[At the Eyrie, Catelyn rushes to Lysa's chambers. Upon arrival, she angrily speaks.]
"You've had this since dawn?"
"He sent it to me, not you. I've only shown it to you as a courtesy."
"A courtesy?! My husband has been taken prisoner."
"A courtesy!" Catelyn inflated in anger. That was her husband that was in danger, how was er knowing a courtesy?!
"I believe you've been told before, Lady Stark, Lysa Arryn is no longer the woman you used to know" Tyrion Lannister spoke kindly.
"And I'm beginning to believe it" Catelyn muttered to herself, her entire posture stiff. First Petyr and now Lysa. Who else did she know that she would no longer recognize?
"My son intends to declare war."
"A war? Your son against the Lannisters? You should go to him. Teach him patience."
"That might be some sound advice that Lysa gave," Jon Arryn said softly.
"My father rots in a dungeon and you wish for me to sit back and be patient?!" Robb said harshly, earning a reproachful look from his father that he ignored entirely.
"I want you to calm yourself and think things through, young Robb" Jon Arryn said as patiently as he was talking to a child. "Charging in headstrong will yield you nothing. You must be patient, and look for ways to free your father first before taking drastic steps. War should never be your first option for anything."
Jon Snow grabbed Robb's hand and shook his head when Robb turned to him. Robb said no more, glaring furiously at the screen. Jon glanced at Jon Arryn, who was smiling at the boy.
Jon Snow frowned.
"Ned rots in a dungeon and you speak of patience? He is your brother by law! Does family mean nothing to you?"
"Family means everything to me. And I will not risk Robin's life to get caught up in another of your husband's wars."
"I can't blame her" Ned inhaled deeply, his arm around his wife as firm as ever.
"Me neither" Catelyn muttered. Cross as she was with her sister, even Catelyn would hesitate to join something if it put her children's lives in danger.
"I'm hungry."
"Hush now, darling. You just ate."
"You will not support us then? Do I understand you correctly?"
"But I'm hungry!"
"Your son does not seem to adhere to the patience you preach, Lord Arryn," Oberyn said with a sly smile.
"I'm afraid my wife's influence ruins whatever I try to teach the boy" Jon Arryn sighed. The thought of fostering his heir was becoming stronger the longer he watched the boy. Anything to pry him away from Lysa's… whatever this was.
"Soon, love, soon. You're always welcome here, sister. But if you're asking me to send men from the Vale to fight..."
"That is what I ask."
"Go on, sweet. Time for your bath. I'll feed you after."
[Robin walks out of the room.]
"If you fear for the safety of your son..."
"Of course, I fear for the safety of my son! Are you an idiot? They killed my husband. You say they shoved your boy from a window. These people will do anything."
"And that is why we have to stop them."
"The knights of the Vale will stay in the Vale where they belong, to protect their Lord."
"I'm afraid Lysa lacks your courage, Lady Stark" Jon Arryn smiled apologetically.
"She is a mother who fears for her child, Lord Arryn. I do not hold that against her" Catelyn smiled back.
[Both Tyrion and Bronn are seen walking through the hills of the Vale.]
"Oh good something not depressing" Tyrion muttered.
"How are you certain it won't be depressing?" Jaime asked.
"Because I'm on and that sellsword is with me. We make a very anti-depressing group."
"You've yet to meet him and you're already in love" Jaime snorted.
"Jealous?" Tyrion waggled his brows, making his brother roll his eyes.
"Will you shut up? There's hill tribes all around here."
"If I'm going to die, it may as well be with a song in my heart."
"I should just take your food and leave you here. Eh? What would you do then?"
"Starve, most likely."
"You don't think I'd do it, do you?"
"What do you want, Bronn? Gold? Women? Golden women? Stick with me and you'll have them all, for as long as I'm around and not for a moment longer. But you knew that. That is why you so valiantly took up arms to defend my honour."
"Ah, friendships born from greed and lust. Never gets old" Varys wiped a fake tear.
"You're off your horses" Gendry muttered.
"Fair enough. But don't go looking for me to bend the knee and "My Lord" you every time you take a shit. I'm not your toady and I'm not your friend."
"Though I would treasure your friendship. I'm mainly interested in your facility with murder. And if the day ever comes when you're tempted to sell me out. Remember this: Whatever their price, I'll beat it. I like living."
