The Catspaw Succeeded – Executions and Confrontations
Note – my take on the punishment was what I had read from other sources, either fanfiction or other novels, as well as my imagination. So if anything appears familiar, I apologize. If I remembered any I would reference them here.
As far as Varys goes – he does have birds in the North. In canon. He knew of Catelyn taking a ship from White Harbor.
Someone also noted the other houses missing out on marrying into House Stark for two generations. That is because Ned's mother was a Stark – a cousin (eww)
Winterfell
Ned Stark stood in front of the large weirwood heart tree in Winterfell's Godswood. He was taking a moment to clear his mind and steady himself for the task at hand. It had been a little over a week since Joffrey Hill and Meryn Trant had been delivered to the castle by his sons. Thankfully, Lord Wyman had sent a raven informing him of this. Ned had the guardsman on the high walls on the lookout for Stark banners. As soon as they were spotted Ned had Sansa, Arya, and Rickon inside and away. He did this for a multitude of reasons. He did not know how Arya would react to seeing them. Sansa was over her infatuation with the boy but was still sensitive to the words of others. Who knows what that boy would scream at the sight of his daughters? As for Rickon, without his mother around and Lady Dustin uncomfortable around him, Rickon had recently been as much of a shadow around Ned as Ned's direwolf. Ned had finally been able to acknowledge the direwolf was his and not Bran's anymore. Despite his youth, Rickon was maturing quickly after all that had gone on. He was much more aware of things going on around the castle than his siblings had been at that age - save maybe Jon. Rickon had learned that the two people responsible for his Mother and Bran's death were to be brought here and he had raged at it. This boy had more of the wolfsblood than any of his siblings, which was a lot considering Arya.
Ned, Robb, and Jon were flanked by Jory and Ser Rodrik Cassell. Behind them were all six direwolves. When the prisoners had been presented in front of Ned in the courtyard he had simply stared down at the two of them. Joffrey was on his knees, a mixture of whimpering and sniffles. He was an ice-covered mess. He had frozen snot on his face. His fingers, nose, and ears were purple from the cold. He was too stupid to try and keep warm. Trant was at least smart enough to huddle into a ball and envelope himself in the single cloak he was given. Speaking of Trant, he had stayed standing. He stared sullenly at the ground. His face was a mess of healing bruises. He had tried to escape once again when leaving the ship. Ser Wylis Manderly had been overseeing the transfer and was there when he attempted it. A young guardsman had let his concentration slip and Meryn Trant had bashed his head against the door frame. The guardsman was concussed but still alive. When Trant rushed out onto the deck of the ship he ran right into the fist of Ser Wylis. His nose was no longer straight and his two black eyes were slowly healing.
Ned then spoke. "You two have been brought here for your crimes. You hired a man to kill my unconscious son. That wretch you hired killed my wife as well. You broke that sacred oath of guest rights. You may not take that seriously in the South. But things are different here in the North. And I will ensure you receive the punishment you deserve." With that, he nodded to Jory and a group of men dragged the two prisoners to the dungeons. The cells in Winterfell were one of the few places not heated by the underground springs. But even those would be warmer than what they had experienced on their journey from White Harbor.
Ned had been pondering how to punish these two. That their punishment was death was without question. But the manner was. A simple beheading was not enough. It had been centuries since anyone had been convicted of a crime of this magnitude against a member of House Stark. All the books and literature he had Maester Luwin find on First Men traditions were not helpful. Old Nan, normally a treasure of knowledge was surprisingly unable to help him. She had tales of events but not the details he needed. When he asked her if she knew where their history of First Men traditions had gone she gave a sour look. "That learned man, the one before Luwin, I heard he had all our books on First Men traditions boxed up and sent South. Said your Lord Father agreed to it. I'll kiss an Other before I believe that. He did this after your Lord Father died"
After hearing this, Ned spoke to Luwin. Measter Walys, his predecessor, had left a diary of his days like all maesters are like to do. After consulting, he found an entry confirming a shipment of books to Old Town for cataloging, copying, and to be returned. Luwin confirmed the Citadel was known to receive rare books from Noble families like this. But after reviewing them they were supposed to have the acolytes create a written copy and send them back. Ned sent a strongly worded letter to Oldtown asking that all written works sent by House Stark in possession of the Citadel be returned immediately.
