DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
A/n: Nearly a year of silence! Damn talk about WAY behind. I am sorry if I am way behind on my writings, but I was busy with not only work but dealing with family stuff. So now that we are done with Dany and Jon's arc for now. We then move on to the next person which I promised was going to happen and that was Tyrion. So here you go folks another exciting chapter of….
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 30: An Imp or a Goblin?
FLEA BOTTOM, KINGS LANDING
Tyrion could only snort as he watched the people in Flea Bottom go about their business. He was walking around the worst area in King's Landing because he was on his way to meet up with a few friends of his. Flea Bottom is notorious for many things, crime, prostitution, poverty and the smell of piss on the streets.
What he wouldn't give to go back to the North where the streets of Winter Town are clean and the homeless are fed. Hell even the streets of White Harbor in its poorest district is cleaner then here.
He looked around to see the people in the streets begging for food and money. Some even tried to take a swipe from his purse, but he smacked them away and gave them a few coins. Money was meaningless to him anyways. He even stopped to by some food for some children before turning down an area he knew all too well.
The Street of Steel.
It was a ways from Flea Bottom but the road there has to pass from the slums to the so called industrial district of the city. Here he got to see many different smiths working their craft to the different styles of the world. Many specialize in utensils and cookware, others in forging jewelry for the many ladies that inhabit the city. But where Tyrion was going was the very heart of the district which is where the weapons are forged.
He had a raven sent to him by none other then Arya Stark informing him of Sansa's whereabouts. So following the footsteps of the youngest female Stark. Tyrion made sure that no one was following him before coming to the shop. Tobho was there of course working the forges alongside his many apprentices. Here he saw many young men most of them commoners and a few he can sense are bastards of several nobles. But there were two however that took his interest. A black haired female was busy forging steel while a younger woman was busy polishing pieces of what appears to be armor.
Clearing his throat he made his presence known.
"Tyrion!" the two girls sang as they rushed towards them. Opening his arms wide he embraced them. The two girls held him tight and he can finally let Lord Stark know that his daughters are doing well in King's Landing. Upon hearing his name the others in the room quickly bowed their heads which Tyrion didn't like.
"Now, now don't be doing that," he said jokingly. The group slowly rose from their place on the ground.
"I am not the king so there is no need to grovel at my feet," Tyrion said to them.
"But m'lord you are a Lannister and as such your status is as close to royalty as it is," said Tobho. His voice was full of fear as Tyrion stared up at him.
"I have lost that title when I become the Librarian of Winter my good blacksmith. Though I still have the name Lannister I no longer have the titles of one. For the duty of the Librarian is far more serious then one thinks. The Starks know what it means to guard something as ancient as the library. After all they are the guardians of one of the oldest holds in the Realm. Besides if I don't fulfill my duty then every Maester and Scholar from all around the world would come to destroy it. Their hunger for the knowledge it contains would destroy this world a hundred times over," Tyrion replied his voice was weary of the conversation.
"Understood Librarian, would you care for some refreshment. After all this chatting I forgotten my manners when addressing someone as important as you," he said to Tyrion.
But Tyrion shook his head in denial, "I'm afraid I have urgent business with the ladies of House Stark. If you don't mind please point us in a direction in which we can get some privacy," he said to Tobho.
The old man nodded before turning to the black haired girl which Tyrion managed to recognize as Sansa Stark.
"San please escort his lord to a private study where he can get the privacy he needs," he said and the girl nodded before indicating he should follow.
Tyrion followed till they were up in the second floor of the building before all trace was removed of San's disguise leaving only Sansa Stark and her sister Arya to stand before him.
"My, my what a disguise and to use your skill in smithing Lady Stark how clever," Tyrion said to her. His voice was very amused when he heard Sansa laugh in front of him.
"I should know Lord Tyrion for if it were not for this disguise I would have been taken already to the Red Keep," she said to him and Tyrion nodded in understanding.
"But why lay low Sansa surely the Lannisters wouldn't dare harm you since you are a high lord's daughter," Tyrion said to her. Sansa winced remembering her mother often scolding her about the different family lines. The fact that she came from the high lord of the North means something to the Lannisters. But with the recent rumors she hesitated to make herself known.
"Sansa?" asked Tyrion.
"Lord Tyrion, how much do you know about your nephew?" asked Sansa her voice weary with fatigue.
"Not much since I haven't been home for several years. I only heard bits and pieces and rumors mostly. It was only when the King came to the North that I finally met my nephew and I have a few choice words about him," said Tyrion his voice showed his disdain for his nephew.
"So you suspect then," Arya pipped in her voice also flat with disdain.
"Oh yes, I think about Joffrey not being of Baratheon blood. I know for sure that Tommen and Myrcella are both Baratheons. Your father had seen their true identities within the halls of Winterfell. The Queen insisted that they look more like Lannisters because the King can't stand the sight of them. Now I see myself asking that question of Joffery's true parentage since he shows the signs of madness that the former Tagaryen rulers showed. It is a clear sign of incest," said Tyrion his voice kept low when speaking for fear of someone listening in.
"Now as I see it the Red Keep is in an uproar because of someone was questioning the parentage of the children of my sister. So that is where I need you two," he said to them. Both sisters looked at each other in shock.
"Really? Why would you need us?" asked Arya.