[A while later, Tyrion and Bronn are seen near a campfire. Bronn hears noises of approaching men and tries to warn Tyrion.]
"Great" Joanna muttered. Her youngest was in danger and the idiot did not look remotely freaked out. The worry for her boy was a welcome feeling for the woman though, made her feel less like a shit mother for hesitating before.
"Come, share our fire. Help yourselves to our goat."
"When you meet your Gods, you tell them Shagga Son of Dolf of the Stone Crows sent you."
"I am Tyrion son of Tywin of Clan Lannister."
"How would you like to die, Tyrion son of Tywin?
"In my own bed, at the age of 80 with a bellyful of wine and a girl's mouth around my cock."
"Your smart-ass quips will be the end of you one day" Jaime muttered to his brother.
"Or they might save me one of these days" Tyrion grinned.
"Take the half man. He can dance for the children. Kill the other one."
"No no no no no! My, my House is rich and powerful. If you see us through these mountains, my father will shower you with gold."
"We have no use for a half-man's promises."
"Half a man maybe, but at least I have the courage to face my enemies. What do the Stone Crows do? Hide behind rocks and shiver when the knights of the Vale ride by?"
"Stop antagonizing them" Joanna gritted out.
"Are those the best weapons you could steal? Good enough for killing sheep, if the sheep don't fight back. Lannister smiths shit better steel."
"You think you can win us over with your trinkets?"
"That trinket is worth more than everything your tribe owns. But if you help us, Shagga Son of Dolf, I will not give you trinkets. I will give you this."
[Tyrion makes a gesture.]
"What is "this"?"
"The Vale of Arryn."
"Will you now?" Jon Arryn asked, his voice soft but his eyes hard and sharp.
"I only speak to escape with my life. I mean none of it" Tyrion said quickly.
"I thought Lannisters always paid their debts."
"Told you" Jaime whispered with a grin, Tyrion a little freaked out by the look in Jon Arryn's eyes.
"The Lords of the Vale have always spat upon the hill tribes. The Lords of the Vale want me dead. I believe it is time for new Lords of the Vale."
[In Castle Black Ghost alerts Jon. He seems to be uneasy. Jon wakes up and talks to Ghost. Jon decides to get out of bed, gear up and open the door. Ghost runs off towards Jeor Mormants room. Ghost waits at the front door, while Jon walks in.]
"Should you be walking in like that? Without asking first?" Sansa questioned, turning her head to look at Jon.
Jon, caught a little off guard, could only blink in surprise before shrugging.
"I am the Lord Commander's Steward. Maybe I have the permission."
Sansa nodded, pleased with the response.
[As soon as he walks through the door, the door shuts and the corpse of Othor attacks Jon.]
Most let out a scream at the jump scare.
"Oh gods I'm so sorry!" Shireen shrieked at Jon.
Again Jon was caught off guard.
"I beg your pardon, my Lady?" Jon Snow asked.
"I was the one that said they'd rise as walkers! I'm sorry!" Shireen said panicking.
Jon held back a snort.
"My Lady, I don't think your observations made a change in the future" he said kindly, "you have nothing to apologise for."
Shireen looked placated but still willing to argue. She did no such thing though.
[Jon tries to stab him with his dagger, but nothing seems to phase him. Jon pulls himself loose, draws his sword and cuts off Othor's other hand. Then Jon stabs Othor through the heart. Othor falls. Suddenly Jeor Mormont arrives. Othor gets back on his feet, pulling out Jon's sword out of his chest. Outside of the room, Ghost goes berserk, trying to get in. Jon grabs Jeor's lantern and throws it at Othor. Othor catches fire. Jon grabs Jeor by his arm and flees inside a room, shutting the door.]
"You'll be fine" Robb muttered to Jon. But it was clear that he was saying it more for himself than for Jon.
"He will be" the one-eyed man stated loud so all could hear him. "Fire is a way to kill the puppets of the Great Other."
All heard him, and all turned to him.
"How do you know this? And what is this great other?" Jon Arryn questioned.
"The Great Other is a force of dark and cold. He is the Lord of the White Walkers, he is the one that grants the White Walkers their powers to reanimate the dead. Fire is his worst enemy, so fire works well against the dead."
"What else?" Jon Snow asked desperately, "What else works against them?"
