The Catspaw Succeeded - Movement

A short chapter to transition into the next phase of the story.

Tyrion

Tyrion Lannister had been a very busy man these past few weeks. He was completing the preparations to depart King's Landing for the journey back home. He met with his Uncle Kevan shortly before he was shipped North. His Uncle was grim, but determined. He said he didn't regret following his brother, but he was sad he would never get to see his family again. Lancel was bitter and blamed everyone from Robert to Tyrion himself for his predicament. He obviously had been under Cersei's influence for too long. Come to think of it, who knows how much "under Cersei" he had been….

Tyrion had dismissed all but two dozen soldiers and knights from the original force his father had brought with him. Those men, added to the few men that had been with him since his excursion north, would be sufficient for his journey. Tommen and Myrcella were quite happy to see him. They had been able to roam the Red Keep under strict supervision but spent very little time away from their rooms. Unfortunately, they had been the target of scorn and ridicule by some of the castle servants. Tyrion heard all about this his first evening in the city.

When he walked into the Maidenvault main room that they were being housed in they screamed in joy and knocked him over when they hugged him. It took several minutes to get them to at least let him up and sit in a large cushioned chaise. Despite not being any larger than them, they sat on each side of him, each holding an arm and refused to let go.

"Uncle Tyrion," said Myrcella "we have been waiting for you!" Her beautiful face was covered in tears.

Tommen was crying next to him, holding onto his arm and a kitten. "Uncle Stann…. Lord Stannis told us we would live here in the city with you! Please tell me it's true!" He choked out

"Yes," said Tyrion "You will be living with me. But I spoke to Lord Stannis before coming here. We will live at Casterly Rock instead." He didn't elaborate on why but they were thrilled to hear it. Myrcella vaguely remembered the Rock from a previous visit but Tommen did not.

Tyrion spent the evening regaling them with tales of his journey to the Wall and his voyage on the Narrow Sea from White Harbor. Tommen was disappointed his Uncle did not bring back a tamed snark like his Uncle boasted at Winterfell he would do. They fell asleep holding his hands. They were absolutely exhausted from fear, worry, and sadness. They knew their mother was dead. They knew that Robert was not their Father, but that their "Uncle Jaime" was. Myrcella was old enough to understand what this meant and was frankly disturbed by it. Tommen, bless his simple heart, was confused. Tyrion had told him not to worry.

While he was in King's Landing he made a point to be at almost every meal with the children when he could. While he was not with them he was making plans. He had learned from Uncle Kevan that his father had banished his Aunt Genna to the Twins. He sent a raven directing her to return as quickly as she could to Casterly Rock. He informed his Aunt Genna she was free to decide who accompanied her back to the Rock. He knew his pathetic Frey uncle would be left behind. He also informed his Aunt Dorna about the fate of Uncle Kevan and Lancel. He didn't want her to hear rumors from the returning soldiers.

Two days before he was to leave he went to see Stannis. While Stannis was not someone Tyrion would ever see himself being a friend with, he respected his no nonsense way of governing. He didn't seem to care that he was a dwarf. He also didn't seem to care that he was a Lannister. All he cared about was Tyrion did as he was bid and did it well.

Because of this, he was confident Stannis would not deny what he was going to request. He was prepared to fight for it if he had to, despite wanting to avoid it as long as possible.

After waiting a few minutes Ser Davos led him in. Stannis was putting away a document when Tyrion sat down. After a simple greeting he got down to business.

"Before I leave King's Landing I wish to see my Father." Said Tyrion.

"Why do you wish to see him? I was under the impression you wanted little to do with him and he felt the same." asked Stannis.

"While that may be true, I have my reasons to do so". What Tyrion was not going to say was he knew his Father had plenty of things in his head he would never write down. Knowledge about the state of the mines for one. Tywin Lannister trusted very few. Maester Creylan would know a lot but Tyrion knew his house was holding on by a thread. He could not stumble if he wanted to succeed and he could leave nothing to chance. So he had to swallow his pride and speak to his father to ensure he was prepared to do what was needed.

Stannis relented and said he would arrange it. After he departed the office he stopped in front of Ser Davos. He made small talk, complimenting him on his son Dale for his expert seamanship. Then he got down to business.

"I was told you are the man who Stannis uses to get things done most highborns have no clue about. And that you have useful contacts for people with certain skills " He said bluntly.