After that, he sent a raven to Lord Karstark. The Karstarks and the Umbers were the most ardent followers of the old First Men traditions. Rumors of the Umbers still practicing the First Night were whispered but Ned and his predecessors never questioned them. The Starks had long practiced a hands-off approach to how Lords handled their affairs. He wrote to Lord Karstark asking for any books or scrolls on First Men traditions. He knew Lord Karstark would see what he was truly asking for and he had come through for him just in time. A rider delivered several old tomes as well as a small package the day before the prisoners did. Ned had perused them and found what he was looking for.
Ned's children, Rickon included, arrived and stood facing him. The direwolves next to them. Ned had provided strict instruction that the wolves were to not interfere at all. Behind his children were Maester Luwin, the Cassells, and Pooles. Punishments in the North were considered public affairs, so most of the castle staff were in the Godswood out of respect for the Starks and Northern tradition. Despite being from the south, Lady Catelyn had won over the staff with her dedication to her family. And Bran was considered a treasure to those that had interacted with him.
Lady Dustin was already present at the castle and was joined off to the side by Lords Cerwyn, Bolton, and Hornwood. They were the Lords close enough to attend. Lady Dustin used this as an example to Arya and Sansa on meeting and greeting the other Lords in the Northern tradition. But the girls picked up on her distaste for Lord Bolton.
Guards brought Joffrey Hill and Meryn Trant to the Godswood. They were deposited and forced to their knees. They were in between Ned and his children. The two prisoners had recovered somewhat from their journey. Trant's black eyes were gone and Joffrey's ears and hands were simply red now, no longer purple. The time in a cell seemed to have restored Joffrey's tongue because he was ranting and raving that he was a prince of the realm and he commanded them to release him at once. When he spied Arya and Sansa he gave a sadistic leer. He was silenced from speaking when Nymeria, Shaggydog, and Lady all growled at him.
Ned spoke loudly and clearly. "The time has come for justice to be dealt to these two men. They are guilty of arranging the death of my son Brandon Stark. Their actions also led to the death of my wife, Catelyn Stark, Lady of Winterfell. She died trying to protect her son, as any mother would. Not only did they arrange their deaths, but they also did so after partaking in the sacred oath of guest rites. The blood of the First Men flows through our veins. We follow the old ways, and for their crimes, they will be punished in the old ways. Winter has come for Joffrey Hill and Meryn Trant"
There were no more words to be said. Nothing about justice in the name of the King. Ned had not told anyone what he planned to do. Robb only knew of one task his Father had for him. Ned did have some of the workers arrange what he needed and had briefed a few strong guardsmen on the tasks he required of them. Other than that, nobody knew what was to be done.
