Part Four
Lionsden - one week later.
Despite the cold weather, Valeriya Lannister was in good spirits. The Volantene-born Lady of Lionsden watched as her eldest son and his wife-to-be struck up a conversation from an overhead balcony looking down into the courtyard.
It also helped that Rainer had struck up a friendship with Tyene Martell, formerly Sand, having been legitimatized by Doran Martell. Both Tyene and her father had arrived in Lionsden the day earlier, along with his nephew, Quentyn. Oberyn had once said that aside from the Imp, the Northern Lannisters were the only Lannisters he could stomach, as Jamie was not as power-hungry as his sister and father.
Prince Oberyn Martell stood alongside the Lion Tamer, sporting several welts from their match earlier in the day from where Valeriya smacked him several times with the flat of her sword. Ellaria Sand, his paramour, decided to remain in Dorne to tend after the youngest of the Sand Snakes.
"They seem to be taking the betrothal well," Valeriya mused.
"I'm surprised that Tyene accepted the offer," Oberyn replied. "A serpent does not like the cold."
"Neither did I when I first came here," Valeriya said.
Oberyn would be lying if he had said that he was not impressed with Jamie's eldest son. He had squired under Arthur Dayne, and the Knight of the Morning spoke nothing but praises of the Kingslayer's son(Oberyn still called Jamie that as a mild insult). He also knew that Rainer had taken his daughter's maidenhood (and that threesome he had with Barra's mother, showing that Tyene had picked up her father's bisexuality). The fact that he escaped King's Landing with the Starks, Margaery Tyrell and two of Robert's bastards, while making Cersei and Joffrey look inept, made him smile.
"I heard that my nephew and sister-in-law had a sit-down with you and your husband," Oberyn said. "Seeing as how he still has his head and that Lionsden is still standing, I take it that the meeting went well."
Valeriya nodded.
[Flashback]
Lionsden Godswood, several days earlier...
This was a long time coming. Jamie Lannister, Lord of Lionsden, the Mountain Lion of the North, his lady wife, Valeriya Lannister, the Lion Tamer, flanked Tyrion Lannister, Robb and Rhaenys Stark, Jon Stark and Mya Stone. The direwolves, Ghost and Grey Wind, stood alongside their masters.
Facing them, were the Dragon Commander and the Mother of Dragons, Aegon VI Targaryen and his aunt, Darnerys Stormborn. Aegon was the spitting image of the Bard Prince at nineteen, clad in his signature black-and-red armor (think Vlad Dracula's armor in Dracula: Untold), while Dany was wearing the traditional Targaryen armor once belonging to Visenya Targaryen. The three massive dragons flew overhead.
Rainer Lannister and his siblings were absent from this meeting, as they were back in Lionsden. Just as a Stark must remain in Winterfell, a Lannister must remain in Lionsden.
The meeting was arranged by Elia Martell, at Aegon's request. The disguised septa stood nearby, not interfering, but watching. Both sides were civil, but Daenerys wasn't too happy being within distance of the man who had killed her father, despite his madness.
When Dany got her chance, she asked him the ultimate question. "Why? Why did you kill my father? By what right does the Lion judge the Dragon?"
Jamie sighed. He had told his side of the story many times. He told it to his wife, to Stannis Baratheon, to his children, to the Starks, and even to Elia and Rhaenys.
He took a seat on the bench. "You know what they said about the Targaryens whenver one was born? They said that madness and greatness are but opposite sides of a coin. When one is born, the gods flip the coin, and the world holds its breath to see where it would land. Aemon landed on greatness, while Aerys landed on madness."
He looked at Daenerys. "When I wore the white cloak, I saw things...heard things that I shouldn't have. I saw your father put people to flame whilst in court. And I heard your mother's screams as he raped her after burning men alive. Through rape, were you conceived, Daenerys."
Daenerys took a step back. She was a product of rape?
"As much as I wanted to run the Mad King through with my sword back then...I couldn't," Jamie continued. "'We were there to protect the King, not judge him,' was what Hightower once said to me. My father told stories about his time as Hand to the Mad King. He told me how he had to follow Aerys' commands, despite the consequences."
"And when you broke your oath...?" Aegon demanded.
