Hello Again! Bet ya weren't expecting another chapter so soon?

Force Smuggler and Kuman: I get where you're coming from and I apologise for not making it clear. Can we say Theon Stark anybody?
When I mention Stark honour in the previous chapter, I mean Ned Stark honour, the Vale version that he's done his hardest to stamp into his children.

Chapter 41 – A Pride of Lions

In the courtyard, a scene that greatly resembled the King's arrival the day before was being repeated. The difference this time was that it was Tyrion, who was standing next to the Lord of Winterfell, who was quietly having a panic attack while waiting for his father to finally arrive, while the King and Lord Stannis stood off to the side with the children, Jamie, Ser Barristan and Ser Davos, who had finally reunited with his liege Lord.

Tyrion still didn't know why his father had come north at Ned's invitation. He would dearly loved to have known what Ned had said or done for his father to leave the Westerlands. Tywin didn't leave the Westerlands unless it was necessary, all those who wanted to speak to him, came to him.

Tyrion also had to admit to a certain amount of dread. While his father had no hold over him anymore, he had killed the man while he sat on the privy no less! This would be the first time he would see his father since he had returned to the past. He had no idea if his father had dreamed of the Time Before. Bran could neither confirm nor deny the truth of that, or so Jon said, so a bit of apprehension was understandable.

His thoughts must have shown on his face because Ned leaned towards him and gave him a gentle smile.

"Chin up Tyrion. It won't be as bad as you think and if he did dream of what you did Tywin is more likely to think it the result of bad food or some such thing. Your father's no nonsense attitude is legendary." He told Tyrion with a knowing look. Jon had informed him first thing this morning about people dreaming of the Time Before.

Ned wasn't as surprised as he should have been when Tyrion had informed him of his kinslaying in the Time Before and found he didn't have the heart to condemn him for it either. Tyrion had been pushed far beyond even his vast limits by the circumstances pushed upon him thanks to Oleanna Tyrell, Petyr Baelish, the Queen, Tywin and Shae. His finally snapping wasn't unexpected.

Tyrion made a face.

"It will be that bad, but not for you. You've only ever dealt with my father when there were others around and he needed to be mindful of his behaviour. You've never dealt with him in a one on one situation, I have. Whatever game you're playing Ned, be very, very careful. My father's reputation is well-earned and justified." He warned Ned.

Tyrion though being the smart man he was had a few tricks up his sleeve that he could use to placate his father's temper, when it undoubtedly landed on him.

Ned was about to reply when a shout went up at the courtyard gate.

Riding in perfect lines of pairs, the best of the Lannister soldiers rode in their armour gleaming in the morning sun. They peeled away from each other, one going left and the other going right, like the petals of a flower opening to greet the morning sun.

In the resulting gap, rode Tywin on a handsome bay charger, clad in full House colours and bearing the Lion sigil. On his right rode his brother Keven on a grey charger and on his left, riding the biggest horse Ned had ever seen was Ser Gregor Clegane, the Mountain who Rides. Ned concealed his frown and made a mental note to inform the guards to keep a close eye on the Mountain's behaviour while he was here.

Behind Tywin and his party, a small wheelhouse rolled through the gate. Tyrion gasped in pleased surprise. That was his Aunt Genna's personal wheelhouse. He hadn't expected her to leave the Rock and come north as well but was quite pleased as he adored his aunt and hadn't seen her in quite some time. It was turning out to be quite the family reunion. He could only hope it was a pleasant one, or at least civil in regards to his interactions with his father. Only time would tell.

The Lannister men dismounted and Keven walked up to the wheelhouse to help Genna out. As a group, they approached the waiting welcoming party, expressions blank of any hint of what they were thinking.

"Welcome to Winterfell and the North, Lord Tywin. Please eat of my bread and salt and drink of my wine and know only safety under my roof as an honoured guest. This is my vow to you as your Host"

As with Tyrion's arrival, Ned preformed the full formal welcome for the Lannisters, making sure that everyone knew that they were under his protection given the Lannister's reputation in the North.

Tywin's face showed nothing as he spoke the required words in return.