Tyrion smiled, "The Lannister family has been searching for Lady Sansa for sometime. King Robert wanted to unite the houses of Stark and Baratheon for while now. Now that Robert's dead, Cersei as Queen Regent will rule from the shadows as her son is a puppet only she can manipulate."
"I get it you want us to keep our ears to the ground out here in the city for any sort of activities that the Lannisters are planning," replied Arya. Tyrion remained smiling his posture is relaxed when he sat down.
"Very good your lessons have been going well young wolf," he said to her. Arya beamed when she had gotten her praises since she is one of the best in her class. Lord Tyrion has ensured that he finds what his students are interested in and try to incorporate it into their education.
"I do not know why the Lannisters are continuing the search, but it would be in our best interest if we keep a low profile. I will see what I can find out from the Red Keep in the meantime you two will remain here and gather as much information as you can about what King Joffrey is up to. I don't like how things are playing out not with the Long Night approaching." Tyrion said to them.
"We will keep a good eye out sir. Don't you worry about that we already have our network in place," Sansa replied her eyes shown how fierce she is.
"One more thing before I depart. Your father Lord Stark will be arriving in two days along with your brother Robb. Your mother is running Winterfell right now and I would have been there with her had I not been summoned by my father Tywin." Tyrion replied to them and both girls beamed with excitement at the prospects of going home. But first they have to complete their mission.
"What does Tywin have you do?" asked Arya her voice was curious.
"I have a kingdom to save so I will be off and remember to stay hidden until the time is right and winter sets in," he said before turning to depart out the door.
"Wait!" Arya said and ran up to him handing him something and when he saw it was a crystal dagger he nodded his head. "Take this to Lord Varys and if anyone asked tell them you bought them."
Knowing the implications of him exiting without buying something. Bronn gave a firm nod in acknowledgment before departing also.
THRONE ROOM, RED KEEP, KING'S LANDING
When Tyrion returned to the Red Keep, Joffery was already entertaining himself with torturing a young woman in the middle of the court. Many of the court members were uncomfortable with the gesture and wanted to walk away. But because he is the king such actions were not warranted. So they quiver in fear and pity for the poor girl who had been caught by the king. So they watched as the woman was being beaten by a guard in golden armor. Her dress was torn and she wore her hair up on an elaborate style. Joffery just sat there laughing while they tortured her.
"What is going on here!" Tyrion yelled from his spot by the door.
"I am just having fun," Joffery replied his voice full of amusement. The girl however was crying on the ground with half her dress missing. Tyrion quickly rushed to her side and helped her up by wrapping her in his cloak to keep her modesty. His anger was felt throughout the room.
"Fun….fun you call torturing people fun? Your no better then the Mad King!" Tyrion shouted at him and that made the room go silent. Several of the golden guards began to draw their swords.
"I am the king and I can do what I please got anything else to say?" Joffery replied his voice smug at least it was until Tyrion suddenly appeared before him and delivered a slap so hard that everyone could hear it in the throne room. The gasps that followed were something that no one had dared to do before.
"You dare to do such an insult to someone lower in status then you. You are the king, you are their protector and yet you treat them like utter garbage," said Tyrion his rage could be heard. The people in the throne room held their hands to their mouths in shock and in fear for such a dwarf to commit such a crime.
"I am their superior what makes you think you can," SLAP! The sound interrupted Joffery before he could continue. The whole court could say anything less as they watched this dwarf slap their king.
"You maybe king but I am your uncle and I am higher then you until you come of age!" Tyrion shouted at him. The boy looked ready to cry when the doors slammed open from the side and in walked Cersei Lannister the Queen Regent. When she saw the state of the girl and the sight of Tyrion over Joffery she saw rage in her eyes.
"OUT!" she shouted and everyone looked at her before she shouted again, "I SAID GET OUT!" she roared and everyone left the court room save for a few guards and the Lannisters.
The girl was helped to her feet and ushered out. But not before the queen ordered the guards to take her to the maester. When the guards left she turned towards the two near the Iron Throne.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" she demanded pointing a finger to Tyrion and the youngest Lannister smirked.
"I came here on Father's orders," he said holding up the letter.
"Father? What does he have anything to do with you being here," she growled at him but taking the letter at the same time. When she read it her face went pale before she handed the letter back to Tyrion.
Tyrion
It would seem to me as if my grandson needs a few lessons taught on how to rule a kingdom. See to it that it is done by the time I get there from Casterly Rock. When this letter is sent I would have finished cleaning out any regards to the slavers in the Westerlands. I already sent word to Lord Stark to allow you to travel to King's Landing. Make sure your sister is aware of this because I am coming to resume my role as Hand of the King.
Tywin Lannister,
Warden of the West, Lord of Casterly Rock.
Cersei turned to her brother, "You can't be serious why would father send YOU of all people?" she asked him.
"Because unlike you I was rather good with numbers dear sis." Tyrion replied with a smirk and both turned when Joffery began to whine.
"Mother, he slapped me!" Joffery cried as he held his face but Cersei would have none of it.
"Serves you right!" she said as she marched over to him and slapped him in the face herself. Feeling shocked the boy looked up at his mother in fear.
"What did it tell you about hurting women! What did I tell you about brutalizing them! IN PUBLIC!" Cersei screamed at him and the boy cowered on the ground to his mother's roar. Tyrion was shocked to see this side of his sister. Normally he saw his sister as someone who would defend her children's actions with all her might. But this is the first time Tyrion has seen Cersei show this side of herself.