"Dragonglass and Valyrian Steel. They are things that were forged with fire, Dragonglass from the flames of the earth and Valyrian Steel from Dragon fire."
"And how do you know this?" Ned Stark questioned.
"I know many things of the like, Lord Stark" the man answered simply.
"That does not answer my question" Ned pushed.
"But it should explain the" the one-eyed man argued.
The wall shuttered and the room dimmed.
"Tell him exactly what he wants to know, raven!" the voice of the snake-eyed female echoed through the room.
The one-eyed man sighed.
"I am a Warg and a greenseer who has been alive longer than the oldest person in this room. I have studied, seen and examined the lore and legends long enough to know about these things."
The room dimmed further.
The man sighed again.
"And the Children of The Forest have told me everything."
The room brightened and the wall lit up again. But the people looked at him with surprise.
"The Children of the Forest?" Rickard asked in shock.
"They're all dead," Brandon the Elder said roughly.
"South of the Wall perhaps" the man agreed, "North of the Wall the survivors live in a cave under a large Weirwood Grove."
"So you are from beyond the Wall" Tyrion stated.
"I have been there longer than I have lived South of it" the man answered.
"Who exactly are you?" Rhaegar questioned. The man looked too Valyrian to be from Beyond the Wall.
The man in question stared at Rhaegar for a moment.
"My mother named me Brynden" he began, "and by virtue of my father I received the name 'Rivers'."
"So you are a bastard," Catelyn said in displeasure. One had been enough, now there were five of them in them in this chamber.
The man nodded.
"Who were your parents?" Lyanna questioned.
"We can discuss that later!" Lady Olenna snapped. "We have a future to watch and no time to spend on knowing a one-eyed white-haired bastard!"
The room quickly turned back to the viewing wall, much to the pleasure of Brynden.
[The Khalasar have arrived at the lands of Lhazar. Dany and her company walk through the burned area.]
"Another sacking" Oberyn noted with a hum. His eyes went to Daenerys, who looked with some interest at the scene before them.
"What did they do?"
"Lamb men make good slaves. Khal Drogo will make a gift of them to the slavers. And the slavers will give us gold...and silk and steel."
Daenerys blanched. Slave trade… That was what she was reduced to because of her husband… because of her brother. Not that she wasn't used to slaves. She grew up around them. But that didn't mean she approved of it.
"I thought the Dothraki didn't believe in money."
"Gold to hire ships, Princess. Ships to sail to Westeros."
"He's doing this for me" Daenerys paled.
"He is" Elia agreed.
"But I don't want him to! I don't want him to enslave good people!"
"He does not care," Elia said simply. "Your life and that of his child was threatened. He is willing to take the fight into enemy lands for that."
"And attacking his wife was a great insult to him as well. A man like Khal Drogo would want to remedy that" Doran added.
"So in the end it is all for ego?" Daenerys asked.
"A lot of it might be" Doran answered.
[While walking a little further, Dany sees Dothraki men looting and holding Lhazareen captive.]
"Jorah, make them stop."
"These men have shed blood for their Khal. Now they claim their rewards."
"She is a lamb girl, Khaleesi. The riders do her honour."
"Honor!" Olenna spat. "Fat load of honor that is!"
"They are savages, Grandmother. For them this is honor" Margaery whispered to her grandmother. She then eyed Daenerys curiously. How was she taking all of this?
Not too well, judging from the look on her face.
"If her wailing offends the Khaleesi, I will bring you her tongue."
"Princess, you have a gentle heart, but this is how it's always been."
"I do not have a gentle heart, Ser. Do as I command or Khal Drogo will know the reason why."
"You've spoken like a true Princess" Rhaegar complimented with a smile.
Daenerys could only grimace, the scene before her still freaking her out.
[Jorah and Rhakharo both obey and run off, trying to stop the Khalasar, while freeing some Lhazareen. While Rhakharo argues with a Dothraki man, Jorah brings over a Lhazareen woman.]
"What do you want done with them?"
"Bring her to me. And those women there."
"You cannot claim them all, Princess."
"I can, and I will."
[Leaving with a couple of Lhazareen women, Dany arrives at a covered courtyard, where Khal Drogo is having a discussion with Mago.]
"Moon of my life. Mago says you have taken his spoils. A daughter of a lamb men, who was his to mount. Tell me the truth of this."
"His to mount" Margaery looked offended.