"I thank you Lord Stark for the protection of your house. As your honoured guest, I pledge to do nothing that will disturb the peace of your house or force you to forswear your Vow"

Tywin's voice was neutral but he internally sneered at the antiquated formality of the ritual.

Formalities' finished, Ned relaxed and greeted Tywin personally.

"Lord Tywin, welcome to Winterfell. I'm pleased you chose to accept my invitation. I hope your journey, though long, was trouble free. May I have the pleasure of introducing you and your companions to my family?"

Tywin nodded his consent.

"Thank you Lord Eddard, for your most gracious invitation. I was pleased to accept it. I've not been this far North before and I must say, the stories I've heard all seem to be inaccurate. May I present to you my companions? My brother Ser Keven you already know."

Keven and Ned exchanged greetings.

"And this is my sister, Lady Genna Lannister, the current Lady of Casterly Rock."

"Lady Genna, it's a true pleasure to meet you. I hope your travels here have not left you too fatigued? If so, my wife, Lady Catelyn can certainly see your needs are met." Ned told her after he kissed the back of her hand.

Genna studied her host closely. She had never met the Lord of Winterfell before and the most she knew of the man was by reputation and stories only. She'd heard that he was an exceptional strategist in war, skilled with a sword, had more honour then the God's themselves and was lacking even a tiny shred of political guile.

The man who stood before her did bare some of the qualities he was known for but Genna could detect something else underneath it.

Cunning, intelligence, a will to protect his family and there was steel in those eyes, a strength of will that should not be dismissed lightly.

The man had secrets. Deep and dangerous secrets, she decided, using that gut instinct that all women seem to have in regards to men holding something back. What it was, she didn't know as yet but she'd do her best to find out.

Genna had always wondered if Lyanna Stark had truly been kidnapped, for it didn't match what she knew of the girl. There had always been something off about the whole situation that hadn't sat well with her at all. Maybe she would now have the chance to find out. But first, she needed to reply to Lord Eddard's greeting.

"Lord Eddard, thank you for the welcome. My travels have left me feeling a bit tired but I expected that. Your realm is bloody huge my Lord!"

Ned couldn't help but smile. He may have never met her before but Genna Frey nee Lannister's reputation preceded her. It reminded him of Lyanna's own blunt and forceful personality.

The family greetings were quickly over and done with and the Stark children were dismissed. It was then that Robert and his group came over to greet Tywin.

"Tywin. Good to see you. What are you doing here?" Robert asked him bluntly.

"Your Grace. It's good to see you as well but I could ask you the same thing." Was all Tywin said in return.

"Eh, I snuck out of King's Landing and came here for a visit. Had to see what was going on up here with my own eyes." Robert grinned as he replied to Tywin's question.

Tywin finally looked at his youngest son.

"Tyrion."

"Father."

"I expect you in my rooms as soon as I've settled in."

"Of course father."

"Lord Stark, I find myself feeling quite weary from my journey. If I could be shown to my rooms? I would like to rest before we speak." Tywin quickly asked his voice clipped and irritable.

Ned nodded and gestured for Tywin to follow him, discussing the arrangements for his men as they went while Genna and Keven stayed to greet Tyrion and the children.

Tyrion and Jamie smiled as Genna and Keven had their hands full, their niece and nephew's excitement in meeting them keeping the older pair distracted from the tension between the two brothers.

Tyrion hadn't spoken to Jamie since their confrontation in the courtyard the previous day. He was still too angry over Jamie's careless and hurtful remarks. Jamie on the other hand was feeling remorseful, lonely and confused. Tyrion's parting shot had stung badly and he wished to speak to his brother and apologise. He had missed Tyrion badly since he'd left for the North and seeing how happy and accepted his brother was by the Stark family and the Northern people had made him happy for Tyrion. Here he was getting the acceptance and recognition he deserved and it shamed Jamie that his own Father, sister and most of those in the south couldn't see the brilliant gem that Tyrion was.

"Dearest Aunt, I'm surprised but very pleased to see you here. You light up the North with your radiance. But where are your dear husband and my cousins? Did you lose them in a convenient Wilding attack on your way here?" Tyrion's smile was cheeky and his voice was full of delight and mischief, knowing full well what he could get away with around her.