"Contrary to popular belief, I didn't kill Aerys to please my father. My actions in defending Elia, your sister and yourself proved that. Aerys did not take my father's betrayal well. He gave the order to burn all of King's Landing with wildfire. 'Let Robert rule over ashes and cooked meat,' he said. 'Burn it all.' He was still chanting that when I ran him through."
Jamie sighed again. "Now you know. Lord Stark said that I did the most dishonorable act for an honorable cause. The people have forgiven me for what I've done once it became known. All that is left is you."
This changed things, as the Lord and Mother of Dragons realized. Hearing it from the Kingslayer's mouth of what he had done was surprizing.
"Uncle Oberyn said that you sought penance for your supposed failure in protecting us," Aegon said.
Jamie nodded.
"Your absolution is granted," Aegon decreed. "Only for my respect towards Rainer, do I pardon you."
Dany turned to her nephew. "Aegon...?"
"Our family is not perfect, Aunt Dany. You know that. It's true that Aerys was family, but he was a madman. Father could have led the Targaryens into a golden age, but Tywin robbed us of him. The Southern Lannisters are our enemy, not the Nothern Lannisters."
Dany sighed. "You're right." She turned to Jamie. "Be thankful that my nephew is more level-headed than I. Had it been me, I would have burned all of Lionsden to the ground without hearing your explainations. What you have told us sheds a new light on my family. Thank you."
Jamie nodded.
"Your niece, the Bastard Queen reached out to us shortly before we departed for Lionsden," Aegon said.
"Myrcella? What about her?" Jamie asked.
"She is willing to abdicate, in exchange for her life. She follows through on her promise, then she will be sent here as a ward to both you and your lady wife."
"And my father and Cersei?" Jamie asked, already knowing the answer.
"Their lives are forfeit," Dany replied for her nephew. "The Usurper would have answered for murdering my brother, but the false Regent robbed that chance from us. So now, she must stand in his place."
Aegon and Dany had expected Jamie to plead for their lives. Even yell at them. But Jamie's reaction surprised them both. He had accepted their decision. "As long as Myrcella is safe, then I am content. Had things been different, I would have objected. But they chose their own fates in their search for power. There's nothing I can do to stop them."
"As long as Myrcella keeps her end of the deal, no harm will come to her," Aegon said. "You have my word."
[End Flashback]
"You can't imagine how much Aegon's decree had relieved Jamie," Valeriya said. "He's been carrying that burden for many years."
"Elia was the deciding factor of Aegon's decision," Oberyn replied. "As much as it pains my dear nephew and sister-in-law to admit, they, along with Rhaenys, owes their lives to the Mountain Lion of the North." He grinned. "Lannisters are not the only ones who pay back their debts."
"Lady Lannister!"
Valeriya and Oberyn turned around. One of the servants came rushing onto the outdoor balcony. "Pardon the intrusion, Lady Lannister," the servant said, "but Southern Lannister men have been sighted in the town."
Valeriya's eyes narrowed. "How many?"
"Just two. Lord Lannister's uncle, Kevan Lannister and Ser Addam Marbrand."
"Who identified them?"
"The whore who is Barra's mother, Mheaghen. She recognized the two men, and notified me. I came from the Inn to tell you."
Valeriya nodded in thanks and the servant left. She turned to Oberyn. "I think you should wait elsewhere until this matter is completed."
"No need. I hear the whores in the brothel near the outskirts calling my name." The Red Viper grinned. "I may give Tyene a new sister." He bowed. "By your leave, Lady Lannister."
Valeriya nodded and Oberyn departed. Valeria sighed. With the Black Dinner and the deaths of Tyrin, Joffrey and Tommen, Tywin was getting desperate. Jamie had called it right. Even in the face of oblivion, her father-in-law could not eat crow and humble himself before her husband. Not that he would actually agree to help both him and Cersei to keep their heads from the chopping block.
'Shame,' Valeriya thought. 'I really would have liked to have known him.'
"Valeriya?"
Valeriya turned around and looked down. Tyrion approached her. "I ran into Prince Oberyn. He says that my uncle and Ser Marbrand are in Lionsden."
Valeriya nodded. "That is true. Since you saved me the trouble of finding you, take a couple of the guards and bring them here. I'll let Jamie know that he is going to have company."
Tyrion nodded.
&^%
The Black Tiger Inn.