Two iron rods were buried into the ground by the base of the heart tree, each with an iron ring at the top. Their leg shackles were attached to the rings. There were about 5 feet of rope laying at their feet. The shackles around their hands were attached to ropes and then pulled tight. They were now upright, feet still on the ground but arms above their heads. On a large rock by Ned were several items covered by a cloth. Also next to him was a small brazier. He flipped over the cloth revealing several instruments. Ned grabbed several iron pokers and shoved them into the brazier. He then picked up a set of rudimentary pliers. As Ned walked forward, Robb left his spot and walked over and stood by the iron pokers in the brazier. Joffrey was hysterical in his fear now. By the sight and smell, he had pissed and shat himself in fear. Ned simply ignored him. A large burly Stark guard appeared and pulled Joffrey's mouth open. Ned used the pliers and methodically pulled out every single one of his teeth. Joffrey screamed as each one was removed. By the time the last tooth was gone, he could only let out a hoarse moan. Ned then used the pliers and ripped out Joffrey's tongue. The tongue was simply dropped to the ground. Robb walked over with a hot poker and Ned used it to cauterize the wound so he did not bleed out. Joffrey had screamed out his last true scream before his voice left him. Ned repeated all of this with Meryn Trant. Trant did not plead or scream but did try to bite the burly man's fingers. A heavy punch to his temple had dazed him. After Trant's teeth and tongue were removed and the wound cauterized, Robb walked over with fresh red hot poker. Ned grabbed Joffrey by the hair and shoved the poker into Joffrey's left eye. It burst on contact with the poker. Joffrey's hoarse voice rang out and faded into just air. He was silent as the second eye burst. Again, Ned repeated the task with Meryn Trant. Both prisoners would be on the ground in agony if the ropes were not holding them up. Ned walked back to the rock and grabbed a small, curved knife. Ned walked forward and quickly gelded each of them. Again, the removed items were simply left to fall to the ground. Ned walked back to the rock and grabbed the last item. A rough-looking black dagger. It was like no weapon any of them had seen. It flashed in the light like glass but looked like a stone. Ned made a motion and the two prisoners were pulled up a few feet in the air. Ned walked to Joffrey and sliced him across the stomach, the odd knife didn't look it, but it was sharp as sin. Joffrey's entrails spilled out. Ned grabbed them and threw them over Joffrey's shoulders. Ned repeated this act with Meryn Trant. After he finished the two bodies were pulled up as high as the
By now both were dead. Ned himself was covered in blood. He had heard all manner of noise behind him. Gasps, coughing, vomiting. He turned around to those that gathered. He noted with pride that all of his children still stood forward. Eyes up. No puddles of sickness in front of them. Though Sansa seemed a bit green in the face. The gathered Lords and Lady all were still watching. Ned honestly was a little disturbed by Roose Bolton. He had a look of sheer pleasure on his face. Lady Dustin was giving him a queer look he could not decipher. Lord Cerwyn and Hornwood simply nodded to him. "Punishment has been rendered. These two have gone to the afterlife in shame. They cannot see. They cannot speak. They cannot eat. They are no longer men. They are nothing. They will spend eternity wandering in mockery. Let this be a lesson to all those who would attack us in our homes and those who would break the sacred laws of our kin"
Ned then walked to the Heart tree and smeared the blood from his hands onto the trunk. He prayed for his departed son and wife and followed that with a prayer of thanks to the Old Gods for giving him the strength to do what needed to be done. When he turned around it was just his children who were left.
He walked to the small pond in front of the weirwood and washed his hands of the blood. He wiped his face clean with a small rag that had been discreetly set aside. After a quick view of the water's reflection showed he would not cause Sansa to feint, he turned and spoke.
"I am very proud of you all. I know it could not have been easy for some of you to watch that. It may have seen extreme, but a statement had to be made. For too long people have seen the North as less than the other Kingdoms. An accounting of this will be sent to King's Landing. I do not need to send it to the rest of the realm. The court gossip will remind the rest that the North and House Stark will punish those that have wronged us. This was also a reminder to the rest of the North that House Stark will do what has to be done." What was left unsaid was any fear of House Stark losing its Northern roots was now gone.
Kings Landing
Stannis Baratheon was staring at the letter in front of him with such intensity that Ser Davos thought it might combust. Stannis put it down and slammed his hand on the desk. "Please send a runner to Ser Brynden, Ser Baristan, and the King. We have a situation to discuss."
Ser Davos nodded and did as he was told. Within 30 minutes the three men were in his office. Robert was looking slightly less fat than he had when this entire debacle occurred. He had miles to go to get into the shape he was for the Greyjoy rebellion. After they all sat down Robert spoke up. "What problem has come up now?"
Stannis held up a letter. "We received this raven from Ser Edmure Tully. He sent it from Castle Darry."
