Chapter 13: The Trial
RECAP
"Ser Barristan, prepare chamber for Lord Banefort and regale him with everything he may need," Viserys ordered his kingsguard. Ser Barristan nodded and turned to him, and waved his hand towards the door. Quenten stood and walked out of Viserys chamber. Viserys held a victorious smile all over his face, but he had little care about anything but one. He just wanted something to eat and drink, or else he would die for sure and that when he just saved his head.
NED
Things were getting normal and stable by the day, and hopefully he would be able to go back to Winterfell soon enough. 'but there it will be catelyn not her" his mind screamed, he shook his thoughts away, he usually tried to be busy as much he can, he wanted his mind not to be idle, if his mind was left idle, it would most likely find its way to her, and cycle of torment get awakened.
Benjen has most probably settled with Jon, yesterday he finally get to meet Jon and from then he barely left his side, and most probably being a trouble to others too, but he could not blame him.
Benjen and lya were very close, more than Brandon and himself, Brandon being free spirited, never stayed at one place and he was surely at vale. So lya and ben stayed most of their life together in Winterfell, and he also knew ben took lya's death hardest. Seeing Jon, his eyes were damp. Jon mirrored lya in every possible way, except if not for his quiet nature. Lya was most stubborn and wild person he ever met, even more than his brother Brandon.
And Surely when he was happy about things finally getting soothed down, he got another headache, last night Viserys finally decided to apprise him about the cause of discomfort he sensed in Viserys at council meeting. And again direct reason was Oberyn martell. They have Stannis and Renly Baratheon and for peace between crown and dorne, he stipulated the betrothal, between Jon and Rhaenys. He could not say anything for sure about that, He knew gods made it unambiguously clear, no mother to wed her son, as no father to daughter and no brother to sister. Yet Targaryens did that for generations. He was disgusted by even the imagination of such atrocity. He had seen Rhaenys and Jon, he hated how low people fall for greed and power that they taint the sacred love betwixt siblings.
Viserys told him all of that, it was not a shock that Viserys too did not wanted it, he wanted to end the tradition of incestual marriages that his ancestors started and followed for centuries. After all many believed that to be source of targaryen madness, and now his nephew was heading toward same abominable pit. He would better go to war than consenting with such vile proposition. But thing were much harsher in reality. If another battle would have to break out, he was more than sure that they would win, they had much larger numbers but even if they defeat Oberyn's currently stationed force, it would only agitate Dorne more. And not long after there would be another war, and maybe that time he would not be able to make it in time to save Jon.
He even understood, why Viserys came to him, he did not came to him, for advise or consultancy, but rather sharing the stress on his mind. So he just listened rather than giving his honest opinion which he was sure Viserys knew already. In such a short time, he had come to like Viserys more than he ever would have imagined. Especially from deriving from his father's actions. Viserys was younger to him by two name days.
Before coming to kings landing, he presumed him to be mad, arrogant, greedy, or power craving man, as if whole targaryen history was anything to go by. But he proved him wrong in many aspect, he was a capable men, and surely not a man who craved power and position, though he still had unrivalled arrogance and Rage. But again those things were bearable for sure. That was just like it was with Robert, Viserys had many thing in common with Robert, his anger, stubbornness, arrogance, and pride, and If gods were good, what happened with Robert and his friendship, would not happened with them. They discussed other thing too, his decision about naming Lord Banefort as Lord paramount of Westerlands, and also about his meeting with Olenna Tyrell was one and her indirect warning too. Decision for westerland was good though he thought about hoster Tully, Tullys wished to have Casterly rock for themselves, but Viserys did not showed any sign of doing that.
He knew about hoster Tully well enough, even though he was his father by marriage, he would not deny that he was an overambitious man, who craved power more than anything. If Robert would have lived he would have arranged his other daughters hand to Robert for sure. And discerning the situation, he was sure, hoster Tully will try to get his daughter to be betroth to Oberyn or someone else for sure. But that was not his concern, main concern was the red viper.
But he assured Viserys, he would support his decision, afterall there was not much of choice, westros needed peace, already previous wars had left westros in ruin, and now if dorne and stormland have to raise another rebellion, thing would turn to worse.
Reach was yet another problem, if Olenna Tyrells words were anything to go by. Although Viserys planned a route for it already.
