." He points his hands at Gregor and the fires fly at the Mountain and consume him, the circle of fire breaks left and right from behind Tyrion's back into a stream at Gregor. Cersei and Tywin jump up from their seats as Gregor roars in pain. His armor melts as he drops his sword. He falls to his knees as flesh and metal are melted into one. With a thud Gregor Clegane falls down face forward and dies. The flames eventually die out and everyone just stares dumbfounded.

"The gods have answered Lord Tyrion Lannister by fire and judge him innocent..." The High Septon declares breaking the silence.

"No! No! No!" Cersei says, "He is guilty! Somehow he cheated! Seize him!"

Prince Oberyn steps forward, "The Mountain is dead! The gods themselves judge him...There is no law in a trial by combat that says the gods cannot fight on the accused's behalf."

"Bring me that torch..." Tywin commands. Pod reverently picks it up and brings it to him. They examine the Torch.

"It is an ordinary prayer torch..." The High Septon says.

"No he did something to it..." Cersei offers.

"I gave the torch to this young man this morning per Lord Tyrion's request...It is the first time it has ever been used..."

"The gods have declared me innocent...May I go now?" Tyrion says with two Lannister men guarding him in fear.

Tywin leaves his spot and walks up to Tyrion, "How did you do it?"

"All I did was pray...You are the one who always says that the gods humbled you by straddling you with me a ill formed demon who killed his mother...Perhaps they are humbling you again...Take the message..."

Tywin tries to strike Tyrion, but Jaime catches his hand, "Its over...My brother is innocent...Let him go..."

Tywin yanks his hand away and looks at the guards, "Let him go."

Tyrion spits before leaving, but he is joined by Varys, "What can I do for you Lord Varys..."

"What are your plans..."

"Collect the gold I have been saving and leave this place...Why?"

"I too am leaving...I have powerful friends in the East...I was wondering if you would accompany me..."

Tyrion sighs, "Let me think about it..."

"Don't think too long Lord Tyrion...I can make you Lord of Casterly Rock..."

Tyrion stops to look at him, "How?"

"Aegon Targaryen has a Dragon and a large army...Do you think your family will survive the next few months...Lord Tywin has been ready to leave and face Aegon on the battlefield for weeks now...Aegon has been waiting at Riverrun...Come with me...You have a good head on your shoulders and you can still come out on top in the new order..."

Tyrion goes to his room to pack after convincing Bronn to come with him. "How did you do it?" Jaime asks standing behind him.

"Close the door..." When Tyrion hears the door close he turns to face Jaime, "Ever since I was nine I was able to control fire..." He points his hand at the candle and the fire goes out. Then with a nod the fire on another candle leaps off and dances in the air before Tyrion, Then it splits into two fires, flies black across the room and lights the two candles once again.

"How?"

Tyrion hunches his shoulders, "I don't know how...I can just do it..."

"Is that how the fire started at Casterly Rock?"

Tyrion smiles, "I was angry with Cersei...It was an accident...I taught myself to control it and my emotions...You don't know how many people I was tempted to set on fire over the years..."

"You...can win this war for us..."

"If I showed our father what I can do...No...I am leaving...Come with me...This war with Aegon Targaryen...It can't be won..."

"I can't abandon our father, our sister...Tommen..."

"He was never a father to me...So I must go..."

"I have always been a brother to you...Stay for me...Stay for Aunt Genna and Dorma what of them?"

Tyrion turns away, "I am sorry Jaime...Cersei accusing me of killing Joffrey was the straw that broke the camel's back." Jaime helps him to pack and then walks with him to the ship. "Is Podrick safe..."

"Sort of...I sent him with Lady Brienne to find and protect Sansa...Oh the High Septon has annulled your marriage..."

"Thank you..." They hug then Tyrion boards the ship. Jaime stays on the docks until it sets sail.

"I know about your little fire trick..." Varys says standing next to Tyrion.

"Do you..."

"I kept this secret long enough...Your mother asked me to watch over you before she died...She and I were good friends..."

Tyrion looks at Varys, "What secret?"