Lord Stannis,
Your precautions for the transfer of my sister's and nephew's killers were justified. The day after the 'escort' passed by the Crossroads Inn a band of men arrived there after traveling east on the River Road. They were led by Gregor Clegane. Thankfully, we were prepared for them and The Mountain rode right into our trap. We have captured a dozen of the Mountains men and his squire. The Mountain himself was slain. We learned that the squire sussed out our trap and attempted to warn Clegane but was bashed unconscious for it. Clegane was also directed to send a raven reporting his success or failure at his rescue attempt. The raven was to be sent to House Bettley. And if successful he was to ride with all haste south to Kings Landing with Joffrey. If my memory is right, House Bettley on the Gold Road on the route to Kings Landing. So we have gone ahead and informed Tywin Lannister that the Mountain succeeded -
"THEY DID WHAT?!" shouted Ser Brynden. Robert's eyes were wide in shock and Ser Baristan had a pensive look on his face.
" in rescuing his grandson with minimal losses. Clegane was practically illiterate and his squire is required to read and writes all his letters for him. This meant the squire was privy to all his past deeds for the last three years. This letter will arrive well before Tywin Lannister. Ser Aron argued quite vociferously with me to not do this but I cannot stand and let Tywin Lannister get away with trying to cheat my family of our justice. We will ride south as well. We will stop at every keep along the Kingsroad in the Crownland to check for instruction from you. With Tywin Lannister thinking he holds the cards he can be punished for his arrogance, once and for all."
Ser Edmure Tully, Heir to Riverrun
By the end of the letter, Robert was grinning. Ser Brynden was seriously concerned for Stannis' health at this point. He was visibly seething. He looked at Ser Brynden. "Ser Aron sent a letter as well. He confirmed the details of your nephew's letter. He also informed me it was Edmure who killed The Mountain. He crushed Clegane's skull with the man's own helm." He pulled out said letter that had the thrilling account of the battle and handed it to Ser Brynden."
After Ser Brynden read the account he just set it down and was in a daze. The fact Edmure refused to mention his role in taking down the mountain spoke volumes of his maturity. The old Edmure would have bragged endlessly. He then passed the letter from Ser Aron around. After several moments Ser Brynden spoke. "When I see that boy I am going to thrash his hide. Then when he wakes up I'll toast his victory. And for Seven's sake! I made up that fairy tale to get the children to sleep! And he uses the story as an idea for an ambush? I don't know if that is brilliant or ludicrous"
Robert was calling for wine. He had each man take a glass and made a toast. "To Ser Edmure Tully! The Fairy Tale Knight!" Everyone save Stannis smiled at that. He had not picked up his glass.
"Robert! While I am glad the boy survived and put an end to Clegane, he has put this city in danger! Vary's reports that Tywin has 10,000 men with him on the Gold Road and is on a steady march!"
They all seemed to sober up at that. But after a moment Robert began to grin again. "Ten Thousand? That's it? Yes, it's a lot of men. But that is not nearly enough to take this city He would need at least 10 times as many to have a chance coming from the Gold Road. That is the strongest side of the City walls. And to have left so soon, there is no way he has the baggage train or support to lay siege."
"Exactly!" pounced Stannis. "Tywin Lannister may not have fought on the front lines since he was a young man but he still is a capable and shrewd commander. He's no fool. He has to know that he does not have enough men. So what is he really doing? There is no way he could force you to take Joffrey back. The only thing that makes sense is he must mean to install Joffrey as King. But how? What does he have up his sleeve? What are we missing?"
The men sat at the table and pondered that question." Ser Baristan was not a battle commander. Security was his primary concern. Because of that, he approached it differently than the rest. "If Tywin Lannister does not have enough men, where can he get more? Have any Crownland levies been mobilized?" he asked
"Not that we have heard," said Stannis. As they pondered this, Ser Davos entered the room. He spoke quietly to Ser Brynden. Ser Brynden's eyes widened in shock and then anger. He thanked Ser Davos, who stayed in the room awaiting any orders. After seeing the looks around the room Ser Brynden spoke.