"Such cheek! I've never heard the like Tyrion. I taught you better than that young man! Is that how you greet our family?" She scowled at him.

"No. You taught me how to get away with such cheek Aunt. A better lesson I have yet to learn." He was all sweetness and light.

Genna laughed and knelt down to embrace him.

"Oh Tyrion, I have missed you nephew. The day you left the Rock for King's Landing, was the saddest day I've had for many a year. There's no one at the Rock who can match me in wits now, no one! It's incredibly boring without you there to provide me with some humour."

Tyrion returned her embrace laughing.

"Oh so I'm your own personal fool? Here for your personal amusement?"

"Of course."

By this time, Jamie and Keven had finished greeting each other and were laughing at the pair.

"I've missed you too Aunt Genna." Tyrion sincerely told her as she released her from his hold. He turned to his Uncle Keven and greeted him while Jamie and their aunt had their own reunion.

"It's good to see you Tyrion. You've been missed at home." Keven told him warmly.

Tyrion snorted in derision.

"I'm very sure father did not miss me at all Uncle and you know it. However, it is nice to know that you and Aunt Genna did. Tell me, why is father here? Ned won't tell me a thing."

Keven looked at him curiously.

"Ned? You call Lord Stark Ned? And he allows it? Tyrion, just what have you been up too up here? I've heard all kinds of wild stories!" He inquired of his nephew.

Tyrion sighed.

"Can it wait until I speak to father? I'm sure he'll want to know all about what his disgraced son has been doing this past year. He'll want you there. He'll want your opinion later I'm sure."

Keven nodded in agreement and understanding.

"Well, if you and Aunt Genna care to follow me, I'll show you to your quarters. You'll like it Aunt, there's hot water running through the walls. You'll be able to have a hot bath without having to wait for the water to heat up. Jamie, don't you have to attend Robert or something?" Tyrion asked his brother, wanting him well away from him before he said something he'd regret later.

"Nope. Robert gave me the day off so I can spend it with our family." Was the happy reply.

"Very well then. Shall we?" Tyrion gestured towards the Great Hall entrance and the small group walked in to Winterfell proper.

*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#

"Enter"

Tywin's curt tones easily penetrated through the wooden door. Tyrion sighed. This would not be pleasant if his father's voice was anything to go by, but he didn't care. He had stopped caring what his father thought of him years ago.

Tyrion had experienced much in the Time Before, perhaps too much and most of it as bad as it could go, but Tyrion had learned from those experiences and they had shaped him in to the man he was today. He was no longer the drunken whoremonger and impulsive gambler he'd been, mostly due to lack of means and opportunity after the Wall fell for the second and final time. He had seen exactly how badly he'd wasted his life, waiting for opportunity to knock and just how badly a disservice he had done himself by drinking so much. He had been merely good when he could have become one of the greatest!

Tyrion opened the door and motioned for the servant to follow him in. Once in the room, Tyrion gave it a quick once over and motioned for the servant to place the large bundle he carried onto a table next to the window. The servant did so and quickly left, sensing the tension in the room.

Tywin motioned for Tyrion to take a seat. He did so, smirking to himself as his father used his old trick of continuing to read reports and write replies all in the name of making him nervous and re-enforcing the point that he, Tyrion, was not in charge here!

But Tyrion had anticipated that and had developed a counter ploy of his own.

Tyrion took the indicated seat and from his scribe's satchel which hung off the back of his seat and withdrew his current favourite book from within. Ignoring the reactions from his father and uncle, he opened the book and began reading where he'd left off the night before, silently enjoying himself.

Tywin had stopped what he had been doing and openly stared at his son. Something was different. Tywin made everyone who came to see him uncomfortable on purpose. It was the fastest way to see what motives and ambitions they may be harbouring. The Lords and small folk of Westeros feared him and for good reason but his children feared him most of all and that was something he encouraged.

Oh they would all have some way of trying to cover up the fear, Cersei tried to project confidence, Jamie made cutting comments and Tyrion made jokes, all in an attempt to conceal their fear of him too him but it never worked. They all had a tell. Cersei's was to make what she thought as clever cutting remarks. Jamie then emulated his sister by trying to project a devil may care attitude and Tyrion made repeated aborted motions towards the wine but that was not what he was doing now.