"But mother, she is nothing more then a common whore," Joffery replied but that earned him another slap from the Queen Regent.
"I don't care if she was the princess you don't torture women unless proven otherwise! A king must never show this side of him to the public do you understand me!" she shouted at him. The bow only nodded at her while trying to hide his face.
"I can't hear you!" she shouted at him.
"I heard you mother," Joffery sniffled as she stood up.
"Sir, Meryn," she called to the king's guardman who was standing near where the girl was being held down. He quickly approached and crouched down on one knee to show his respect.
"Take his majesty to his chambers he has had a long day. And make sure he doesn't leave and tell the servants that the king will be eating in his chambers tonight. Make sure no one save for myself, Lord Tyrion and Sir Jaime enter his chambers understand me?" she said to him and the man kept his head to the ground as he rose to his feet.
"It shall be done my queen," he said before departing.
"Make sure that it does for I will have Sir Sandor here take leave as he has not slept in days," she said to him and the man in question also bowed before leaving the throne room.
When both she and Tyrion were alone she stood up straight ensuring that her composure is intact before turning to her brother. Her face seemed impassive but Tyrion could still see the anger in her eyes.
"Father sent you all the way from your cave in the North to govern us?" Cersei said with sarcasm. Her voice was dripping in venom as she glared at Tyrion. But Tyrion was used to dealing with Northerners and Iron Islanders with more backbone then his sister.
"Yes he did because he was concerned that the finances of the capital have fallen on the wayside," Tyrion replied his face also impassive.
"I see, and I also heard you had gotten the Lannister family out of debt by finding more mines to dig for gold is that correct?" Cersei said to him. Her eyebrows raised up high for him to know that she wanted to hear how he had done so.
"It was not discovering as taking back the mines that no longer belong to certain lords that kept our family from going bankrupt. Besides I also had father invest in sea trade with the Iron Islands as well as the North. The trades have helped him immensely in keep his wealth in check. Not with everyone in the realm begging father for money placing them into heavy debt with him….such as the crown." Tyrion said to her his voice low and also dripping with disdain for his sister.
He could see the fury on his sister's face when she glared at him. Both of them knew who was the to blame for the lack of money in the Royal Coffers and with that Cersei stormed out of the throne room with her own body guards and maids to tend to her. That left Tyrion alone with Bronn in the Throne room. Looking down at the blood puddle on the floor he walked out of the chamber hoping to see an old friend of his before retiring to his rooms.
LORD VARYS'S CHAMBERS
Tyrion knocked quietly on the door waiting for this old friend to open up and when he did the man had a beaming smile on his face.
"Lord Tyrion old friend welcome back to the capital would you want some refreshment?" he asked him and Tyrion shook his head when Varys closed the door and locked it behind him.
Tyrion could hear the various locks and gears moving through the walls indicating the mechanisms that would keep the room safe from anyone trying to come through the front door. Well they could try for Varys has an ironwood door installed in the case of invasion.
The room was sparsely decorated with items from Essos. Since Varys came from the city of Lys. Certain items were strung across the room such as carpets and silks from the free cities. He also could smell the various perfumes that come from the city, but they were subtle and barely noticeable. But Tyrion knew better since he lived in the North he had to study the various plants and perfumes to get their qualities. It was important in the library to know them in case someone from the East were to appear. Also some has some medicinal properties. In the case of Varys the scents he has gotten from the odor tells him that these are used to calm the nerves and settle the body.
"Still having trouble with nightmares?" he asked him and Varys nodded with a soft smile, "You do have a way of knowing a man's thoughts Lord Tyrion or should I say Librarian."
"For now just Tyrion, that is what the people in the North call me. No one but the Lords have their titles. Mine is out of courtesy," Tyrion replied when he sat down and grabbed the goblet. Though to Varys's surprise instead of going for the wine like he thought the man would do he instead went for the water that was next to it.
"I am surprised that you gave up on wine Tyrion. Did all your years working in the Library of Winter make you forego the substance," he asked him his curiosity peaked.
"I like to think of it as giving up the bottle but in a way yes I have given up on the wine while I am the librarian. It is one of the rules that I have to follow. My mind needs to be sharp at all times. The only time I am allowed to drink is when I am in the presence of Lord Stark or we are celebrating something like a wedding. Other then that I am not allowed to indulge. It was one of the sacrifices I had to make when I became the Librarian of Winter." Tyrion said to him his face showing a faint smile.
"I also noticed that you had gained a bit of muscle. Moving all those books helped I see because in my recent visit which was five years ago I remember seeing large tomes that looked to be far too large for you to carry," Varys said to him as he himself poured a goblet of wine.
"Yes, I had to train with the previous librarian for a time in order to lift such heavy books. Mind you it was no easy feat doing it as a dwarf but I managed to do it," Tyrion said to him. Varys gave an 'Ah' before he leaned back into his chair.
"So I heard from your raven that you would be heading here on the orders of your father. I am surprised he hasn't sent you that message through a raven," Varys said to Tyrion as he took another sip of his wine. Tyrion smirked knowing that his father won't waste a precious raven on him and would prefer the slow method to transporting such a message.
"Father knows that to have such a bird brought to me would be a waste of his resources. But then again the winds in the West leading to the North are not favorable. So he chose wisely when giving me the letter through a messenger instead of through a raven," Tyrion replied after reading the message again.
"I see that Tywin is worried about the state of the Realm. It is so unlike him to think of such things, but then again he was the former Hand of the King." Varys said to him and Tyrion smirked remembering the letter Lord Stark had received from him.