"Ser Davos informed me the men he had in the street of silk spotted the letter carrier from Riverrun I have been waiting for. He has gone into one of Littlefinger's brothels."
Stannis' teeth began to grind at this. This was what he had secretly been afraid of. Baelish was privy to all sorts of information on the Small Council. His wealth also made him someone who could hire skilled men. Stannis had always disliked the man. But was this more important than dealing with Tywin Lannister? No. Baelish could be dealt with later. But they did not want to let this carrier leave the city either. Stannis turned to Davos. "Have your men watch for the letter carrier. If he attempts to leave the city I want him discreetly taken and brought here." Davos nodded and left.
After an hour of discussion, they sent a rider to Hayford with a sealed letter for Ser Edmure and Ser Aron. The rider was to wait and hand it over personally. He was also instructed to watch for any sign of soldiers from Crownland houses coming down the Kingsroad. Scouts were sent up the Rosby, Gold, and Rose Roads to watch for any marching soldiers. After that he summoned Pylos. He had a rat to catch.
Tywin Lannister arrived in Kings Landing three days later. He camped his men outside the walls. He was waiting for word from Clegane. A rider arrived late that afternoon. The sealed scroll let him know they were at Hayford and awaited instructions. Tywin then gave instructions to his commanders. Soldiers were instructed to start making preparations for a siege. Tywin nodded to his page. Littlefinger was a resourceful man. He had graciously provided a raven trained to go to his main brothel, all Tywin needed to do was release it when he was ready. Tywin appreciated his initiative. That didn't stop him from deciding once he was Hand and Regent on killing all of Littlefinger's trained ravens and banishing the man who trained them to the wall. The page ensured the small scroll was properly secured and released the raven.
Tywin waited until the next morning and approached the City Gates. Kevan announced who they were and requested permission to enter the city to meet with the King. They were immediately given entry. The gate was raised as he, Kevan, several of his commanders, and a few household knights rode past. As he entered the city he spotted the Gold Cloak commander of the gate, who nodded to Lord Tywin. Tywin Lannister did not acknowledge this but rode his horse to the Red Keep, head held high. He knew his play would define his legacy. He would either die here or be remembered as a King-maker. He looked for other signs of massing Gold Cloaks and passed by several large patrols. He was greeted at the Red Keep's main gate by a Lannister soldier who gave his Lord a simple nod. Tywin heard muttering from his men. He saw them staring upwards and looked up and saw his eldest two children staring down at him. Their rotting heads were mounted on spikes above the gate. Eyes gone. Skin turning green. But their hair was unmistakable. His blood boiled at the sight. His determination to see Joffrey on the throne was emboldened. To see Stannis and Robert brought down low for their treachery. Tywin and his men dismounted and marched to the throne room. Robert was seated on the Iron Throne. All six of the current Kingsguard were present, standing sentinel in front of the throne. Stannis and Renly were standing on each side of Robert. The room was full of courtiers and interested onlookers. The walls intermixed with Baratheon men and Gold Cloaks. Slowly the Gold Cloaks slipped back and were replaced quietly by Lannister soldiers. While they may have been removed from their posts, they had remained in the city.
Tywin was announced. "Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, Lord Paramount of The Westerlands, Warden of The West!" announced the herald. 'Future Regent and Hand of The King' Tywin added to himself. They all approached and stopped where marked on the floor. All but Tywin bowed to Robert. Murmurs rose from the onlookers.
Robert and Tywin stared at each other for several moments. Surprisingly it was Renly who was the first to speak. "Lord Tywin, you were summoned to Kings Landing to speak in regards to the actions of your two eldest children. You have brought quite an escort. I, like the rest of the realm, was disgusted by the actions of the former Queen and her lover, the Kingslayer. Did you fear the reaction of the realm and decided to travel with extra protection?" The room tittered with laughter. This was exactly what Tywin hated and they knew it. Renly had wanted to twist this man's tail for years and was not going to pass on a chance to do so.