It seemed that Tyrion was trying something new. His son had changed somewhat while here in the company of the Starks. The reports he'd gotten from his informants about Tyrion had all stated that he'd not frequented any brothels or gambling dens and while he had been drinking, he hadn't been drowning himself in wine like he used to. What was he trying to prove? Tywin didn't know but he decided to poke at it and see what Tyrion was up too now. So mustering his most disapproving expression and tone, he spoke.

"Tyrion."

"Yes father?"

He didn't look up from his book and Tywin's interest sharpened at the complete and utter indifference Tyrion displayed in his very being.

"Just what do you think you're doing? You left King's Landing without a warning or permission, made you way north and seemed to have embedded yourself with the Stark family. The reports I have received about your doings up here and elsewhere leave me wondering exactly what it is you're trying to accomplish? Explain yourself now." Tywin barked at him in his sternest, "I'm not in the mood for your normal horseshit" voice.

Tyrion closed his book, placed it back in his bag and turned his head to face his father while his Uncle Keven sat quietly observing in the background.

"Why?"

Tywin actually blinked at that.

"Excuse me? I am your father! You will explain yourself to me." He snapped at him, incensed with the disrespectful answer. Tyrion had defied him in the past but never so blatantly.

"No, really father, why should I? You've never cared to hear anything about me in the past so what makes this time any different? And you'll need a better reason then "I am your father" as that one stopped working on me years ago."

And there was that utter indifference once again.

"How dare you?!"

Only his children could drive him to lose his temper this quickly.

"I dare because I am sick to death of your treatment of me father. The God's know I tried to gain your approval if not your affection as a child but it turned out to be a worthless endeavour so I gave up. You saw me as a drunken, deformed, mentally stupid, lecherous dwarf who killed my mother, your wife and would never amount to anything so I played into your vision of me, mostly just to piss you off. Are you proud of what you made me into father? Are you? Because I'm not. You've constantly underestimated me father for my entire life and I'm through playing the fool. You want me to be a proper Lannister? Then a proper Lannister I shall be. I will take what is rightfully mine."

It was the fact that Tyrion hadn't raised his voice or mocked while he spoke that worried Tywin a little.

"And just what would that be exactly?"

Tyrion now grinned and it was not a nice smile.

"Casterly Rock."

Tywin was taken aback. He had not expected Tyrion to turn the tables on him and make him the uncomfortable one. He now knew what was so different about his youngest son.

Tyrion had lost his fear of him.

"Never!"

The response was automatic while Tywin reeled from the latest revelation. Tyrion had lost his fear of him and was now starting to act like a proper Lannister. This went against Tywin's pre-conceptions of his son. Tyrion was supposed to be a disgusting dwarf who never would amount to anything and be a drain and shame on the family until the day he died. He wasn't supposed to come in here, projecting confidence that out even him to shame and making demands of him!

And his smile was unnerving in all sorts of ways.

Tyrion just shrugged his shoulders, jumped off his chair and picked up his bag.

"Very well father, I wish you all the luck in the world then for you'll need it." Was Tyrion's flippant reply as he began to walk towards the door, knowing his father would order him to stop and explain himself. Tyrion knew full well how to play his father, and cryptic statements were just one way to guarantee his interest.

Tywin's eyes narrowed. That was much too easy. Most times, Tyrion usually put up even a token protest at being denied something let alone the position of his heir. What game was he playing?

"Stop"

Tyrion stopped with a grin on his face, but didn't yet turn around.

Ah father, so predicable when it comes to your actions in regards to me, he mused to himself.

"Sit."

Tyrion was tempted to drop to the floor and bark at him like a well-trained hound but his father wouldn't understand the joke and he wasn't inclined to be quite so reckless…yet.

"Please." Tyrion stated, his back still facing his father.

"What?"

"Sit please. You'll find that you'll have better results with me if you use a civil tone. Rather than just give commands, try asking nicely."

Tywin was once again taken aback. That was a Tyrion type reply but once again it lacked the bitter, mocking edge it once held.