But his biggest worry was what Viserys asked him to do, He did not know if Benjen would agree to it or not, But he have to convince him somehow 'at the very least try'.
Also the next day, trials would be held, for all the traitors. He was waiting for that for far too long. But still, he does not really understand the need for trial, when their crime are open to whole world. But in the end the hegemony of Lannisters would finally end. They had it too good for too long in westros. He just wanted everything to end swiftly, so he could return to his family to his home.
Leyton Hightower
He was already on his way to kings landing, when he received raven from Lord protecter, Viserys Targaryen. Though he was not shocked but eager. Viserys asked him to come to kings landing before the court trials, of course if he wish to see his heir again. He felt surge of anger in his veins, his son was prisoner of war in kings landing. But he did not had time to waste for cursing and growling, he needed to reach kings landing as soon as possible. Road to kings landing were smooth, so he made it sooner than what he anticipated. He just wanted to meet his son and take him back to Hightower.
Leyton was well prepared for negotiation, there was nothing, he would not do for his son. As he arrived at kings landing, he was surprised to see Viserys to welcome him, he never expected any warm or Honourable welcome from Targaryens after last war, but If Viserys was there to show his gratitude and guest honor, he was sure, that there was something he wanted from him. He walked straight to him and bowed.
"you made this sooner than what I expected." Viserys said in his coy tone and sly smile.
"yes, your grace, after all didn't had any choice, did I" he never had much of a sweet talker, he always talked blunt but his actions sharp as 'vigilance', their house's long lost ancestral valyrian steel sword. He looked at Viserys, he did not looked offended or annoyed not even a bit, but his smile stretched from ear to ear, after all, he was mocking him.
"Well, I would change that soon enough,….. now I think we would need solace if we have to talk grave matters" Viserys words were all nothing if not suggestive, and he too had no wish for formal courtesies, he wished things to be over soon and to go back to his home along his son. Leyton just nodded, Viserys waved him to walk with him and they walked inside the red keep. He had been there few times before but he did not remembered much other than the infamous, iron throne.
Viserys walked him through galleries, stairs, but finally halted in front of big door, Kings guard, which he recognized as Ser oswell whent, opened the Door.
They both walked inside, room was huge and luxurious, and certainly graces royalty of westros well enough. Viserys offered him to take seat at the table, table was readily regaled with wine and food, but he had not come there to enjoy royal luxuries.
"Would you like wine, my Lord" his words were like adding salt to his wounds
"I don't think, I travelled all this way down to kings landing, to drink wine and enjoy royal revelries, your grace," his words were harsh and bitter, but he did not care, Viserys looked at him again with his annoying smile over his face.
"surely" Viserys replied and took his seat on next end.
"I wish to speak blunt, hope you don't take it offence, your grace, but I ask royal pardon for my son" he said it straight, only thing that mattered was his son, but Viserys sat in front and continued his fixed gaze.
"so you except, your sins and crime against crown" Viserys said, straight with his wolfish grin. He waited for few moments, but he knew he had to swallow his pride for the time being.
"yes, your grace. Though we just served our overLords, nothing more." He replied with stern voice, looking straight at Viserys face. But again Viserys expression were rigid.
"correct me if I was wrong,…..you mean to say if it was your choice to make, you would have remained loyal to house targaryen at our side" Viserys had his grave look, no smile or smirk of any king, just straight,
Leyton knew his reply would decide his son's future, so he took his time, continuing his gaze at him.
"yes, House Hightower was first one to acknowledge Targaryens as king of seven kingdom. I would have done what my predecessor did before me." He answered, gazing at him, Viserys eyes were piercing, likely looking for any sign of doubt. Although his words were somewhat biased because of his son's captivity, but still he could not neglect that his predecessor did proclaimed Targaryens as rightful ruler of the seven kingdom
"that's wonderful, my Lord…now you said something about not having a choice on your arrival…. So now I will give you a choice…..and this choice would decide your son's fate…. You can go hand in hand with your son or alone just as you came" His words were slow but firm, it was like he wanted his words to come out as soon as possible, he was looking at him unblinkingly.