"As you said, Granddaughter, savages" Olenna shook her head in disgust.
"Mago speaks the truth, my sun and stars. I have claimed many daughters this day, so they cannot be mounted."
"This is the way of war. These women are slaves now to do with as we please."
"It pleases me to keep them safe. If your riders would mount them, let them take them for wives."
"Does the horse mate with the lamb?"
"The dragons feed on horse and lamb alike."
"You are a foreigner. You do not command me."
"I am Khaleesi. I do command you."
"See how fierce she grows? That is my son inside her, the stallion that will mount the world. Filling her with his fire. I will hear no more. Mago, find somewhere else to stick your cock."
"You have him wound around your finger" Elia whispered to her sister by law.
"It means I am allowing him to do all this" Daenerys said dejectedly. "Have I become so desperate that I'm willing to sacrifice the freedom of men, women and children for my cause?"
"You have done no such thing. Look how you protected those women. You are not doing what you think you are."
"I claimed the women only. What about the men? Do they deserve to be enslaved?" Daenerys questioned.
Elia had no answer for that.
Daenerys sighed.
"Please rescue me from becoming like that."
"We will" Elia whispered to her, glancing at her brothers.
[Mago spits on the ground and draws his sword.]
"A Khal who takes orders from a foreign whore is no Khal."
[When Qotho is trying to interfere, Khal Drogo calls him back. Mago points out his sword and pushes it to Khal Drogo's chest. Khal Drogo grins, it doesn't seem to phase him. He continues talking.]
"I will not have your body burned. I will not give you that honour. The beetles will feed on your eyes. The worms will crawl through your lungs."
[Mago starts swinging his sword, while Khal Drogo dodges his attack. When turning his back on Mago, he grabs his daggers and speaks.]
"The rain will fall on your rotting skin..."
[Khal Drogo turns around facing Mago and drops his daggers to the ground.]
"Until nothing is left of you but bones!"
[Khal Drogo runs towards Mago while dodging his attacks. While attacking, Mago screams.]
"First you have to kill me!"
[Khal Drogo grabs Mago's sword, disarms him and cuts his throat open. He grabs Mago's throat, crushes it and pulls out his tongue. He shows Mago's tongue to the crowd, walks back to his chair and throws Mago's tongue on a pile of rotting flesh.]
"That was wholly unnecessary" Renly said, looking a little green in the face.
"That is how Savages show off their victory, that they'll rip out the tongue of anyone that speaks ill of them" Stannis informed his brother. "A savage display fit for savages."
"My sun and stars is wounded."
"A scratch, moon of my life."
"Where are the healers?"
"This is the bite of a fly."
"They have received worse wounds than this surely" Robb muttered.
"Probably have. But Daenerys probably never seen those wounds" Jon pointed out.
"Probably" Robb nodded.
"I can help the great rider with his cut."
"The Khal needs no help from slaves who lie with sheep."
"She is mine let her speak."
"Thank you, silver lady."
"Who are you?"
[When the woman is trying to approach Dany, Qotho stops her.]
"I am named Mirri Maz Duur. I was the Godswife of this Temple."
"A witch."
[Qotho spits on the ground.]
"My mother was Godswife here before me. She taught me how to make healing smokes and ointments. All men are of one flock, so my people believe. The Great Shepherd sent me to Earth to heal his..."
[Qotho slaps "the witch".]
"Too many words. A witch's words poison the ears."
"Lamb or lion, his wound must be washed and sewn or it will fester."
"Let her clean your wound, my sun and stars. It makes me hurt to see you bleed."
[Khal Drogo lays eyes upon "the witch". While he's seemingly in thought, "the witch" approaches him. As Dany steps aside, she looks at Khal Drogo's wound.]
"I must implore you to not take the words of a Witch to heart, Princess" Varys lowered his head. "The savage speaks true, the words of a witch are poison to the ear. They know just what to say to gain your trust before extracting what they need from you and letting you die out."
Daenerys nodded at the words and made a mental note for herself.
[Entering Winterfell, gathered Stark bannermen are having a feast. We see Greatjon Umber who is having a conversation with Robb Stark.]
"For 30 years I've been making corpses out of men, boy. I'm the man you want leading the Vanguard."
"How will you deal with this, Robb?" Ned whispered, leaning forward to watch his heir go about war duties.