Addam Marbrand had been to Lionsden once. It had been around the same time that Stannis Baratheon had visited the trading town in order to report on it to his brother, Robert. He also had met Jamie's wife during that time, prior to the Greyjoy Rebellion, and suffice to say, he was impressed with his friend's wife. He could see why they called her the Lion Tamer.
Now, he had returned to Lionsden, along with Kevan Lannister, on a mission of great importance.
They had arrived late last night, disguised as old soldiers heading back to the Reach, stopping in Lionsden for several days' rest and recuperation. They had woke up early that morning and prayed at the Lionsden Sept. Then they took a walk around the town. Suffice to say, Jamie and Valeriya had done the impossible in transforming Moat Cailin into a Northern Lannister stronghold, one that brought money and resources to the North.
Had things been different, Tywin would have been impressed with his son, and would have tried to use his position to gain influence in the North, just as he was doing in King's Landing.
The two men were at the Inn's tavern, having lunch when door to the inn opened, and in walked Tyrion Lannister. He was accompanied by Bronn, a sellsword who served as his bodyguard from his days in King's Landing. Jamie had saw his potential and hired him on as his brother's bodyguard and right-hand man. Following Bronn were three Northern Lannister guards in armor.
Mhaeghen walked up to the Imp and pointed in the direction of the two men, who had their backs toward the door. Tyrion nodded and the mother of Baara went about her duties. Unaware that they had been spotted, Kevan and Addam were making their own plans in regards to seeking Jamie out.
"So...you've been here before," Kevan said. "How do we go about in contacting Jamie?"
Addam shrugged his shoulders. "The last time I was here...that was a fluke." He poked at his food. "We need to go about this as delicate as possible. You know that Jamie is not too fond of either Lord Tywin or Cersei."
"Of course I know. I was there when Tywin gave me the news of him disowning Jamie over the deaths of the Targaryens, not to mention that Cersei insulted his wife, and tried to take her eldest son's head." He sighed. "This whole war...fought because of Cersei's lies and deceit. The North and Riverrun were wise enough not to get involved."
"And you think that sneaking in was the best option?" Tyrion asked from behind both men.
Kevan and Addam turned around. "Tyrion. So, this is where you've been hiding after Cersei dismissed you," Addam said.
Tyrion waddled around and took a seat opposite the two men. "Uncle. Addam. To answer you question, yes. Lionsden agrees with me. Between spending time in the solar reading rare Valyrian texts, managing the caravans, and spending time in the brothels, it is never a dull moment here."
"How..." Kevan began.
"...did we find out that you are here?" Tyrion finished. "Jamie and Valeriya have eyes and ears in Lionsden. One of which happens to be Baara's mother."
The two older men recognized the name. Baara was one of three bastards of Robert Baratheon who had survived the purge ordered by Joffrey and Cersei, her mother being one of the whores in Chattaya's brothel. Kevan and Addam had heard of how Rainer Lannister and the Starks had outsmarted Joffrey and Cersei, managing to escape King's Landing in the days following Renly Baratheon's failed attempt to seize control of the Seven Kingdoms with Margaery Tyrell, and two of Robert's bastards in tow.
"I am to bring you to my brother. He is expecting the both you," Tyrion said. "You need not worry. No harm will come to either of you. You have Jamie's pledge."
*&^
Getting inside Lionsden's Keep was easy enough. The rebuilt fortress was smaller than Casterly Rock, but it had a homely feel to it, as Tyrion led his uncle and Addam through the corridors, and up the stairs towards the solar, where Jamie awaited.
While Tyrion was sent to retrieve the Southern Lannisters who had snuck into the town, Valeriya had found her husband inside the solar, enjoying some light reading. It was one of the few things that his father had done right, as Jamie could not read properly growing up. Tywin had forced Jamie through several sessions, studying the alphabet and reading through numerous books until he could read properly.
Jamie wasn't surprised with what Valeriya had told him. But he couldn't blame his father in not leaving King's Landing, let alone the Red Keep. He - alongside Cersei - were two of the most wanted Lannisters in the Seven Kingdoms.
He was still in the solar when Tyrion brought his uncle and Addam in. Kevan and Addam were shocked at the man seated before them. He was clean-shaven and his hair was longer during the Hand's tournament back in Harrenhal. Now, the hair was cut short and he grew a beard. But the fire in his eyes was still there. Despite being Lord of Lionsden and head of the Northern Lannisters, he was still the most feared swordsman in the Seven Kingdoms.