Tywin did not speak right away. He let the laughter die out and finally spoke. "I am not here to speak to any actions of my children. I am here to deal with your actions. House Lannister will not allow you to deny us what we are owed. You concocted this disgusting lie to remove my daughter as Queen and my grandchildren from the Royal Line. Your friend Stark went along with this farce to kill my grandson. Such honor from a man who frowned on the death of the Targaryan children. I say this now, Joffrey is your heir. Joffrey will be King. I will see to that."
Renly went to pull the tail some more but Robert held up a hand. Renly may like the word games but Robert wanted nothing more than to end this mummery. "Joffrey is not my heir. He never was my heir. He is your grandson twice over. Your precious children were brother and sister fuckers just like the Dragonspawn you were hand for. I guess that is where they learned it. And you have little to stop, considering the heads of your cunt daughter and arrogant shit son are rotting above this Keep's gate!" Again, laughter rang out in the hall. It was loud. It echoed off the walls and down from the ceiling. Suddenly, Tywin was transported back to Casterly Rock. He remembered it clear as day. A feast where the gathered Lords were laughing at a jest directed at his Father, who just brushed it off with a smile. He had sworn House Lannister would never be laughed at again.
"ENOUGH!" screamed Tywin. He drew out his sword and yelled out "NOW!" The Red Cloaks had been waiting for this. They brought out swords hidden behind their cloaks and attacked the Baratheon soldiers. The Gold Cloaks stepped forward with them and stabbed the Lannister soldiers from behind. Those that were not killed right away were handled by the Baratheon guards. Ser Brynden, Ser Edmure, Ser Aron, and three knights of the Kingsguard surrounded Tywin and his men.
Robert stood up and walked down the steps that set the Iron Throne above the crowd. He stopped at the bottom. "Your coup has failed, Lord Tywin. We know about your plotting with Lord Baelish." Robert waved a hand. A bloody and beaten Petyr Baelish was dragged from a side chamber. One eye was swollen shut and he was missing a few teeth.
The day before...
When they had first learned that someone within Kings Landing was possibly using ravens to send messages, Stannis spoke privately with Pylos. He suppressed his ill memories of hawking in his youth and spoke to Pylos. The young maester arranged to have several trained birds of prey brought to Kings Landing. Once a location was identified, the hawks were surreptitiously released near Littlefinger's brothel. For a few days, nothing happened. When Tywin Lannister arrived, Stannis had forgotten about the issue, putting it aside. But then Pylos reported a raven was captured and Stannis needed to read it right away.
Lord Baelish,
Have your Gold Cloaks ready on the morrow. We strike in the throne room. We must overwhelm the Baratheon soldiers in the Red Keep. Instruct your Gold Cloaks to allow my Lannister soldiers that never left Kings Landing to follow them into the throne room. Have Gold Cloak patrols take care of the remaining Baratheon soldiers in the city. Thirty minutes after we enter, rise the city gates. My soldiers outside the city will rush in and kill any survivors.
Tywin Lannister
Once his shock and anger passed, plans were made. Ser Edmure and Ser Aron had arrived in Kings Landing just before Tywin and his army were spotted on the Gold Road. Ser Edmure and the household knights who accompanied him went to Littlefinger's brothel under the pretense of an expensive evening of fun. Using his past with Bealish, Edmure was able to meet with him.
"Littlefinger!" exclaimed Edmure when he saw Petyr. Edmure knew Baelish has never cared for the name, which was exactly why he had used it here. "It's been too long. This is quite a place you have".
Petyr was annoyed at the arrival of Edmure Tully. He had Janos Slynt upstairs in his office. They had been haggling over the price of doing what Lord Tywin wanted. He had been planning this in his head while waiting for Lord Tywin's arrival but said nothing to his City Watch contacts. He wanted no chance of this leaking out. Now that he could move forward he was stuck dealing with the boy who had hung that unfortunate moniker on him. He needed this deal. The crown was now in possession of the true ledgers and a trove of his papers. While the details of his schemes and investments were several layers deep, he needed Pylos gone. He didn't dare have him killed right now. It would be too obvious. So the easiest way was to get rid of Stannis.