WINTERFELL TWO WEEKS BEFORE TYRION'S DEPARTURE FOR THE VALE
"M'Lord an urgent letter from Casterly Rock," a messenger said to Lord Stark as the young boy rushed to his side in the middle of a meeting.
Lord Stark reached up and retrieved the letter from the messenger boy and dismissed him. His search for Sansa had concluded after Lord Varys had informed him of his findings. As he opened up the letter and read it his council waited till he was done before he looked at Tyrion who sat next to Shifu.
"It would seem as if your father has called you to King's Landing. He has asked for my permission to release you for a time to help serve the king." Lord Stark said showing Tyrion the message. After reading it Tyrion became amused.
"And what do I owe my father this luxury?" Tyrion asked him.
"It would seem as if he is asking you to go to King's Landing in his stead to report on the finacial problems the capital has been facing. I think he is asking this favor because we helped him out of a financial bind," Lord Stark said his voice just as amused.
"Surely this isn't a coincidence?" said Catelyn her visit to Bran's room has Tyrion pitying her for lost child. Thankfully young Bran is making a full recovery.
"When I leave for White Harbor you will leave with my wife for the Vale. Afterwards you will make your way to King's Landing Librarian Tyrion. That way you will make the preparations for my arrival and when that is done we shall get this investigation underway right after the funeral," Lord Stark said to him and the shorter man bowed before taking his leave.
END OF FLASHBACK
"Lord Stark is due to arrive in two days and I have already informed Ladies Sansa and Arya of his arrival. I think things are going to get interesting when he is here," Tyrion said to Varys.
"Oh I know they will after all, King Joffrey's swearing in will be at the same time so it is required of all the lords to present themselves to him. Though I am worried about Little Finger," Varys replied his voice sounded weary.
"Oh what has that sneaky devil been up to?" Tyrion asked him and the man smirked before pulling out a map of the whole of King's Landing.
"From what I gathered he has been gathering information for further extortion of the Lannister family. He plans on betraying Lord Stark to the king and have a war start between the two families. You know as well as I do that if that happens then the entire realm will be at war," said Varys his voice was just as cautious as it ever was.
"I know that my friend and that is another reason why I am here to ensure that he does not do so. As you know Tywin asked me to act as acting Hand until he arrives to take my place. After all I am the Librarian of Winter and I can't be Hand of The King for long or else I will be committing treason." Tyrion replied to Varys. The other man nodded his head in understanding as he took a piece of fruit from a bowl that was nearby.
"I see, so Tywin forced you out of Winterfell to be here for the purpose of becoming temporary Hand how unusual." Varys replied.
"Indeed, and until Lord Stark arrives I must find out what I know about King Robert Baratheon's murder," Tyrion said to him. Varys agreed with him.
"I do agree with you, his death is indeed murder. From what I understood the man was drunk when he was hunting. But I had seen him slay an entire boar while in his cups. But this time my little birds told me that someone messed with his drink. I know this because one of them was a servant of the King. He sang to me how the King requested wine before a hunt and when the boy went to deliver it he noticed a strange man pour something into the cup. When he told Robert of this the king would ignore him and drink up. I think he regretted it that day." Varys said and the both looked solemn when thinking about this new king.
"How the hell did the Targaryens last this long without any sort of incidents like these?" Tyrion asked Varys. The other man smiled warmly at him.
"Why Aegon the Conqueror was no fool he simply never drank that much wine," and they both laughed at the irony of it all.
"So tell me Tyrion how are Sansa and Arya. I had met with them before the inquire of their well being and I must say they had made quiet a name for themselves," he said to him. Tyrion smiled at him and presented him with the crystal dagger.
"Lady Arya wanted me to present this to you. She said that she forged it herself and it would offer you some protection since you have something against magic," Tyrion replied to him.
Varys smiled when he took the gift, "Tell the Lady Arya that I most appreciate them."
"You can tell her yourself the next time you see her," replied Tyrion.
"It is as well," Varys said as he lifted his goblet to his lips.
"Now you sent me a raven not too long ago inquiring about the death of Lord Jon Arryn is that correct?" he said to him and Tyrion nodded.
"I told you that Lysa admitted to killing her husband with Tears of Lys and from what I understood of poisons it is a very dangerous one," he said to him.
"Yes, you asked me if in small amounts would it induce a sort of seizure in say...a small child?" Varys replied to Tyrion's inquiry.
"And?" Tyrion asked.
"It would seem as if Lysa wanted her husband to disappear so that way she can be with the man she wanted. From my understanding you told me that man is Petyr Baelish The Master of Coin. And you also told me to inquire if Robin is in fact Lord Arryn's son," Varys replied to him.
"And?" Tyrion said to him.
"What I found out is most intriguing. You see the main branch of the Arryn family was mostly just lord Jon and his wife Lysa. However when I conducted my research into Robin's legitimacy he is indeed Jon Arryn's heir," Varys replied which made Tyrion breathe a sign of relief. The last thing the realm needs is civil war in the Vale among the remaining members of House Arryn.
"If Lysa is sleeping with Petyr Baelish what are the chances of Robin actually being his child?" Tyrion asked.
"Practically none because my little birds tell me that though he rarely indulges himself in the temptations of the flesh he always drinks herbal tea to make him infertile," Varys said to him.