Despite everything, it was good to see his family again, despite the most dire of circumstances. Both men were standing before Jamie, while Tyrion and Bronn silently departed from the solar.
"You know, there really is no need for secrecy, Uncle," Jamie said. "You are family, after all. You could have come here rather than get a room at the inn. I would have accepted you with the highest honors befitting of your station."
Kevan relaxed upon hearing that. In spite of all that has happened, Jamie still respected him. The Lord of Lionsden gestured to the two chairs brought before him. Kevan and Addam each took a seat.
"So, how do you like Lionsden, Uncle?" Jamie asked.
"I am impressed, Jamie," admitted Kevan. "I have to say that you transformed a ruined keep and the surrounding swampland into a successful town."
"Lord Stark put his faith and trust in me," Jamie said. "Something that Father never did."
Kevan winced. "About your father..."
Jamie raised his hand. "I know about the Black Dinner. Father won the war, but at the cost of his son's life and the lives of Cersei's sons. Even though there is bad blood between all of us...they were still family."
"You grieve for Joffrey, even knowing that he and his mother tried to kill your son when they fled King's Landing, not to mention that they ordered the murder of Robert's bastards?" Addam asked.
"That is the pot calling the kettle black. Ordering the murder of Robert's bastards when he himself was one."
Kevan's eyes narrowed. "You're one to talk. You were fucking Cersei before she got her hooks into my son."
Kevan was surprised by Jamie's reply. "It's true. I will not deny it, Uncle. But Valeriya showed me that I could have a life without her. But you did not come here to remind me of my past sins, as I've made my peace with them. My time overseas helped me with that."
"At least you admit it," Kevan said.
Jamie took a sip of water. "You and Addam did not come here to see how I was doing, I take it?"
Kevan cleared his throat. "We are here on the authority of Her Grace, Queen Myrcella Baratheon."
Jamie scoffed. "My father, you mean. You come on behalf of my father. Even now, in the face of oblivion, he cannot swallow his pride and come to me to ask for aid against the Targaryens." He picked up a parchment which had the Targaryen sigil on it. "This came days ago. House Lannister has been stripped of all honors as a Great House. House Westerling is now the Great House in control of the Westerlands, with Gawen Westerling installed as Warden of the West."
"What about you?" Addam asked. "Where does that leave you in all of this? You are a Lannister. A Northern Lannister, but a Lannister nonetheless. You stabbed the Mad King in the back."
"You wonder if House Targaryens and the Golden Company are going to raise their arms against myself and House Stark, correct?" When Addam and Kevan both nodded, Jamie continued on. "I spoke with Aegon and Daenerys about a week earlier. They both made the trip from their camp in the Westerlands to Lionsden."
"You still have your head, from the look of things," Addam remarked.
"Elia had set up the meeting."
Now Kevan was surprised. "Elia? Elia Martell lives?"
Jamie nodded. "When I defended Elia and Rhaella all those years ago when Fathered ordered King's Landing to be sacked, it bought Oberyn enough time to arrive in the city and smuggled Elia and the children out of the Red Keep. That was my saving grace against the Targaryens." Jamie leaned back in his seat. "I did not kill Aerys to please my father. I killed him to
save King's Landing from being destroyed on his orders."
"What?" Kevan asked. All this time, he thought that Jamie had stabbed Aerys in the back because Tywin had asked him to.
"When Aerys found out that Father had betrayed him, Aerys gave the order to his warlocks to destroy King's Landing with wildfire. He said that if Robert wanted to rule so bad, then it would be over ashes and cooked meat."
Silence reigned in the room for a moment as Kevan and Addam took in what Jamie had said. After all these years, the truth was now revealed.
"Does Lord Stark know about this?" Addam asked.
Jamie nodded. "I told him after he arrived with Robert in King's Landing."
"So where does that leave you in all of this?"
"A pardon, courtesy of Aegon Targaryen. Daenerys was less than thrilled, but understood why I did what I did. As for Lord Stark, he too, was offered the general amnesty and agreed."
Kevan breathed out a sigh of relief. "Then there is hope. Your father has sent us here due to you and your lady wife's standing with Lord Stark."