"bend the knee, swear fealty to house targaryen and I will name you warden of the south, Lord paramount of Mander" as soon as words word ended Leyton head bent down, his mind went in turmoil, he was caught between rock and a hard place, on one side it was his daughter Alerie and on other was his son, his heir, he thought about those words again and again, but every single time, only one thought came to his mind 'there isn't any choice' and that was the bitter truth, Tyrells were already doomed. Viserys gaze was straight, waiting for answer but Viserys's grin was telling him straight,' you do not have any choice, just do as I say'
Finally, he decided what was needed to be done,
"It would be an honor, your grace" he at last said those words, he decided to broke his oath, But he preferred to be called oath breaker rather than losing his son. 'After all what is honor, when compared to family'.
Viserys was smiling at him, after all that was his win.
"But there more to it, after all your son raised his sword against his king" Viserys voiced with his mien face. But Leyton was confused, 'what more could he possibly want' he thought.
Viserys
Finally, day for judgement was there, they all were in throne room, Ned, Oberyn, Quenten, Leyton, Benjen, monterys and other Lords, without any exception of kingsguard. Trial would be held and as custom dictates, three judges would render a verdict. He would preside, Jon arryn would serve as second judge and Lord stark would be third. Court was all set up, Lords of crownland, westerland, north, riverrun, vale and reach were too present there to witness the trial. Viserys had called each and every Lord of reach and westerland particularly, after all, many things were to be solidified there. Though most were there because, their relatives were most likely in his dungeons. Also Edmure Tully was on his way to kings landing, alongside remnants of Tyrells and Lannisters from Highgarden.
Soon Guards entered and with them entered Tywin, mace, Jaime, Kevan, Olenna and Randyll. All in chains, walking from door, clinking of chains were only sound throughout the hall, as everyone in there got silent. Each one them, barely walking, obvious to the fact that they did not had anything to eat since they settled in dark cells, fortunately for them last night he ordered guards to give them water. They were covered in filth and definitely not looking as intimidating as they were when they walked through same doors, alongside their men with swords and armour few days back. so Seeing them such was a satisfying site for his him.
As Tywin walked, Tywin's gaze went to Quenten, sitting among other high Lords with pride staring at him unwaveringly which he never did in his past memory most likely. But still, he does not looked shocked, even if he was shocked, he hid it well. Most hopeless and pathetic of them was mace Tyrell, barely walking with his head ready to kiss the ground. Obviously none of them was in salubrious condition but others managed quite well.
Viserys was sitting on the throne, with Ned and Jon arryn at his sides, as judges, though he knew privilege to sit was Throne was only for King or his hand but for the time being he wanted that, after all he was the one who holds power to make norms and allow privileges. Lord baelish and Varys were standing at the corner. Tywin finally turned his gaze to Viserys, anger, hunger, everything was there in his eyes. But Viserys heeded no attention to any of that. 'today is when the peace begins'.
Every single of them stood in a line in front of throne, and four of the kingsguard, and finally grand maester pycelle spoke up, who was standing in front of kingsguards facing the audience.
"all of these men and women stand here accused of treason against the crown,…..trial will begin now…..and verdict will be rendered by three Judges, first one Lord Eddard stark, warden of the north, second protector of the realm, prince Viserys targaryen, and finally Lord Jon arryn, warden of the east. And if they found guilty, may the gods punish the accused" grand maester ended and turned back and bowed to the judges,
"first and foremost, Tywin of house Lannister, Lord of Casterly rock, you stand accused of conspiracy of murder of our late king, Aerys targaryen, second of his name,… Aegon Targaryen, sixth of his name, son of crowned prince, along with elia Targaryen formerly of house martell, Do you deny it" he asked straight glaring at his face, again anger burst inside his body. Whenever he remember he get to same place of rage and anger.
"yes, I deny it" Tywin spoke with a loud, but Viserys could not understand his anger, he committed all those vile act, and he knew it very well.
"crown may present its first witness" Viserys spoke, sooner guard came along with a man, from his array, he looked a commoner.
"say, what you know" Viserys ordered looking at him, man just bowed and began
"miLords, my name is ranim, The day late king was murdered, same day i spotted Ser gregor clegane on the hook's way, he was wearing a robe, but I managed to see his face" He finished in his Humble tone. But Tywin turned to him.
"how do know, it was him, have you ever met Ser gregor before" Tywin snapped, man got little bit scarred and his eyes went to Lord varys, after all varys got him to the Hall, varys gave him a wink.