"They have that kind of tea for men?" Tyrion asked him.
"He imports them from Essos so that way he can't father any bastards," Varys said to him.
Now for sure he knows that Robin in truly Lord Jon Arryn.
"Will Lord Stark bring the boy with him?" Varys asked him. Tyrion shook his head in a negative fashion.
"No, Robin is too sick to travel. He only had a few days to rest in Riverrun before being transported to Winterfell for further treatment," Tyrion replied to him. Varys awed in understanding knowing the secrets of the North himself. Since he is the Master of Whispers.
"So anyway Varys I just had a talk with Lady Sansa and Lady Arya and they told me what they had been hearing in Flea Bottom. Lady Sansa told me of what Joffrey is doing to the low born people. Tell me is this true?" asked Tyrion and Vary nodded he too has heard.
"Joffrey is a cruel and unjust king. Following the advice of his mother he looks down on the low born children. I had never seen Tywin act the way they do to the low born despite how arrogant he can be," Varys replied.
"It makes one wonder why he doesn't do what he does to his own children," Bronn interrupted them as he was sitting not too far from Tyrion. A cup of wine in his hand. However he only took a sip before putting it back down again.
"That is because unlike Cersei and Joffrey, Tywin remembers who feeds him and thus restrains himself around the common folk. After all if he wants to eat he has to have some decency to his own people," Varys replied to Bronn's remark.
"It is much to be said Lord Tyrion after all it is not everyday that the Librarian of Winter comes into my graces and investigates a murder," Varys said to him.
"I know my good friend, and with Lord Stark coming I don't have much time in piling my report. My own father is also coming and I have to make sure everything is in place for the ceremony of Joffrey's fealty." said Tyrion as he stood up and made his way out of the room followed by Bronn.
"I will make sure that my little birds are flying should anything else come up," said Varys and Tyrion nodded before departing out the door.
LATER
Tyrion was making himself familiar with the Red Keep. After reading about the many passageways and exploring them. He studied the servants and where they were coming and going. After going through each and every passage Tyrion was exhausted and so was Bronn. But before he could do anything else he gave a brief hello to Myrcella and Tommen and then one to his brother Jaime before heading off to the area that would be his room. The servant guiding him up the steps towards where he would be staying.
Once he was there he opened the rooms to see the Lannister banner hanging proudly over the walls by where the Targaryen motif used to fly. Walking in the rooms were as grand as they always were with soft silks in red and gold hanging down and satin sheets on his bed in stead of the thick furs he had grown accustomed to in the North. Since the weather is much warmer in the south such finery was allowed and held no practical use other then a wealthy person's comfort.
As Tyrion explored the room he and Bronn made sure that there are no spies or anyone spying on them. Running his dagger along the wall he listened for echoes coming from the other side. Finding at least three spots where their would be passages Tyrion was the first to move the bed to a more desired and defensible position. After all King's Landing is a nest full of vipers and rats. Though the real vipers are far away to the south in Dorne.
All the fruits that were on the table waiting for him were carefully inspected for poison as well as the goblets and the pitchers of wine.
"You look as if you are getting ready for battle," Bronn said to him as he sat down on a chair near the balcony. Tyrion smirked at his statement.
"That I am, after all when a nest of vipers is being teased it is not wise to sleep near the den less you get bit," Tyrion replied as he sat down opposite of him.
"So what are we going to do?" asked Bronn.
"We will start with the King's Chambers. Joffrey isn't allowed in there until he has been completely sworn in as king. I need to see what was Robert's intentions before his murder and if someone planted something in there. Then again we might find nothing but royal cum all over the bed but we need to know for sure." Tyrion said to him.
"Aye, I want to know who did kill the king," Tyrion said to him.
"There can be a whole number of people who would want him dead, but who could have done such a thing and why? Don't they know that doing so would put the whole realm at war?" Bronn said to him.
"That is why we are here to find out why the king was murdered and who killed him." Tyrion said to him.
"Do we have suspects?" asked Bronn his face showed his curiosity.
"Well from what I saw and with Varys's help we managed to narrow it down to several people. My sister the queen, Maester Pycell who by the way is a massive fraud, Little Finger the Master of Coin and the High Septim for religious reasons." Tyrion said to him.
"Why not Jaime? Why not put the Kingslayer as a suspect?" Bronn asked.
"My brother may have killed a king but that is because he was protecting the people. If he hadn't stabbed the mad king in the back then the whole of King's Landing would burn," Tyrion said to him. Bronn slowly nodded in understanding.
"Is Lord Stark angry he did that?" he asked.
"No, Lord Stark knew the reasons hence he hasn't gone after Jaime like the other Lords did. No one knew King's Landing as well as Lord Stark. His spies were the ones who told him that the king had installed barrels of Wildfire underneath the city and if he gives the command he would have burned the entire city to ash," Tyrion explained causing Bronn to whistle.
"Glad I did not have had to make that choice poor chap," he said talking about Jaime Lannister.
"My brother had done the noble thing and slain him to protect the people. Dany thinks it was the wisest choice. Once the madness comes in it would be easier to just end it all," said Tyrion. His voice sounded weary of all this garbage being spewed around.
"Aye I will look at the rosters to see who is assigned to the King's chambers while you get some rest. After all you had a long day," Bronn said to him.
"No need I already have them. And I am quite happy to note that the idiots who are assigned to the chambers don't know what will hit them till I get in there." Tyrion said to him and the other man grinned.