Keven on the other hand was filled with pride and amusement. It wasn't often that someone got the better of Tywin Lannister but watching Tyrion quickly and effortlessly throw his father off his game filled him with pride at his nephew's actions.

Tywin took a deep breath and regained control of his temper. His son had effortlessly taken control of the situation and that was something that didn't sit well with Tywin. He needed to regain control so a strategic retreat was in order.

"Please sit down."

Tyrion turned around and walked back his seat, wondering how much it had hurt his father to concede to his small demand for civility.

"Let us start again."

Tyrion nodded.

"If that is your wish father then let me start by asking you this, why are you here? Ned Stark has been annoyingly closed mouthed about it. The man can hold his secrets closer than Varys does!"

Now that surprised Tywin.

"You do not know?"

"Would I be asking you if I did father?" Tyrion's reply had his frustration spilling out of him.

Tywin sat back in his seat, wondering why Eddard Stark hadn't told Tyrion of the reason for this visit.

"If you answer my next question honestly, then perhaps we'll both get the answers we seek."

Tywin watched his son closely.

"What have you done for Lord Stark for him to consider you to be a suitable husband for his eldest daughter?"

The shocked silence in the room was only broken by the crackling fire while Tyrion's brain rebooted.

"I'M CONSIDERED A SUITABLE WHAT NOW?" Tyrion shrieked in panic and disbelief, his wild eyes almost popped completely out of their sockets.

Tywin clamped down hard on the urge to laugh aloud. He would later privately admit to Keven that Tyrion's face and reaction was one of the funniest he'd seen in a long time. Keven had no such issues though and laughed a full belly laugh at his nephew's reaction.

"It's not funny uncle! It's a joke, it has to be! He CAN'T be serious!" Tyrion's panicked reply floated over to his uncle.

Keven just laughed harder.

The door slammed open.

"Oh do shut up Keven. Stop laughing, you sound like a braying donkey! Tyrion dear, whatever is the matter? I could hear you from my rooms!" Genna asked him as she entered the room as if she owned it.

"Did you know about this Aunt Genna?" He demanded.

"Know about what dear?" Genna asked him.

"This bloody betrothal offer!" Tyrion yelled at her.

Genna sighed and turned to her brothers.

"I take it he didn't know." She said to Tywin who actually cracked a small amused smile and shook his head.

"So what's the problem? She's beautiful, kind and graceful as far as I can tell. A little young but that's something only time will cure. It's not like you've to marry her tomorrow. Lord Stark wants her to be at least sixteen namedays before she marries, which is normal if the potential bride is not yet of age. I've yet to discover if she'd be capable of being a Lady Lannister and a Lady of the Rock but she can learn how. So, what is the issue here?"

"She'd be fine ruling the Rock. I taught her how to play the game myself." Tyrion absently answered, his mind whirling, trying to figure out why Ned wanted him as Sansa's husband.

Oh he could see the political side of it easily enough. In order to stop anyone from pitting them against each other, the best option was to arrange a marriage alliance. But why him? There were plenty of other Lannisters available, younger, more handsome ones.

"You taught her how to play the game of thrones? YOU? Why?" Tywin asked him.

"Lady Stark asked me too. The girl was a complete political innocent before I came and naive to boot. Any southern match would have eaten her alive. I couldn't in good conscience let that happen to her."

Not like it happened to Tasha or even his Sansa. What happened to them still hurt him to think about and it always would.

Tywin winced slightly, unseen by his son, knowing who Tyrion was thinking of.

He could admit that he had gone much too far with the girl in his fury at Tyrion's disobedience. He should have scared her good and proper without actually hurting her, paid the girl off and sent her away, with the threat of being raped if she returned hanging over her head to make sure she didn't. He dreaded to think of what his beloved Joanna would say to him when they finally reunited in death. Genna had slapped him within an inch of his life when she had found out what he had ordered done so he was expecting Joanna's reaction to be similar but with more intensity.

"So answer my question. What did you do for Lord Stark to offer his eldest daughter as your potential bride?" Tywin asked him again.