Davos just nodded to the small man. "Yes, my past has given me knowledge and contacts to get things done. Why? I'll tell you now I am not leaving Stannis' service"

Tyrion shook his head. "I am looking to hire someone, but I know better than that. I am not looking to hire you." He said. When Tyrion had returned last evening he found his niece and nephew huddled together and very quiet - it was clear they had been crying. After some comforting he had found out they had stumbled across some squires who had taken the opportunity to harass and bully the children. By sheer luck Ser Arys had walked by and stopped the squires before it became physical. But the damage was done. With Joffrey gone, the young men who had once been tormented by him were now taking out their revenge on his siblings. Tyrion knew this was just the beginning of what they could expect. While they would eventually need to learn to deal with this, they were still quite young and needed someone to escort and guard them when he was not around.

He continued. "I am looking for someone to guard my niece and nephew. I need someone who is capable. I want someone who can be ruthless when needed and not ask why. I don't care if they are a knight, I just want someone who will do whatever I ask. Do you know of anyone like this?"

Ser Davos thought about this for a few moments. Eventually a few names came to mind. "I can introduce you to a few men. Most of them meet what you are asking for. One in particular fits your ruthless bit. Bronn is his name"

Tyrion eventually met with this Bronn. He was the roughest man he'd ever dealt with but there was an attitude he liked. Bronn was brought to the room he was using as an office and sat down. Tyrion was doing his best impression of his Father, writing away and making the man sit and stew. Bronn didn't seem bothered. He was gazing around as though thinking about what he'd like to steal. Tyrion finished writing and spoke. "Ser Davos says you are the best sellsword he knows. Is this true?"

Bronn gave a confident look in return. "Best sellsword? No. I'm not. I'm the best killer he knows. I also know how thieves think. Who do you think found those 55,000 gold dragons in Littlecock's brothel?"

"55,000? I was told it was 50,000." Said Tyrion.

Bronn grinned at this. "Well it might have been that amount. I never was all that good at counting coins."

Tyrion understood that some skimming was done as an enticement to find more. Needing to finish this up, he got down to business. "I am in need of a personal guard. Not for myself but for my niece and nephew."

Bronn frowned at this. He hated guard duty. "What for? They are kids? Bastards at that. They aren't important anymore, as I see it."

Tyrion glowered at the man. "Yes, they are now bastards. But they are important to me and unfortunately it only gets worse for them. What is worse than being a bastard? Being a sibling of the late Joffrey Hill and child of Cersei Lannister. Those two have ensured my niece and nephew will endure scorn, ridicule, and danger for years to come. I already have a group of squires that I need to repay a debt to".

Bronn knew this was an easy job but wanted to drive up the price - so he acted as though uninterested. "Why me? You are a highborn little shit and are the Lord of your House. Hell, the entire West will be kissing your misshaped arse. Why me? You can get anyone you want. Get that scarred Clegane to guard them or some other knight in your service"

Tyrion stared hard at Bronn. "I know I am the Lord of my House and Lord Paramount of the West. But I know that no knight will want to take this job and I can't ask them. They will see it as an insult. And I don't want a knight. If Clegane was not suddenly the Lord of his family as well he would do it because he doesn't give a shit what others think. But he wants to undo the chaos of his brother. I want someone who will guard those two children. I also want someone who will do as I ask. I'm not looking for someone to be an animal like Gregore Clegane was, but I want someone who will do what I need when asked and only respond with how much it will cost. Is that something you can do?"

Eddard

Eddard Stark had just set aside the last letter of the day. He and his family had seemed to settle into a new routine. Robb and Jon continued their martial training with Ser Rodrik in the mornings followed by lessons with Maester Luwin. After their midday meal they would meet with him here in his solar. They would discuss various matters with him. Rob had been quite forthright that he had been unprepared to lead the North when his Father departed South. If Catelyn had been here he would have eventually learned, but with her gone he was quite overwhelmed. Eddard understood what he went through. He himself had not been raised like an heir and struggled mightily when he returned from the rebellion. It took time before he found his way. Realizing this, he made a point to include Robb in many day to day items. And since Robb had taken the initiative to make Jon his (future) castellan, Jon was included as well.