"Glad to be of help," Bronn said to him.
"Good not get some rest for tonight we are going rock climbing." Tyrion said to him as he went to take a bath before climbing into bed to rest.
LATER THAT NIGHT
It was late into the evening when Tyrion and Bronn made their way out of the tower by climbing. Using the tips of their ice picks they climbed out of the tower and climbed a ways till they gotten to an area where it connects to Maegor's Holdfast. Here the royal suites are located and so they made their way up the tower avoiding the dry moat and the spikes beneath. They both then climbed towards the elaborate windows that would be the King's balcony. Landing on the balcony and being a silent as a ghost Tyrion and Bronn began to search the area.
It was with luck that the servants kept the lamps and the fires burning, but it would make it harder should Tyrion and Bronn get caught. After all the culprits would have cleaned it before the servants, but Tyrion was no fool.
When they gotten into the room the first thing to hit their nose was the stench. The smell of bodily fluids and unwashed sheets made both men nearly gag on the floor. It was so bad that Tyrion was surprised that the whole tower doesn't stink of the rot.
Going over to the bed the source of the stench he could see bandages all strewn all over the floor and on the bed. It was as if the servants never came into the room to clean it. Tyrion was not pleased by the sight of such a horrid scene. He could just imagine the sight of the dying king on his death bed begging for someone to get him a pen and paper.
As he looked at the bloodied sheets he noticed something odd. Picking it up the blood stains were not as red as one would thought it would be.
"Bronn!" he whispered to his companion.
Bronn raced back with a small vial containing the wine that the King had drank before his ride out. They both looked at the jar and Tyrion smelled the wine before turning towards Bronn. He gave a brief nod before they continued their search.
Suddenly the sound of the door beginning to unlock caused both of them to freeze. It was the sound of someone entering from the door. Shouting could be heard from the other side as one of the voices was none other then Joffrey's.
"What do you mean I still can't enter my chambers!" his shout was so loud that the other two winced at the tone.
"I am sorry sire but these orders were from the Queen Regent. No one is to enter the rooms until after the mourning period and after your coronation. Those are her orders," the guard at the door said to the boy. Both men listened for what is Joffrey's replied.
"I am the KING! I give the orders around here not my mother!" Joffrey shouted but the guard will not move.
"I am sorry your majesty but those are her orders and I am not to break them less I lose my head. If you want to enter these chambers take it up with the queen regent." the guard said and Joffrey shouted and ranted while they could hear his footsteps being taken away followed by someone else.
They could hear a sigh as the guard was relieved that the new king was gone. Tyrion and Bronn breathed a sigh of relief as well. Both of them started to work again when they heard footsteps coming to the door. These steps are lighter and more hurried. Both Tyrion and Bronn hid in the shadows hoping that the person walking didn't stop.
Luck was not on their side.
"Ser Thorin is it true that you had stopped the King from entering these chambers on my orders?" The voice of the Queen could be heard from inside the room.
"Yes, your grace that is my orders," the man said at the door.
There was silence and then, "You have done your job well, it must have been hard to defy your king," the Queen said to him.
"I had to or else I would not only be defying the orders of the Queen Regent, who by the way is ranked higher then his majesty until after his official coronation. Or let the king defy tradition and destroy any sense of mourning for the late King Robert," was the words the guard have spoken. Tyrion had to praise the man for being a smooth talker.
"I commend you for your loyalty Ser, Thorin you had prevented an eventual disaster should you have allowed the king to defile that room. My late husband would have been rolling in his grave if that boy was allowed in there. Everyone should be pleased that you had kept evil at bay," Tyrion could hear the jest in her voice as she walked away. But not before she spoke one last time.
"Carry on Ser, Thorin you have done your job well," the Queen said and Tyrion once again gave a sign of relief when he heard the footsteps walking down the steps.
As soon as she was gone both Tyrion and Bronn wasted no time in searching the room and remaining as quiet as possible. When they were done they both climbed out of the window and made their way back to Tyrion's chambers. When they returned both of them gave a sigh of relief.
"Holy shit! That has got to be the most ball quenching moment I had done in my life!" Bronn said to Tyrion and the other man rolled his eyes.
"Don't go there, after the sky prison in the Eerie this was nothing," Tyrion replied to him. The other shared a laugh but not before there was a knock on the door.
Bronn went up to the door, "Who is it?"
"I have a message for Lord Tyrion from the Queen," the voice said on the other side.
"Alright let her in Bronn," Tyrion said as he quickly hid the climbing gear on the side. Thankfully he was still in his traveling clothes when the door was opened and the maid entered the room. She was rather timid and dressed to tease even the most orderly of men. But Tyrion has spent years in training to control his urges and so far he has not had a single one.
"And what does the Queen have to say?" Tyrion said to her.
The maid did a curtsy before presenting her message, "The Queen Regent has requested your presence in her chambers. It is a private matter," she said to him and with that she walked out. Both men looked at each other with worry.
"Do you think this has something to do with what happened earlier?" Bronn asked Tyrion and the other man shook his head.
"I doubt it because she also slapped the king. But I will have to remember that she still refers to me as the Imp and not by my name," Tyrion replied as he stepped out of the room followed by Bronn. The two made their way towards the Queen's chambers which is in the Maegor's Holdfast. The part of the castle that contains the royal chambers of the royal family. Tyrion sleeps in the Hand's tower but once again they had to make a long trek towards that area of the keep.