"Galbart Glover will lead the Van."
"The bloody Wall will melt before an Umber marches behind a Glover. I will lead the Van or I will take my men and march them home."
"You are welcome to do so, Lord Umber. And when I am done with the Lannisters, I will march back North, root you out of your Keep and hang you for an oathbreaker."
Ned inhales sharply.
"Oathbreaker, is it?!"
[Greatjon stands up as he is offended]
"I'll not sit here and swallow insults from a boy so green he pisses grass."
[While Greatjon Umber raises his voice to Robb, Grey Wind rushes towards him and attacks, biting off 2 of his fingers.]
Ned winced.
"My Lord Father taught me it was death to bare steel against your Liege Lord. But doubtless, the Greatjon only meant to cut my meat for me."
"Your meat...is bloody tough."
[Greatjon Umber starts laughing breaking the tension, and making everyone laugh along with him.]
"Your son did good, Ned" Rickard laughed, slapping his knee as well.
"He did" Ned smiled at his son, pride shining in his eyes.
Robb puffed up, grinning at the compliment.
[Later that night, Robb is having a short visit with Brann Stark. Upon entering his room, Brann is still asleep. Robb wakes him and a conversation follows.]
"What is it? What's happened?"
"Shh, it's all right."
"Where are you going?"
"South. For father."
"But it's the middle of the night."
"The Lannisters have spies everywhere. I don't want them to know we're coming."
"Smart lad" Brandon the Elder nodded.
"They have more men than we do."
"Aye, they do."
"Can't I come with you? I can ride now. You've seen me riding. And I won't get in the way, I..."
"There must always be a Stark at Winterfell. Until I return that will be you. You are not to leave the castle walls while we are gone. Do you understand? Listen to Maester Luwin. Look after your little brother."
Bran perked up at his brother's words. He was the Stark in Winterfell, the Lord until his brother returned with their father.
"You're speaking like Father" Jon whispered to Robb.
"I can only hope to lead like him as well" Robb muttered.
"I will."
"I'll send letters whenever I can, but if you don't hear from me, don't be scared."
[Robb leaves the room, but as soon as Robb leaves, Rickon appears.]
"Since when has Rickon been that good at sneaking up on people?" Sansa raised an eyebrow.
"Rickon's always been good at it when he wanted to" Arya spoke, her voice still a little raw and eyes a little puffy. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.
Sansa bit her lip as she stared at her sister. She had never seen Arya so… well like that. She didn't know what to say. Lucky for her Arya put her face back on their father's shoulder.
"How long have you been hiding out there? Robb will be looking for you, to say goodbye.
"They've all gone away."
"They'll be back soon. Robb will free Father and they'll come back with Mother."
"No, they won't."
Rickon turns around and leaves the room.
Ned turned to look at Brynden. "Is Rickon a greenseer?"
"Ned… How can Rickon be a greenseer? Neither of us are" Catelyn argued beside him.
"He has the gift" Brynden nodded. "The Starks have the gift of warging and greensight from marrying the daughters of the Swamp King centuries ago. Throughout history, there have been a few wargs and greenseers amongst the Starks" he explained to Lady Stark. "All your children can become wargs if they train that ability of theirs. Brandon has the strongest ability of them all."
Catelyn reeled from the information dump while Ned pondered thoughtfully. Would his children practising this keep them safer? For sure they'd know things that he wouldn't. And if they did…
Ned shook his head and sighed.
[The next morning, Brann is sitting affront of the Weirwood tree. While saying his prayers, Osha approaches him.]
"She's still there?" Robb grumbled in displeasure.
"Please watch over Robb. And watch over all the other men from Winterfell. And Theon too, I suppose."
Theon felt a little warmed hearing Bran pray for him specifically.
"You hear them, boy? The Old Gods are answering you."
"And she's a crazy woman!" Robb grunted.
"Not exactly, boy" Brynden cut in. "People beyond the Wall are more in tune with nature and all its mysteries than those South of it. When they say they can hear the gods, they mean they can feel a shift in the air. Magic, Robb Stark, is very much alive and you have simply not learned to feel it yet."
Robb wasn't sure he wanted to feel it at all.
"What are you doing here?"
"They're my Gods too. Beyond the Wall, they're the only Gods. Even slaves are allowed to pray."
"You're not a slave."