Repairs were ongoing at Moat Cailin. It was still two years away from being a true seat. The reports he had received indicated one of the three existing towers was fully repaired. The drunken tower had been completely taken down, the builders determining it could not be repaired in its current state. Eddard trusted that the builders knew what was needed. But ravens he had received recently could not have come at a worst time. Watchtowers along Blazewater Bay had reported suspected Ironborn ships in the distance. While they appeared to be heading North and not towards the shore he was worried others had been missed. If an attack occurred now at Moat Cailin with only one tower manned, they could be overrun with a large enough force approaching from the North. While it was pointless to do that since Northern reinforcements would descend upon them and take the Moat back, he was taking no chances. He sent a raven to the Flints of Flints Fingers to increase patrols along the coast. Similar ravens were sent to Deepwood Motte and Bear Island. Manderly men were summoned to reinforce Moat Cailin. The Reeds and the other crannogman were ordered to watch the Fever River.

He also received a letter from Benjen. The recent events in the south had resulted in an influx of men to the wall. While the number of men they had received was impressive, Benjen was wary. A large portion of the new men were the survivors from Clegane's nasty cadre of men, Lannister soldiers from King's Landing, and the corrupt City Watch. Many were disgruntled with their situation. They were short on warm weather clothing for the sudden additions. Ned was not worried though. Jeor Mormont now had the men to repair and man a few more posts.

Ned had dinner with his family. Sansa and Arya were happy with their lessons. Lady Dustin seemed to be able to do the impossible. She had gotten Arya to take her needlework and other lady-like duties a bit more seriously. And she was slowly getting Sansa to wake up and see what the world was really like. They also were taking simple lessons with Ser Rodrik. Arya thought they weren't enough and Sansa was horrified at them. Since neither were happy, Ned considered it a fair compromise. He did not expect them to fight in a battle. But they could hopefully defend themselves if confronted by an unsuspecting attacker expecting a helpless woman.

Rickon was sitting at the table in a hushed conversation with Ned Umber. Ned had noted that Rickon had been quite lonely with Bran gone. Ned was concerned and as she liked to do, Lady Dustin gave her unasked and unfiltered opinion about it. Ned hated to admit it but her counsel was usually correct. "Unless you have another bastard stuffed away that you can bring to Winterfell, you need to either send the boy out for fostering or have some companions his age brought here."

Ignoring her dig at Jon, he contemplated her words. Despite the wonderful time he had growing up in the Eyrie, Ned had not given the idea of fostering much thought for his children. The loss of his elder brother and younger sister had made his protective instincts kick in and he had declined all offers before. But she was correct, again. He could not deny that Lady Dustin, despite her sharp tongue, would have made a formidable Lady Stark had his father acquiesced to Brandon's wishes when he was younger. Who knows what would have happened then. This acknowledgement did not help the stares he had been clued into that he had been getting from her.

A few days after the execution of Joffrey and Meryn Trant found Ned taking a walk through the castle grounds. He had been cooped up all day and needed some fresh air. He overheard some men discussing Lady Dustin. He was about to admonish them for their words when he was stopped in his tracks.

"That ol' Lady Dustin needs to relax, she's got a stick up 'er arse so far she's got toothpicks comin' out 'er mouth," said one of the men. Several chuckled. Another piped up "Oye! You think you're going to be the one to do so? Not a chance! Have you seen the way she looks at Lord Stark? One of the old maids she brought with her said she's been needing to change those bedsheets of hers every day since Lord Stark showed everyone he won't take no shite from the South."

While Ned had spent his youth with the loud, boisterous, and very often vulgar Robert Baratheon, he was still quite uncomfortable around such talk. And the shock of what they said made him turn around before he was noticed. While Ned admittedly was flattered, he was not of the mind to do anything about it. He still missed Cat fiercely.

As for Rickon, Ned had contacted Lord Umber. He had a son the same age as Rickon. Ned Umber was visiting the Starks for a period of two moons. Rickon would go to Last Hearth for the following two moons. Afterwards Rickon would return to Winterfell and in a few years a longer fostering would occur. They were getting along as thick as thieves.

After dinner, Ned returned to his solar for some quiet contemplation. He was debating the merits of a betrothal of Robb to either Meera Reed, Alys Karstark, or the Greatjons eldest daughter. All were from leal houses that had not been tied to House Stark by marriage for several generations. Just as Ned decided he as going to sleep in it he was startled by an urgent knocking at the door. After giving permission to enter he saw it was Jory.

