"I did not want to tell you of this at supper for Shireen to hear. Word has reached us that the Kingslayer was captured by the Bloody Mummers and his sword hand was cut off before he was released. It seems they also captured the Maid of Tarth. There is no news of whether she was harmed or released with him."
"Who are the Bloody Mummers?"
"A group of sellswords led by an unsavory character named Hoat from Qohor. They call themselves the Brave Companions. While the information we have received is not complete, what has been pieced together is that, prior to his death, Tywin Lannister purchased their services to raid the Riverlands. Tyrion may have refused to pay, which is not like a Lannister if it is truly something owed. Perhaps he is not confident the money is owing or did not pay them as much as they wanted."
"I cannot believe I feel pity for Ser Jaime; better they had killed him then rendered him thus."
"If Ser Jaime was indeed released to return back to Lannisport, it is a warning that there is more to come if they are not appeased. It is also uncertain what this says about the state of Lannister wealth. A condition of Lord Tyrion returning to Casterley Rock was forgiving the debt Robert had amassed. We assumed this would still leave them with considerable wealth."
"Perhaps he did not see the sellswords as a threat prior to this."
"A threat to Ser Jaime does not interest me, but a threat to Lord Tyrion does. We personally cannot deny we owe him for the warning about the intentions of Frey and Bolton."
"How do you intend to repay that debt?"
"The news is too unreliable to do more than speculate on what may come next."
"Are Tyrells not there to assist if needed? Surely they have enough combined might to quell a group of sellswords."
"The Tyrells would have nothing to gain. It is believed that most of the overlords are concerned about preparing to survive the Winter than seeking revenge or power."
"It would be well if that were true."
"While surviving the Winter, they will also be attempting to reinforce their armies and fleets, and plan for Spring. We will have to continue alliance efforts during that time with those who have sworn fealty to my reign. Davos has plans to begin treating with the Tyrells, yet I believe it to be a wasted effort."
"Mother believes Lord Mace desires to have Margery as queen at all costs so that he will be the grandsire of a king. When she was here, she cautioned me to be careful of anything I ate or drank should the Tyrells visit."
"Ravens were sent proposing her as my wife before Selyse was cold. I heard no more from him and he was firmly allied with the Lannisters after I replied that I would leave the throne without a male heir before I'd marry Renly's widow, maid or not."
"There was rumor among the ladies at court that Lady Margery would now marry Lord Tyrion."
"She would marry the boy, Tommen, if the Tyrells thought they could get him on the throne . . . he would marry her off to anyone he thought he could get on the Iron Throne. As for Tyrion, he has what he wants – Casterley Rock."
"I do find it interesting that Lord Willas is little to be heard from in the dealings of his father, sister, and the throne. Has he not been an asset to you in dealing with the Ironborn?"
"I have respect for Lord Willas and if it were he we were dealing with as head of House Tyrell, it would be vastly different."
"That is enough talk of affairs of the realm for one night. Good night, Stannis."
"Sleep well, Sansa."