"I honestly don't know father. I mean, yes I've assisted him in a few matters here are there but nothing that would lead to a betrothal offer at any rate. Or at least I didn't think so." Tyrion answered while scratching the back of his head in confusion.

Tywin nodded his head all while trying to figure out Ned Starks motives.

When the betrothal offer first arrived, Tywin had summoned Keven and Genna to ask their opinions.

This was a good offer Keven had told him when Tywin asked for his opinion. It was better than they had any right to expect. All the great houses looked down on Tyrion due to his short stature and reputation; they had never expected to find such an excellent match for him.

Some of Tywin's reluctance to name Tyrion as his heir was due to this fact. There must be a Lady Lannister to provide heirs in order to carry on the family name.

Genna was much blunter in her opinions. She told her brother that his eldest son Jamie, while likeable when he chose to be and a highly skill swordsman without compare, had zero aptitude for ruling. Tyrion on the other hand, had inherited his brains, his ruthless streak and his mother's compassion and kindness. Tyrion, she told him, would not only protect the Lannister Legacy with all he was, but he would lead them into the kind of greatness they could only dream about

But

He needed a strong wife to keep him in line like Joanna had done for him. Tyrion, she told him yet again, was his true son. The ruthless streak that they both had could get out of control rapidly and they both needed someone to try and temper their wrath into some more even handed, even if they failed sometimes. Genna knew that most noble born girls wouldn't have the strength of will to stand up to him and she was hoping that the legendary Stark resolve would be a perfect foil for his more darker impulses.

"So it's the girl you have objections to then?" Tywin asked.

"No not at all. Sansa is a fine girl. Kind, gracious and will mature into quite the beauty as Aunt Genna said and she's very intelligent. We get on quite well actually. I'd be happy and proud to have her as my wife."

"So then what's the problem?"

"It's just, why me father? I'm more worried that she'll object to being married to me. I am a dwarf after all. Not quite the image of a handsome knight that all young girls dream off. I'll not marry her if she objects." Tyrion stated firmly.

"She'll do her duty. She was raised by Eddard Stark after all." Tywin dismissed Tyrion's concerns with a wave of his hand.

"He chose you because you are good, kind, brave and strong. You'll not hurt her. It's not in your nature." Jamie softly spoke into the following silence.

He had been visiting with his Aunt while Tyrion had his meeting with their father. Jamie had already met with Tywin and had endured the usual lectures of how much of a disappointment he was, when they had both heard Tyrion's voice. Jamie had instantly jumped up and rushed towards his father's rooms but found himself being hauled back from rushing in the door by Genna. She had preceded him into the room and Jamie had slipped in behind her, staying near the door to avoid attracting attention."

"What? Why do you say that?"

"I overheard him saying that to her last night after she left the feast. Old Ned was escorting her to her rooms and I was getting some fresh air. I heard him say that he would find her a match with a man who was good, kind, brave and strong before they left the area. I didn't make the connection until now that it was you he was speaking about." Jamie informed the room with his trademark grin firmly in place.

"Then again, I also heard that Rickard Karlstark was considering trying to betroth you to his granddaughter. You seem to be quite popular here in the North brother." Jamie teased him.

That was certainly something that Tyrion hadn't expected.

"Is this information fact or rumour Jamie?" Tywin asked his elder son.

"I'm unsure father. Perhaps you could bring it up with old Ned, see what he has to say." Jamie laughed.

"Perhaps. I shall think about it when I speak to Eddard. Now, I wish to know what's really going on up here. The rumour of the Others returning has made it's was all the way to the Red Keep obviously if Robert is here. I need you to tell me exactly what is going on Tyrion." Tywin closed the subject of the betrothal offer and moved onto the other reason he had journeyed north.

Tyrion took a deep breath before he spoke.

"It's true father, all of it. The Others have returned. Well that's not entirely correct. To say they've returned implies that they actually left in the first place. It is more accurate perhaps to say that they've awakened and have made their presence felt north of the Wall." Tyrion started.

"And how do you know it's not just a story?" Tywin interrupted.