"yes, I had seen him before… at the tourney of the Harrenhal, so I recognised him." Man answered again keeping his voice low. Viserys beckoned him to leave.
"Do you still deny it, Lord Tywin" Viserys asked looking at Tywin, Tywin gaze were sharp on him, Olenna's too, while others were looking hopeless as ever.
"I did not guaranteed every single moment of Ser clegane, and also being in the city isn't a crime" Tywin again said out loud, with a scowl.
"that's fair, then I ask crown to present its next witness" Viserys declaimed, as soon as his words out, Lord Quenten Banefort, stood up from his seat, amongst high Lords and walked in front. Tywin's eyes were wide open, he would have guessed what was happening right there.
"Lord Quenten Banefort, tell everyone whatever you know" he said to Quenten, obviously giving him silent nod, and Viserys knew Quenten would not betray him not even a bit, afterall he was an intelligent man. Before speaking he turned to Viserys looking at him and then to Tywin.
"I Quenten of house Banefort, Lord of Banefort, testify against Lord Tywin Lannister. He conspired the murder of late king Aerys targaryen, Prince Aegon Targaryen and Elia Martell." Quenten vocalized, staring at Quenten.
"And how do you know that, did I tell you, or you too was involved in that, which one is it actually" Tywin again snapped,
"You are right as well as wrong, You did tell me, but I wasn't involved in the conspiracy,…my Lords, Lord Tywin spoke about this to me While he was drunk, when he was at Banefort, after he escaped kings landing on the day of king Jon Targaryen's coronation" Quenten finished, audience was silent, Lords of westerland were looking more grave than others. But Tywin's face only radiated anger.
"Well, how convenient of you, get me hanged and save your neck, isn't it Lord Banefort, it is what you traded for y-" Tywin was speaking, when Ned raised his heavy harsh northern voice, that was quite rare,
"Silence,….. You will not speak unless called upon" Ned voice was loud and did the job, Tywin silenced, even other Lords were intimidated by that.
"now for your other crimes, you plotted to have King Jon Targaryen murdered, you sent Ser gregor clegane to kill, Jon Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen, and Rhaenys Targaryen, you commanded your men To kill me in my chambers,….. not only that you raised a rebellion against crown and Marched on Kings landing, killing thousands of innocent men, women and children" Ned's words were grave and stern, His gaze was harsh and so cold than any winter that Tywin did not even meet his gaze. They waited for Tywin's reply but none came.
"Do you not have anything to say in your defense, Lord Tywin of house Lannister" Ned again tried to push Tywin even more over the edge.
"We all know, this is nothing but a charade,,….so I demand a trial by combat, I'll let gods decide my fate." Tywin said, glaring at every single person in the room, especially Viserys.
"Very well, trial by combat will be held but who will be your champion, Lord Tywin" Viserys asked , again with an mien face. Tywin looked all around and then finally spoke his words
"I choose Ser sandor Clegane as my Champion" Tywin announced, but that was not much of a surprise, after all cleganes were Lannister dogs, did Tywin's bidding.