Jamie could see where this is going. "Father has sent you to my home in order to try and convince Lord Stark to either come to his aid against the Targaryens or sue for peace on the Southern Lannisters' behalf."
"More or less," Addam said.
"Humor me, Addam. What is in it for me should I risk my neck for a man who deemed me worthless and a woman who tried to kill my son just to spite my lady wife?" asked Jamie.
"If you are successful in your attempts in negotiating a peace treaty in which all of us are allowed to live, then your father will forgive you of your past transgressions in regards to Elia and her children. Not only that, but he will formally recognize you and your family as members of the House of Lannister while taking your youngest son as his heir."
"Heir to what? Father lost his titles and Casterly Rock is burned to the ground, thanks to those flying beasts of the Targaryens."
"What?" Kevan asked. "Flying beasts?"
"Dragons, Uncle. The Targaryens have dragons."
"Impossible. They have all died out," rebuked Addam. "They died out over a hundred years ago."
"I thought the same, Addam, until I saw Aegon and Dany fly into Lionsden on two of them," replied Jamie. "Rainer and the Starks knew of them, as they all served in the Company with the Targaryens. They knew of the invasion that they planned, yet they did nothing."
"Nothing? Why?" demanded Kevan.
"What defense is there against a dragon?" replied Jamie. "Our ancestor, King Loren Lannister tried to fight them when the Conqueror began his war of Conquest, along with King Mern Gardener of The Reach. Their combined might broke Aegon's forces, until he and his sister-wives unleashed their dragons upon their forces."
"The Field of Fire," Addam said.
Jamie nodded. "Loren was wise enough to surrender his crown after four thousand soldiers died, along with them Mern Gardener. Ironic, don't you think? Aegon the Conqueror gave Loren dominion over the Westerlands and made him Warden of the West, and Aegon VI stripped the honors from my father."
"And Lord Stark?"
"I already told you that he and his House has bent the knee. Being married to Rhaenys Targaryen also helped for the Young Wolf, as the marriage helped to mend broken bridges between the wolf and the dragon."
"I thought that Robb Stark married your lady wife's niece," Kevan said.
Jamie shook his head. "Talisa Maegyr was an alias. Let me tell you a story, Uncle. The Maegyr of Volantis were the ones who sheltered Elia and her children, along with young Daenerys in the aftermath of the Rebellion. Talisa was the name of the septa who had tutored Aegon, Rhaenys and Daenerys. Both her and Elia returned to Westeros in disguise; Rhaenys under the guise of Valeriya's niece, and Elia in the guise of a septa. Rhaenys falling in love was something neither side saw coming, but in the game of thrones, you learn to adapt. Rhaenys marrying Robb not only secured the backing of the North, but also healed old wounds wrought by the Bard Prince, despite the fact that Lyanna Stark went willingly with Rhaegar."
It pained Jamie to watch as Kevan and Addam realized that there was no way out for the Lannisters trapped in King's Landing. Their fates were sealed.
"So that's it then..." Addam mumured.
"No. It's not," Jamie replied. He stood up and walked over to the Painted Table which had the map of Westeros on its top. Beckoning his uncle and friend fo follow, he gave them the current events that were taking place.
"All of the Westerlands is under Targaryen control," Jamie explained, sweeping his hand across the Westerlands. "The Targaryens have the support of the Reach, due to Aegon marrying Margaery Tyrell. Aegon has appointed Jon Connington to take over the Stormlands."
"So the Targaryens are on the move," Addam said. He then pointed to a location on the map. "The shortest route to King's Landing is by the Goldroad. But in order to reach King's Landing, they have to cross the Riverlands."
Jamie nodded. "Hoster Tully is dead. Died of old age. Edmure Tully is now Lord of Riverrun. As he is kin to Lady Stark, he allowed the Golden Company to march through the Riverlands unmolested. House Martell has raised their banners and is currently subjugating the Houses in the Stormlands. Any chance of escape by ship from King's Landing is impossible, as ships from the Reach and from the Vale are blockading The Gullet."
Kevan swallowed. "When will the Targaryens arrive in King's Landing?"
Jamie walked over back to his desk and retrieved the message from King's Landing. "A raven came from King's Landing earlier this morning. The Targaryens are already there, along with representatives from the Seven Kingdoms, among them Robb Stark."
Jamie handed the message to Kevan. The feeling of dread rising in his throat, his hands trembling, Kevan read the message.