"I've seen a wight father. Trust me, they're real and we will be completely and totally fucked if the entirety of Westeros can't pull together to defend the Wall. If the Wall falls, then there will be nothing, not a single Gods-be-damned thing that will be able to stop them at that point. Everyone who dies will become soldiers for the Night King's horde. There will be no such thing as the peace of the heavens. Only him."

Tyrion spoke with such complete confidence and surety in his assessment of the situation that it startled Tywin who was starting to see what his sister had meant about his youngest son.

He frowned.

"If they have awakened again, which still remains to be seen, then how bad could it possibly get? How many…wights? Is that what you called it? How many of these things can the Night King possible have? What is the possible worst case scenario?" Tywin asked him.

It was Tyrion's turn to frown.

How bad could it possible get? Tyrion knew exactly how bad it could get and extremely, impossibly, unbelievably bad didn't even cover how fucked they had been and still could be.

Tyrion still didn't understand why the Night King hadn't just sent his full forces to annihilate them the first time around. Tyrion estimated that he hadn't even brought a full quarter of his forces south that first time which had almost literally scared him to death when he had figured it out.

"Let's be very generous here. Say there was only one single death, human or animal per day that left a useable body for the Night King to raise. Now, not counting mass killings that would be roughly thirty to thirty one useable corpses' a month which adds up to roughly three hundred and sixty five dead bodies a year. Are you following me so far?" He asked his family.

They all nodded, even Jamie. He may have been terrible with reading and writing, but he had a gift for numbers.

"Right. Now if you multiply that number by the eight thousand years it's been since the Age of Heroes…" Tyrion trailed off, extremely relucent to speak the final number.

Tywin, Keven, Genna and Jamie just stared at Tyrion with apprehension and Tywin was beginning to think that he was going to regret asking the question in the first place.

"Just tell us Tyrion dear. We will all find out eventually but I'd rather learn of how bad it is now rather than later personally." Genna gently told him.

Tyrion took another deep breath and steeled himself.

"Almost three million and that's before he starts to kill off the living."

"Impossible!" Tywin immediately denied it while Keven sat there in shock at the number.

Tyrion shrugged. He wished he was wrong but numbers don't lie or at least they didn't lie for him and that number was a low-ball estimate of how many wights He might have access too.

"Aunt Genna!"

Jamie's worried voice rang out as he jumped forward to steady his Aunt who had gone beyond pale at the news. He quickly guided her to sit down in Tyrion's quickly vacated seat while he got her a glass of wine to help restore her colour.

"I'm sorry." Tyrion told her as he handed her the wine glass.

"Not your fault dear although next time you deliver news about the end of the world; please warn me to sit down first yes?" Genna joked weakly.

Tyrion smiled. She'd be fine eventually. His Aunt was a force to be reckoned with. A stronger woman he'd not yet met.

Tywin's mind was spinning. Almost three million dead bodies? Impossible.

But was it?

In the letter Ned Stark had sent to him inviting him to come north, he had explained that yes, the stories he had heard were true and he had the proof. The urge to summon Ned here to his rooms was rising in an urgent manner.

"He said he had proof. Is that what you saw?" Tywin asked Tyrion.

Tyrion blanched white and his eyes slammed shut in disbelief one again.

Oh Ned, please tell me you didn't? Gods please tell me you weren't that stupid?!

"Yes father, I saw those." He lied in order to cover up the true reason for his distress.

Tyrion felt like he was going to be sick.

"I…I…I…need to go. I'm sorry but I must be going. I'll shall come back later and tell you all I know but right now, I have to go!" Tyrion yelled the last past as he raced out the door as fast as his stunted legs could carry him.

His family stared at the open door the Tyrion had just disappeared though in astonishment.

"I wonder what all that was about?"

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Tyrion raced down the hallways as fast as he could, searching for Jon. He finally stumbled upon a servant who told him that he'd seen the young Lord in the kitchens just recently. He thanked the man and raced off one again, puffing and desperately trying to suck in some much needed air as he entered the kitchens to find Jon sitting at the table where the servants ate, sharing a meal with Gendry.

"Apologies…I…need to…speak to Jon…in…private." He puffed out as he reached the table, grabbing Jon's arm and tugging it for all he was worth, while he battled for air once more.