"Ser Sandor clegane will be sent a summon but again if depends on him if he agree to be your champion, Lord Tywin" Viserys said with his passive expression,
"now Lord mace Tyrell and Olenna Tyrell, you supported Lannisters, and were involved in assassination attempt on Royal family and also in rebellion against crown, do you have anything to say about that." He asked gazing at them, mostly Olenna, afterall, they had very sweet talk before the trial, and he believed she would do what was asked of her, Olenna looked at her son and gave him a nod as signal, Mace bent his knee, with his head bowing down,
"I confess in the sight of god and men, I betrayed my King, I plotted alongside Lannisters to murder royal family, I fought against Crown, I am guilty of all the charges pressed against me….and I will accept whatever punishment rendered to me, but I request pardon for my family, my wife, my mother, my children, I am responsible for all these crimes alone, as Lord of Highgarden and Warden of the south. Just spare my family," mace confessed, 'his mother must have taught him well before trial about what he has to say' Viserys thought. In audience Lords of reach held grave expression,
"you confessed your crime in front of everyone, It takes courage to confess,….. verdict will be rendered taking your confession and courage in mind, you may stand….." Viserys voiced in his commanding tone, Mace did his part well enough, But there were others too, he shifted his gaze to Randyll Tarly. Randyll stiffened under his gaze,
"Now, Lord Randyll Tarly, Lord of Horn Hill, you fought alongside Tyrells and Lannisters against Crown, how do you respond to your crimes," Viserys continued his gaze on him, every pair of eyes were on Randyll,
Randyll turned his head to meet Olenna's gaze, Olenna winked silently most probably for compliance, Randyll turned back, with wish head bent down
"my Lords, I did what was asked by my liege Lord, and there's nothing to say other than accepting all the thing that I did wrong, A man can only admit when he was wrong, and ask forgiveness." Randyll, finished in humble tone, with grimace. But Viserys still remembered the day of coronation, they shared drinks on the same table, and same night he sent his men to murder his family. It was going to be hard decision for him. He just nodded, and Randyll, went back to his place,
"and now for the last, Ser Jaime Lannister and Kevan Lannister, both of you raised your sword against the crown, is there anything any of you have to say in your defense," Viserys asked, as protocol demands, though Lannisters would pay with their blood, and also rage in Oberyn's eyes, and smile on his face must be prolonged, if there was going to be Peace in westros.
Both Kevan and Jaime walked in front, Kevan turned his head left to meet Jaime giving him a nod,
"I demand, trial by combat," Kevan trumpeted flagrantly, Gazing at Oberyn and then to Viserys, and that was obvious after all, Oberyn single handedly fucked all of their plans, In normal times, Kevan's tone would have offended him but the only thing it did was amuse him even more. He understood, their anger at their hopelessness very well.
"and who would be your champion," Viserys quentioned,
"Ser Harys Swift" Kevan announced, Viserys rolled his eyes, he really found it funny that they believe, they would be able to get away by trial by combat, Viserys had strongest warriors of seven Kingdom alongside him, no one could stand ground against them. But then again he thought 'let then fantasize'.
"and what about you Ser Jaime" this time, Jon arryn entered asking Jaime, after all, there were three judges.
"I also demand Trial by combat, and I will fight anyone you pick by myself" Jaime answered with an arrogant smirk, but there Viserys couldn't stop his smile, even after days of starving, he had guts to challenge like that. Viserys planned for him to take black, if he would have confessed. But by choosing trial by combat, Jaime left him with no other choice, 'He will die,'
"very well, then, we will adjourn for now, toll the bell in an hour." Viserys ordered, and stood from the throne, Ned and Jon arryn followed, and walked towards the small council chamber,
"clear the court" Herald announced, doors were opened, and audience started walking outside the hall, with their low chattering clamour obviously
They walked to small council chamber, though there was not any need for that, next course of action was already planned, but Jon Arryn readily tried to show mercy asking for sending them to wall, rather than execution. According to him, execution will erupt revenge and revenge in turn will erupt chaos. But Viserys thoughts were different on that matter, execution will cause fear and terror and in turn submission to never raise sword against them.
Olenna Tyrell
As ordered, in an hour bell Rang, clangour of bells was high enough to let who Aegon hill, know of the invitation. Once again, hall started getting full, At last judges too entered and walked up to their stage. She knew, what was going to happen there, that was not a fair trial by any means, everything planned and manipulated by Viserys Targaryen according to his will, and desire. Even she was being played by child of ten and eight. Gazes were fixed on her, but she kept her gaze on Viserys, kind of pleading him last time but time for mending was long over. That was the hour of proclamation
"after discussing, and hearing the voices of the accused ones, with mutual agreement, court had decided its verdict." Viserys declaimed, looking at the each of them in chains and to red viper,
"As law dictates, Lord Tywin Lannister, Ser Kevan Lannister, Ser Jaime Lannister shall be given chance to prove their innocence by the god, Trial by combat will held in three days. If requested champion does not arrive in time for the trial, they would have to fight themselves for their lives." Viserys declaimed with a loud, Hall was dead silent,
But Olenna's concern were not of Lannisters but her family. And finally their judgement time came, Viserys eyes shifted toward them,
"House Tyrell betrayed the crown, raised steel against their liege Lords, and as law commands its death to bear steel against your liege Lord, House Tyrell plotted assassination attempt on royal family and for that alone, house Tyrell should be demolished from the history of westros" as words were out, Olenna gulped her dry mouth, fear stuck her to the bone. Her whole family will be slaughtered.