I have decided to give my lady wife a pair of lion pelts as a present for her nameday, courtesy of your niece. The debt to the Dragon is now paid in full. Lord Aegon Targaryen.
And Kevan knew. His brother and niece were dead, their lives forfeit for all their crimes wrought in their quest for power.
"And Myrcella?" Addam asked. "What about Myrcella?"
"No harm will come to her," Jamie replied. "She has given up the Iron Throne, and bent the knee. She is on her way here as we speak. Myrcella has been stripped of the Baratheon name, and will live the rest of her life in exile, never to step foot in King's Landing. As for those who fought alongside my father, Aegon promises that no harm will befall them should they surrender."
Jamie returned to his seat. "There's more to the story. It turns out that Myrcella was more adapt in playing the game than my sister ever was. When she found out about the Targaryens invading Westeros, she had the Spider reach out to the Dragon, as Varys is a Targaryen loyalist."
Addam frowned. "I knew that eunuch should not have been trusted."
"It was Myrcella who had offered her terms to Aegon," Jamie continued. "There is a saying. 'Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' Father and Cersei found themselves in the same posistion as Aerys once was; enemies on all sides thanks to their actions. Tywin had presented Robert the bodies of what he thought was Elia and her children in a show of fealty, and now Myrcella has done the same. In a show of fealty, she has given the Targaryens Cersei and Father."
Kevan and Addam were shocked. Myrcella had betrayed her mother and grandfather. Then again, they really can't blame her for what she had done, as they remembered her verbal assault on Cersei back in the Small Council chambers.
"Had it been up to Myrcella, she would have killed Cersei herself for the deception. But Kinslaying is looked down upon as much as Kingslaying. When you play the game of thrones, you win or die. There is no middle ground. Myrcella knew this, and acted accordingly."
"Lord Tywin betrayed Aerys...and his granddaughter betrayed him," Addam said. "Bitter irony."
Jamie nodded. "Indeed. In the meantime, the hospitality of Lionsden is yours. Once Myrcella arrives, you will be free to return West...or remain here. Your choice. My servants outside will see to your comfort."
Kevan and Addam nodded their thanks and exited the solar. Once they were gone, Jamie returned to his seat and sat back down, looking at the message Aegon had sent him.
It had been Tyrion who had delivered it to him whilst he was inside the solar. Valeriya knew, as Jamie told her beforehand. While he remained inside the solar to reflect, Valeriya dealt with Oberyn Martell and the betrothal contracts. He mourned their deaths, but they had been a long time coming. Valeriya had once said to him, 'Those who walk the path of evil will face judgement.'
For Tywin, it could have been many things that led to his end. Tarbeck and Reyne. His betrayal of Rhaegar and Aerys. Orchestrating House Baratheon's downfall. The same could be said of Cersei. Fathering bastards with Lancel. Ordering the death of Renly Baratheon, and the deaths of his son and the Starks. And the massacare of Robert's bastards.
The Southern Lannisters have fallen. And the Northern Lannisters will rise. Jamie will see to that. The Mountain Lion will serve its overlord faithfully, and Jamie will see to it that the lessons of the past will not be repeated for his House.
Jamie could not help but to see the irony. He did not want to become a lord. But he rose to the occasion when Lord Stark offered him the lordship. Now, he had nothing else to prove. He was better than his father and his sister, and it stung at them until they made the fateful decision to intiate a war.
Tywin Lannister had prided himself on being five steps ahead of his enemies. He just didn't expect his eldest son to rebel against him following the Rebellion. That was the start of the Lannisters' fall from grace. He underestimated Cersei, who had lied to him about the paternity of her children, even going as far as to ordering the murder of Renly Baratheon and Loras Tyrell to keep her secret.
Tywin underestimated Stannis Baratheon, as the Black Dinner had all but crippled the Lannisters' power base in King's Landing, with Stannis robbing him of his heir. And most of all, Tywin had underestimated Myrcella. The fact that it had been his bastard granddaughter/great-niece who had sold him out to the Dragon must have stung even more than losing Tyrin and Casterly Rock combined.
His heart was heavy with the loss, but life goes on. There was truth in that, in the form of his wife and four children.
The chapter on the Lannisters of Casterly Rock was finally over. A new chapter has begun, this time, with the Lannisters of Lionsden.