"What's the problem?" Jon asked his friend in concern. Tyrion wouldn't have run like a mad man if it wasn't important.

"Not…here"

Jon nodded.

"Sorry Gendry, but it looks like we'll have to cut out lunch short. Another time?" Jon asked him.

Gendry looked intrigued with what was going on but nodded his agreement. High born matters were not for bastards like him to know about.

Jon and Tyrion walked quickly out of the kitchen and into the hallway.

"What's going on Tyrion?"

"Not now. Where is your father?"

Tyrion's face was a grim mask of restrained anger.

"Tyrion…"

"Where is he?!"

"His solar last I heard." Jon was now definitely worried, quickly catching up to Tyrion as he set a fast pace towards the Lord's solar.

Not another word was spoken until they made it to the Lord's solar only to find Ser Barristan and Jory Cassel guarding the door.

"Lord Tyrion, Lord Jon, you cannot enter at this time. The King is meeting with Lord Stark and Lord Stannis." Jory informed them.

Jon stopped. Tyrion did not.

Tyrion was on a mission and would not be denied. He dodged the hands reaching for him, years of dodging things that were much faster than any mortal man made it quite easy, quickly opened the door and barged into the room with Jon following, issuing looks of apology for Tyrion's actions.

Tyrion's eyes snapped around the room, landing on the King and Lord Stannis.

"Out!" He growled at them.

Robert, Stannis and Ned looked at Tyrion in opened mouth shock.

"Excuse me?!" Stannis growled back in reply but Tyrion was having none of it.

"I said GET OUT!"

Stannis was about to let loose with a blistering reply when Robert's hand on his arm stopped him. He looked at his brother, but Robert was staring at Tyrion.

Robert couldn't stop staring at Tyrion. He'd seen that look before but not Tyrion's face. Right now, the Imp truly resembled his father and it scared Robert just a little for he knew when Tywin had that look on his face, someone was in for a world of trouble and pain so he silently rose, tugging Stannis out of his seat and headed towards to door.

"Don't kill him Tyrion." Was Robert's parting shot, feeling nothing but pity for Ned who was about to discover exactly what it was like to be on the receiving end of that look.

The door closed and silence reigned.

"Tyrion, what the hell is going on? You just sent the king out of the room like he was a naughty little boy. He'll not forgive that in a hurry and you know that!" Jon asked him.

But Tyrion ignored him, his whole attention focused on Lord behind the table.

"Please tell me you didn't? Please tell me you weren't that stupid Lord Stark?" Tyrion's voice was low and deadly in its intent.

"I'm not sure what you're speaking on Lord Tyrion." The reply was cautious.

Jon looked between his father and his best friend, trying to figure out what his father had done to make Tyrion this mad.

"What did you do father?"

"What did he do Tyrion?" He asked just as cautiously as Ned had when his father didn't answer.

Tyrion's anger got colder.

"Your father in his boundless wisdom, decided that he knew better than we did apparently." He snarled.

"What?"

Tyrion turned to Jon.

"Your father brought wights south of the Wall. I'm willing to bet that they're in the woods where that old logging trail is. The one that Robb said that your father would say nothing about."

Jon's face went a bloodless white.

"Father please, tell me you didn't?"

Jon begged him, sounding like a young boy begging his father to tell him that there were no monsters under the bed.

Ned Stark looked at the two young men in front of his desk as he slowly stood up and walked to the tow of them. He put his hand on Jon's left shoulder.

"I needed tangible proof for the Lords. I'm sorry…"

And felt his heart break at the stricken look of betrayal on Jon's face.

"Tyri…" was as far as he got before he felt a rush of pain in his jaw before he went flying backward into the chairs in front of the desk that broke and scattered as he landed.

"My Lord!" Jory cried as he flew into the room after hearing the crash. He quickly took stock of the situation as Lord Stark raised his hand, indicating for him to stop.

Lord Stark was lying on the floor amongst broken pieces of chair while Lord Tyrion stood with wide eyed, opened mouth shock, staring and Lord Jon who was standing over his father with his fists clenched and a look of such utter black fury that Jory had never seen the like of.

What on earth was going on?

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Deep in the Wolfwoods….Blue eyes snapped open.