[Osha points out to her chains and wiggles her foot.]
"Prisoner, not slave," Robb said indignantly. It certainly answered his question as to why the wildling was still there. That was probably his order, and he would not enslave anyone.
"Well, your friend did put a knife to my throat."
"I'm not complaining, Little Lord, just telling truths."
"What did you mean about hearing the Gods?"
"You asked them, and they're answering you. Open your ears."
[Brann is trying to listen and looks up the Weirwood tree. He hears the wind blowing through the leaves.]
"It's only the wind."
"Who do you think sends the wind if not the Gods? They see you, boy. They hear you. Your brother will get no help from them where he's going. The Old Gods have no power in the South. The Weirwoods there were all cut down a long time ago. How can they watch when they have no eyes?"
"Is she speaking the truth?" Jon Snow asked.
"The South does not have many Weirwood trees" Brynden nodded.
"So the gods can't watch over us there?"
"I do not know what the gods can or can't do. I am, under all else, still human."
Bran frowned at the one-eyed man. Was he human? Because Bran did not feel like the man was.
[Catelyn Stark and Ser Rodrik both arrive at Robb Starks camp.]
"Oh another jump" Sansa noted.
"Marching to war is no fun or interest. We march, we eat, shit, piss, sleep and some of us fuck. That's all there is to it" Robert explained, much to the disgust of the child. Reality was… disappointing…
[Entering Robb's tent, we see Robb and his bannermen discussing tactics.]
"The River Lords are falling back with Jaime Lannister at their heels. And Lord Tywin is bringing around a second Lannister army from the South. Our scouts confirm it's even larger than the Kingslayer's."
"One army or two, the Kings in the North threw back hosts ten times this large."
"And the Kings in the North have been dead a long time" Brandon the Elder muttered. He hadn't said it out loud for everyone to hear. No reason to make his brother and sister by law worry.
Not that he needed to think that. Ned and Catelyn both thought along the same lines.
"Mother!"
"You look well."
"Lady Catelyn, you're a welcome sight in these troubled times."
"We had not thought to meet you here, My Lady."
"I had not thought to be here. I would speak with my son alone. I know you will forgive me, My Lords."
"You heard her! Move your asses! Come on, out. You too, Greyjoy. Are you bloody deaf? Have no fear, My Lady. We'll shove our swords up Tywin Lannister's bunghole and then it's on to the Red Keep to free Ned."
"He hasn't changed a bit," Rickard said with a smile. The Greatjon was a friend of House Stark, a friend of Rickard's. Younger in age than he was, the man was large, ferocious and loyal to the bone. Times had not changed him, something Rickard was glad for.
[As soon as the men left, Catelyn hugs Robb.]
"I remember the day you came into this world red-faced and squalling. And now I find you leading a host to war."
"There was no one else."
"No one? Who were those men I saw here?"
"None of them are Starks."
"All of them are seasoned in battle."
"If you think you can send me back to Winterfell..."
"Oh, would that I could."
"There was a letter. From Sansa."
"From the Queen, you mean. There's no mention of Arya?"
"No."
"How many men do you have?"
"18,000. If I go to King's Landing and bend my knee to Joffrey..."
"Death," Stannis said evenly.
"You would never be allowed to leave. No. Our best hope, our only hope, is that you can defeat them in the field."
"And if I lose?"
"A word of advice grandson, think about defeat only to avoid it, not as an alternative to your decisions. The confidence that self-belief can give you will do you and you men a great deal of good in these times."
Robb nodded and noted down what his grandfather said, as did Jon beside him.
"Do you know what happened to the Targaryen children, when the Mad King fell?"
"They were butchered in their sleep."
"They were not asleep" Elia spat venomously, making Joanna flinch. Rhaegar took her hand and gave it a firm comforting squeeze.
"On the orders of Tywin Lannister. And the years have not made him kinder. If you lose, your father dies, your sisters die, we die."
"Well, that makes it simple then."
"I suppose it does."
"It does" Ned repeated dejectedly."
[Arriving at the foot of the Lannister camp, Tyrion, Bronn, Shagga and the hill tribe, decide to stop for a short while.]
"From here it might be best if Bronn and I continue alone."
"Best for Tyrion son of Tywin. Not best for me. If the half man betrays us, Shagga son of Dolf will cut off his manhood..."
"And feed it to the goats, yes."