Lords of crownland, northerners, Riverlanders were acclaiming in agreement, while Lords of reach chose silence. Mace face was dark, his gaze was asking her the question, 'why'
But then Viserys continued, "But Lord mace Tyrell confessed his crime and surrendered, as I said before, it takes great courage to accept and confess your crimes, taking that in mind, house Tyrell will be allowed to detain Highgarden and land they are in direct control of, But only as a vassal,…. not as Warden of the South,… hereby, by royal decree House Tyrell is Stripped of their title, as Lord paramount of reach, and warden of the south. They will swear fealty to new Lord paramount of Reach as their liege" Viserys declared, with authority in his voice, but Olenna's face held same fear stricken expression, she waited for next. Noise erupted in the hall, even more amongst Lord of reach, about the appointment of next Lord paramount. But Olenna did not care about that, it was not the matter of power or prestige it was the matter of survival.
"Members of House Tyrell, except for Lord Mace Tyrell will be spared (Viserys eyes were on Olenna rather than mace)….. Lord mace Tyrell will be executed for treason" Viserys finished, mace turned to his mother gave her a silent wink, she was supposed to die, her son was young, this should not have happened, but deed was signed already. Most of audience was pleased with the decision, obviously as most of them were the one who slaughtered their army. But overall Olenna was relieved that Viserys kept his words.
Flashback (Viserys's chamber)
"lady Olenna, how are you" Viserys asked sitting opposite to her with only table separating them in his chambers, he had asked her presence, she did not knew what he wanted to talk, but maybe he considered her words from before and wanted to strike a bargain.
"starved, but fortunately alive" she answered in her own usual manner. Viserys held his smile
"well that good, I will need you alive for the things that were to come" he said to her, but there was something wrong with his tone, she got wary of him.
"go on" she said straight, not wanting to waste any time.
"well I contemplated your words again and again and again, and I agreed what you said is true, house Tyrell holds dominion over reach, and if I was to appoint a new warden of the south, that won't go very well, when there are so many those who claim to have better right on reach, so here the deal… I will spare you and your family's lives except for your son ofcourse and house Tyrell will detain their holdings but not as warden of south rather as a vassal of House Hightower, house Tyrell will swear fealty to house Hightower in perpetuity, if you agree ofcourse, otherwise I can always go for other course of action" Viserys face held his wolfish grin that irritated her more than enough to crush his skull, but that was a vain imagination. Olenna went through Viserys words one by one, again and again. If she agree she would be sacrificing her son and if she refuse, that would be end for her entire house.
Finally, she decided, "I agree, but my grandchildren must be remain safe" Olenna pressed harshly, it was often said interest of usury is more appeasing than the principal amount. Her grandchildren definitely worth more. They were the future.
"Surely, but there's more for us to discuss" Viserys face again held the wry smile, something big was coming, Olenna new that well enough.
Flashback ends
Judgement was rendered, most powerful house of westros, sank to the low ground. Olenna wanted to cry, but her pride would not allow her to demonstrate weakness. That was one thing she learned long before she married.
Now everyone's eyes were on Randyll,
Viserys began,
"Lord Randyll Tarly, one of the most successful military commander in the westros, He confessed his crime,…..but such great mind should not be vanquished so readily,…Lord Randyll Tarly will go to the wall and take black, night's watch will surely appreciate his presence at the wall, since wildlings attacks had become more and more frequent" as soon as words left, Randyll's eyes went wide open but soon enough his shock disappeared. Maybe he accepted his fate well enough.
"His son will inherit the Title of Lord of horn hill, when come of age, until then, lady Tarly will act as regent…., After three days, there will be Trail by combat and finally all the Traitors will be executed, We are adjourned for the day" Viserys finished. Almost everyone approved of the verdict, but what they did not knew was that, it was all preplanned, just a farce for all those who sat on high chairs, rendering judgement.
A/N: ohhhf, this was a big one, but i hope you guyz will like it, next chap will give you next big thing, so wait for it...
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and those who wish to educate me on capitalization and use of 'u' and 'ur', please keep it to yourself, also please remember it is a fanfic, not everything could be identical to canon...other than that constructive criticism is welcome