This time they are summoned so they made their way up towards the stairs instead of climbing the walls.
When they gotten to the Queen's chamber two guards stood at the door. One of them saw them and knocked on the door announcing their arrival. When asked to enter Bronn stayed outside with the guards while Tyrion entered the rooms.
The rooms were richly decorated in Lannister red and gold with the lion proudly presented on the wall with his mouth wide open. A proud tribute to the house where she came from and Tyrion was not surprised by it. After all Cersei held no loyalty to her husband's house.
As if to say anything Tyrion found Queen Cersei sitting down in her Solar enjoying the finery of the royal palace and overlooking the capital from her window.
"You finally showed up," Cersei said the tone of her disdain evident on her face.
"Of course I showed up, you called me after all," Tyrion replied his face held no humor in it.
"Why did you really come to the capital? Did Lord Stark have you come here because he wants a thorough investigation into what happened to Robert? Or did father send for you here to hold the realm in his name. Both of which I find ridiculous and both of you know perfectly well that I can run this country better then any man alive." Cersei said to Tyrion and the dwarf merely scoff at the nerve of it all. Tyrion watched as Cersei took a sip of her wine from her cup and only glared at him.
"First off, Lord Stark would not summon me down here to do this kind of work because it I am not one of his spies. I am the Librarian of Winter and as such my duty is to the library. And to answer your question it was not Lord Stark that summed me, it was father. As I showed you the letter earlier I am to come here to investigate sudden changes in the Crowns finances. And why is it that the Crown is in such debt to the Iron Bank as well as to House Lannister when it should have been wealthy enough to feed the realm." Tyrion said to her his face was stern as he glared at her. She looked at his cut which still looked rather untouched and then back up at him.
"I am surprised you didn't take a sip of wine. The Imp I know would gladly taken a cup to drink and then go whoring down at the brothels in King's Landing. Or perhaps hire a few whores for his chamber." Cersei said as she put her cup down and before Tyrion could come up with a come back she continued.
"Yet, I had heard nothing but you visiting a blacksmith in the Street of Steel for some dagger and then striking my son, your king in the face for violating a woman and a low level noble at that," Cersei replied while taking a sip of her wine.
"A King should never strike a subject for something as petty as the girl questioning his reasoning. I heard from the other maids that she only questioned an order because she didn't understand it. Because of it she was punished. Tell me dear sister, why is it that those you deem lesser are treated worse then dogs?" Tyrion asked her. Cersei looked at Tyrion with disdain before answering.
"Because we need to remind them that we are their betters. That we rule over them and that we are the reason they are allowed to come and go as they please." Cersei replied her face not once showing any signs of empathy as she drank from her goblet.
"You do realize that it is the common folk and those less then you that feed, clothe and make your wine correct?" Tyrion said to her. Cersei stopped in her drink and gave Tyrion a cold hard stare.
"I would rather you die then speak to me in such a manner," Cersei said and Tyrion only rolled his eyes.
"You can still use Mother's death as an excuse to hate my guts, but fathers orders are fathers orders. So for now I will humor you and disappear since it was you who summoned me and the conversation once again led to nowhere," Tyrion said to her and stood up to leave when….
"Wait," Cersei said to him.
Tyrion turned around and glared at his sister when she finally put down the goblet.
"I am curious because someone told me that you had recently visited the Eerie is that correct," Cersei said to him and Tyrion nodded, "That is correct," was the reply.
"Then what is this that I hear that Lord Robin Arryn has gone missing just after you left?" Cersei said to him.
Tyrion decided to go with the truth, "When a mother stops being a mother then drastic measures must be taken to protect the child. Lady Lysa has lost her wit and tried to poison her son. The boy is no older then twelve namedays old. Old enough to have started training with the sword. But given his sickly nature he hasn't done so. So now he is in Winterfell being treated by the Maester there. I had the blessing of Lord Royce and the other lords of the Vale to remove him from his mother's care. So now until things settle in the Vale with Lady Lysa and the rest of the Arryn family, Lord Stark is taking care of the lad seeing as Lord Tully has taken ill." Tyrion said to her his voice is steady.
"Lord Tully has taken ill?" Cersei asked him and Tyrion wanted to roll his eyes but he refrained.
"Lord Tully has been ill for sometime. It was only two days ago that he had finally gone with the Stranger. That was why the Starks were a bit late getting down here. After all Lady Stark is Lord Tully's eldest daughter and duty incline she must pay her respect. Though I doubt Lady Lysa would have appeared," Tyrion replied. His voice was steady as he took a sip of water from the water pitcher.
"I see, I never paid that much attention to such things. I am sure our brother and father had but I have more important things to worry about such as running a kingdom." Cersei said as she took a bite out of a tart that was on the table.
"You seemed to want to just do more then chat dear sister. I am surprised that you hadn't gone on a rage yet at the sight of me," Tyrion said in jest. Cersei turned towards him her face shown her disdain but also her curiosity.
"You had changed since you went into exile in the North. I expected you to seek the company of whores while up there but I heard that hasn't happened and that you had become the Librarian of Winter. You even gave up the drink which also intrigues me," Cersei replied her curiosity is growing.
"Two of the things I had to give up was whoring and drink. For my duty was to protect the knowledge which means to keep one's head sharp at all times. You may not know this dear sister but the amount of maesters and scholars wishing to steal the vast knowledge in that library is immense. Lord Stark has his hands full trying to keep them at bay." Tyrion replied.