"Lord Edmure, a pleasure to see you again. How is your Father doing? As hale and healthy as ever?" Petyr smirked at him. He knew of Hoster's declining health. Edmure had momentarily paused after that comment. "What can I do for you and your companions?" Petyr looked over Edmure's shoulder. He had quite a group with him. He saw the sigils of a few Riverland houses and Tully trouts. They were already dragging the girls who flocked to this private receiving room away for some fun. Hmmm... I wonder what my girls can find out from these fools.
Edmure continued to smile as his group emptied the room. "I know exactly what I need and I came to the only place in the city to get it. I need the man who is plotting with Lord Tywin Lannister"
It was a very rare moment for Petyr to completely drop his smug smile act and this was one of them. He stared up at the young Lord in shock and stumbled over his words. "My Lord...whatever are you referring to?" Petyr blurted out. He nervously looked around and only noticed now he was completely alone with Edmure.
Edmure was still smiling. Petyr recognized it. He'd seen Hoster Tully smile like that growing up in Riverrun. Hoster Tully held court with fellow Riverlords numerous times. Lord Tully smiled like that when he was toying with a bannerman. Petyr turned to run but his fine cloak was grabbed by Edmure and he was dragged back. "Oh no you don't! Lord Stannis needs to have a word with you. And after he is done, my Uncle and I wish to do the same."
Petyr was not one for the physical side of life. It only took a few broken fingers before he spoke. He confessed how Janos Slynt, the Lord Commander of the City Watch, who foolishly tried to attack Edmure when he went to see what was taking Baelish so long, was easily bribed. Murders, rapes, kidnappings, and all other sorts of serious crimes were either ignored or committed by the Gold Cloaks for the right price.
Slynt was even easier to break. Just the mere thought of harm was enough to make him speak. After hours of questioning, it was already dark. They had to move fast. Slynt had ratted out the core of the City Watch. With few trustworthy Gold Cloaks, they decided to have Baratheon soldiers garb themselves in the armor of the Gold Cloaks. The real ones were kept in the barracks.
Back in the throne room...
Twin Lannister glared at the flesh peddler he had foolishly entrusted to aid him. He shook his head, sighed, and sheathed his sword. With a stiff back and head high he looked at Robert. "I may have been foolish to trust this worm. But you won't win. Joffrey is free. He and House Lannister will - "
An enormous rotten mess was tossed at his feet by a young, red-headed knight with a blue trout sigil. Tywin looked at it in disgust. But a closer inspection revealed it was Gregor Clegane. How! He whirled back at Robert. "What have you done with Joffrey?!" he demanded
Stannis brought out a scroll. "We received a raven this morning from Lord Stark."
Robert,
My oldest friend. The North has a long and proud history. As I have told you since we were young boys at the Eyrie, our way is the Old Way. The man who passes the sentence must swing the sword. So it should be no surprise to you that I performed the execution of Joffrey Hill and Meryn Trant myself. But let it be known that the murder of a Lords wife, a Lords son, and the breaking of guest rights demand a most severe punishment. As I said before, our way is the Old Way. Because of this, I have performed Bölvaður Dauði on the two criminals. It translates to 'Cursed Death' from the Old Tongue. Joffrey and Meryn Trant shall never find peace in death.
Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Lord Paramount, and Warden of the North
"Lord Stark's maester was kind enough to provide a brief description of this ceremony," stated Stannis. Gasps of shock and horror were heard when it was read. Tywin Lannister stood in the center of the throne room, broken. His legacy was gone.
Stannis continued to speak. "Joffrey Hill was never on the Kingsroad. He was sent by ship to White Harbor and escorted to Winterfell. That ship is now on its way back from White Harbor. Your son and heir, Tyrion Lannister, is aboard."
The events in the throne room concluded then as Lord Tywin collapsed after that statement.