"My Lord, ravens from Houses Ryswell and Dustin. Ironborn have been spotted. They are sailing up the rivers to Barrowtown and the Rills.

Castle Black

Benjen Stark was worried. For the first time ever he thought Castle Black was too crowded. While the castle could hold many more men, it was full of the wrong men. A large influx of men from the south over the last few months was the largest they had received since the rebellion. But most of those were knights and older men at arms. The men they had received were nothing like that. Despite overall being decimated, the most repulsive members of Gregore Clegane's band of men had survived and had been sent to the wall. The corrupt members of the King's Landing city watch and the Lannister soldiers from who attempted the coup had all arrived within weeks of each other.

Normally they would have been equally split up - both in numbers and previous loyalty. Any not kept at Castle Black would be split between The Shadow Tower and Eastwatch. But Lord Commander Mormont was planning a great ranging. Ser Alliser Thorne and his men had been missing since they departed on a ranging mission months ago. Two of them were found just inside the Haunted Forest north of the wall. Their bodies were brought back and they had somehow attacked Lord Mormont. They were eventually stopped. Not killed but stopped after multiple limbs had been severed. Benjen was staring at an arm that was still moving yet was cut off at the elbow. The grip was strong enough that some stupid Lannister boy who recently arrived had a broken hand now because thought it was some sort of prank.

Before they did the ranging the newly arrived men needed to be sworn brothers. Many were capable soldiers, not green boys so the did not lack training. Benjen was coming back from north of the wall. Samwell Tarly and a handful of others had decided to take their vows in front of a weirwood. Mormont was with him as well. He was glad they had a decent ride back. It gave him time to speak to the old bear.

"Lord Commander," began Benjen, "can we speak?"

Jeor Mormont sighed and remarked. "You will speak even if I don't want you to - so speak your mind. I may be old but I am no fool. I know this is why you insisted I come on this ride"

Benjen was undeterred. "And I may be younger but I am also no fool. You wouldn't have come if you had no doubts in your mind. This ranging is a disaster waiting to happen. We have been 'blessed' with an abundance of men. Many men who have yet to truly accept their fate. The Watch now numbers close to 2,000 men and they have arrived so quickly. It's been so long since we had such a number - our supplies of clothing are gone. All these men are southerners who have never spent life in the cold."

Mormont appeared ready for this. "Yes, they are all southerners. And I am glad for it. I have been quite happy to let them send their ravens south asking for warm weather clothing and supplies. The more they complain the more our plight will be heard. And out of that we will get more support"

Benjen scoffed. "They may send some warm clothing to their kin - the high born that is. But we now have 500 men alone from King's Landing. Most are from Flea Bottom and didn't have a pot to piss in while living there. We won't be able to properly clothe them for another month, at least." He slowed his horse to ensure that they were far enough away from Tarly and the other new brothers.

"Lord Commander, I fear we have been gifted fools gold. Aye, we needed men. And beggars cannot be choosers, but the number of men at Castle Black is dangerous. The veteran men of the Watch are outnumbered almost 3-1 now. Send men to the Shadow Tower and Eastwatch. Send men to Greyguard and other ruins to rebuild. We need to let the Northern winds cool off these men. Going off on a ranging now, without fully geared men and in their current minds will be impossible."

The Lord Commander did not speak right away. Benjen knew this to be a good sign. Mormont was a decisive man. When he made up his mind he was quick to speak during a discussion. But when he took his time it meant he was considering your words. After several minutes of silence he spoke. "Alright. I will delay it. But as reward for your 'wise council', you can lead the escorts to the Shadowtower. I know how much that old crone in Winterfell spooked you with stories about the Nightfort. You can enjoy riding past it several times now. They both had a chuckle at that. They kicked their horses and caught up with their party. They rode clear of the forest. Waving a torch to be seen in the dying light they were greeted with silence. No horn was blown from atop the wall. Benjen and the Lord Commander looked at each in concern. Benjen took out his own horn and blew it. No response came. The sheer height of the Wall meant most noises from the other side were impossible to hear. But a warhorn was meant to be heard. He blew the horn once again and it was finally greeted by a trailing response. They waited over an hour before the gate at the base was raised. They were greeted by the remnants of chaos.