"Lovely" Joanna muttered under her breath.
"All right then. Time to meet my father."
[Moving into the Lannister camp, Shagga and the hill tribe follow. Upon entering Tywin Lannister's tent, we see Kevan Lannister and Tywin sitting at a table, scheming. Kevan notices Tyrion.]
"The rumours of your demise were unfounded."
"Sorry to disappoint you."
"He does look slightly disappointed" Oberyn whispered to his brother.
"He probably wished to use that to commit more crimes in the name of justice" Doran huffed in good humour.
"And who are these Companions of yours?"
"Father never did appreciate my companions" Tyrion mused.
"That is because all your companions are whores" Jaime pointed out.
"This is Shagga Son of Dolf, Chieftain of the Stone Crows. Timett Son of Timett, ruler of the Burned Men. This fair maid is Chella daughter of Cheyk, leader of the Black Ears. And here we have Bronn son of..."
"You wouldn't know him."
"May I present My Lord Father, Tywin son of Tytos of House Lannister. Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West. Kind of you to go to war for me."
"You left us no choice. The honour of the House was at stake. Your brother would never have submitted to capture so meekly."
"Did he expect me to fight all those men alone?" Tyrion raised an eyebrow.
"He probably wished you did and died trying," Jaime said thoughtfully.
"Yes, would give Father great joy," Tyrion said in ill humour.
"Surely your father wouldn't want that" Joanna argued weakly.
"I'm afraid that Father would delight in it, Mother" Tyrion gave her a sarcastic smile, which turned into an apologetic one seeing the look of hurt on her face. "Father and I are too different for us to get along."
"On the contrary, I think you are the most like him" Jaime pointed out. "Only Father does not see it."
"Must be terrifying to see yourself in the son you hate, and worse seeing all your flaws in him" Tyrion chuckled sarcastically.
"We have our differences, Jaime and I. He's braver. I'm better looking."
"He's been covering himself in glory."
"Jaime smashed the River Lords at the Golden Tooth, and now lays siege to Riverrun, Catelyn Stark's homeland."
Catelyn flinched.
"And the Starks? Lord Eddard?"
"Is our hostage. He will lead no armies from his dungeon cell."
"How did my sweet sister persuade the King to imprison his dear friend Ned?"
"Oh, I didn't know" Tyrio frowned. Had nobody thought he should know? Even a prisoner gets to know stuff.
"Robert Baratheon is dead. Joffrey rules in King's Landing."
"My sister rules, you mean."
"Stark's son has called his banners. He moves south with a strong host."
"A green boy. One taste of battle and he'll run back to Winterfell with his tail between his legs."
"Maybe. However, the boy does have a certain belligerence. You'd like him."
Robb made a face. He didn't know how he felt about that.
"While we're on the subject of war, I made promises to my friends here and a Lannister always pays his debts. We shall require 3,000 helms and shields, plus swords, pikes, gorgets, maces..."
[Suddenly a messenger appears, interrupting Tyrion's request.]
"If it please My Lord, Ser Addam bids me report that the Northmen have crossed the neck."
"The wolf rushes into the lion's jaws. So be it. Kevan, command the drummers beat assembly. And send word to Jaime that I am moving against Robb Stark."
"At once, My Lord."
"It is said that the men of the Mountain clans are great warriors. Ride with me against my enemies and you shall have all my son promised you and more."
"Only if the half-man fights with us. Until we hold the steel he pledged us, the little lion's life is ours."
[Tywin looks over to Tyrion. Tyrion looks shocked.]
Jaime couldn't help it. He broke into barks of laughter.
"It's heartwarming to see how my possible death amuses you, brother" Tyrion scowled.
"Tyrion, my brother, I say this with all the love I have for you, you are a cockroach. And cockroaches are very hard to kill."
Tyrion grumbled incoherently under his breath.
[Back at Robb's camp, inside his tent we see Robb and his men plotting.]
"The scouts report Lord Tywin moves north. We need to get him on broken ground, put his Knights at a disadvantage."
"No, we need to get around him and break Jaime Lannister's siege of Riverrun. Do that and the River Lords will join us."
"To do either we need to cross the river and the only crossing is at The Twins."
"Lord Frey controls that bridge. Your father's bannerman, my Lady."