"So you went from an Imp to a Goblin how dreadfully boring," Cersei said to him.
"Oh dear sister you are just not used to seeing me sober." and with that Tyrion headed towards the door.
"And where are you going Imp?" Cersei asked him her voice dripping with venom at his sudden departure.
Tyrion turned to her and smiled, "Why it is late dear sister I must return to my quarters on the other side of the keep to get to bed. I have to get up early and go over the realm's finances with The Master of Coin."
With that he exited the room and made his way towards the stairway that would take him down the long hallways back towards the tower of the hand. Bronn soon joined him after seeing himself away from the guards. As soon as they gotten at least halfway down the stairs they were greeted by none other then Tyrion's older brother Jaime Lannister.
"Dear Brother how are you?" his voice said showing his genuine joy at seeing him again.
"I had been well brother how fares being a Kingsguard?" Tyrion said to him and the man's smile dropped a little.
"It has been hectic you know with Robert's death and Joffery's upcoming coronation." Jaime said as he decided to follow them towards the Tower of the Hand. Tyrion was more then glad to have his brother by his side. That way he can have some information on the inside into what is going on.
"Yes and with Lysa Arryn trying to murder her own son and heir on top of everything else. I would say that the Realm has become fucked up," Tyrion replied as they reached the bottom of the stairway and entered the hall that would take them towards the Tower of the Hand. As they exited Maegor's Tower and turned towards the pathways that lead to the Tower Tyrion turned toward his brother.
"Tell me brother why did our dear sister insist on agreeing to have both Tommen and Myrcella dye their hair the color of Lannister gold?" Tyrion asked him when the door to the tower was opened and they started up the steps towards the keep.
"Well I have no idea. Robert started it stating that he doesn't want anyone of his children to remind him of being bound to our sister. Because dark of hair reminds him too much of Lyanna Stark," Jaime replied when they gotten to Tyrion's chambers.
"I see," Tyrion replied when the door was opened. They both stepped inside and when the door was shut Jaime quickly sat down a relieved sigh escaped his lips at being able to rest his legs.
"I take it you had the esteemed pleasure of watching my dearest nephew. Or should I say your son," Tyrion said and Jaime had to freeze in his post stretch and watched as Bronn smirked when Tyrion figured it out.
"How...how did you….?" Jaime asked him.
"It was Lord Stark that figured it out my dear brother. And I can see it plain as day, but Robert named him his heir and so I must honor what my king has requested." Tyrion said to him. Jaime laughed when he heard it.
"Robert was a fool, Cersei only told him that he died his hair just like the others. Robert didn't care and he has enough bastards around to make anyone happy. But if you want an heir by blood then Tommen is the true king not Joffrey," Jaime said to him and Tyrion laughed at his bad jokes.
"Dear brother did you really get a good look at your own son?" he asked him and Jaime's smile dropped as he acknowledged it.
"Cersei raised my son to be a spoiled brat. He is terrible with a sword and strategy is out of the question. He is far stupider then an oaf and that is speaking a lot. The only thing he makes up for it is his cruelty and sadism." Jaime replied leaning back on the chair.
"So he is cruel and sadistic unlike someone else we use to know?" Tyrion asked him.
"Now where is my imp of a brother. I hadn't seen you touch not one drop of wine from any of the jugs here and you never talk to me about your whoring. Just what happened to you up North that would make you forget how to have fun and loosen up?" Jaime asked him. His face suddenly serious and a bit sad at the same time.
"When you train to be the Librarian of Winter you need to give up a few things. Drinking is one of them and to moderate ones whoring ways. I had to do so and it took me nearly two years without drink or women before I was ready to train. Though I do have urges once in a while I am allowed to have a whore or two but only sparingly." Tyrion replied to Jaime's question.
"Sounds like a law of chastity to me," Jaime replied.
"It seems like it for the work I have to do in guarding the most ancient and sacred relics of the known world it has to be done. There are even times librarians got married to the ones they love and had children which are allowed. But the excessive whoring and drinking of my previous life had to go." Tyrion said while leaning back to enjoy a cup of water.
"I would not have survived," Jaime said to him. Tyrion laughed so hard that he nearly chocked on his drink.
"Oh I think you would have worked swell as a librarian and trust me there is plenty of excitement outside of the books. After all trying to keep thieves and greedy maesters from taking what rightfully belongs to the realm is really a chore. Plus I am also one of Lord Stark's advisors when it comes to historical facts," Tyrion said to him as he gotten a smile from his brother.
"And how would you deal with thieves dear brother have your bodyguard here kill them all?" Jaime said in jest.
"Oh I can show you what I learned training with the Starks dear brother. After all I do have to guard the library from any sort of threat," Tyrion said to him.
"Oh and what happens if that threat happens while you are here?" Jaime asked him.
"Then I shall return to Winterfell and deal with it." Tyrion replied to him with a feral smile.
"You truly are a goblin dear brother," Jaime said to him with a laugh as he lifted his cup up joyously and drank deeply. Tyrion only smiled brighter since training to fight is common knowledge in the realm. And with that comment he smiled even more showing all of his teeth.
A goblin indeed.
TBC
A/N: Happy New Year everyone! Hope you guys have a very good new year this year and with a new beginning to all.
Along with a new chapter for you.
And remember to leave a review but no FLAMES, BASHINGS, OR LORE MONGERS PLEASE THANK YOU!