"The late Lord Frey, my father calls him. At the Trident, he didn't appear until the battle was done. Some men take their oaths more seriously than others."
"That isn't unexpected. Aerys was still King and the Riverlands army were rebels. Anyone would have second thoughts about joining the rebels. Like my Lord Father or the Iron Islands had. Or even the North during the Dance of The Dragon" Tyrion pointed out.
"The North joined after the harvest was done and all matters were settled," Rickard said stiffly.
"Doesn't change the fact that they came in late to the cause of the Blacks now does it?" Tyrion said with a smile. "There are a multitude of other reasons for us to hate Lord Frey I'm sure. This one doesn't seem too fair."
The Northerners did not take it kindly and were not shy about showing it.
[Meanwhile, outside a few Stark men captured a scout, leading him to Robb's tent.]
"Robb's right. We need that bridge."
"So what's it going to be? Do we move against Jaime or Lord Tywin?"
"Your pardon, my lords. We've captured a Lannister scout."
[Theon covers the map with pawns]
"Don't worry, lad. He won't be leaving this tent with his head."
"Where did you find him?"
"In the brush above the encampment. He looked to be counting."
[Robb walks towards the Lannister scout.]
"How high did you get?"
"20,000. Maybe more."
"You don't have to do this yourself."
"Your father would understand."
"My father understands mercy when there is room for it. And he understands honour and courage. Let him go."
"Robb."
[Robb looks over his shoulder with a stare. Catelyn understands and looks down in regret.]
"Tell Lord Tywin, Winter is coming for him. To find out if he does shit gold."
"Yes, My Lord. Thank you, My Lord."
"Are you touched, boy?! Letting him go?"
"You call me boy again."
[Greatjon Umber wants to taunt Robb. But frustrated, Greatjon Umber walks out of the tent.]
Ned made a noise under his breath. While he was proud of Robb for showing mercy, he wasn't sure he agreed with what Robb did. And then there was the way he spoke to his bannermen. That will foster dissatisfaction in the ranks. And that in wartime was suicidal.
[Meanwhile, in the Throne room, new roles are being announced by Grand Maester Pycelle. Cersei calls upon Ser Barristan.]
"Your Grace, I am yours to command."
"Rise, Ser Barristan. You may remove your helm. You have served the Realm long and faithfully. Every man and woman in the Seven Kingdoms owes you thanks. But it is time to put aside your armour and your sword. It is time to rest and look back with pride on your many years of service."
"Is the damned woman jesting?" Robert asked flabbergasted. "The vow of a Kingsguard is for life!"
"I don't think she is" Stannis muttered crossly.
"Perhaps she's creating a loophole to free her lover from the vow as well" Renly pointed out.
All three brothers turned to Jaime Lannister at once, and all three saw the look of shock and disbelief on the man's face.
"Your Grace, the Kingsguard is a sworn brotherhood. Our vows are taken for life. Only death relieves us of our sacred trust."
"Whose death, Ser Barristan? Yours or your King's?"
"You let my father die."
"Someone shut that bastard up before I rip his tongue out" Robert growled, moving on from the Kingslayer and his lover to the bastard on the throne.
"In time you may do so as you please, brother. But for now, remain patient please" Renly said gently.
Tommen and Myrcella watched the King with palpable fear. If he was planning on killing their brother, what would he do to them?
"You're too old to protect anybody."
"Your Grace..."
"The Council has determined that Ser Jaime Lannister will take your place as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard."
"Of course, the 'council' had decided on it" Ned spat in disgust. The council was after all a group of men licking Lannister ass.
"The man who profaned his blade with the blood of the King he had sworn to defend!"
"Careful, Ser."
"Truth hurts, doesn't it" Oberyn chuckled. Eyeing Jaime from the corner of his eyes. The man did not seem fazed. But the viper did not doubt that the Kingslayer was holding his emotions back.
"We have nothing but gratitude for your long service, good Ser. You shall be given a stout Keep beside the sea, with servants to look after your every need."
"A hall to die in and men to bury me. I am a Knight. I shall die a Knight."
"A naked Knight, apparently."
"Even now I could cut through the five of you like carving a cake!"
"He could" Jaime stated calmly. Even age had not dulled the Bold's blade.
"Here, boy! Melt it down and add it to the others."
"An insult delivered as if a compliment?" Doran raised a brow with interest. Could he recruit Ser Barristan to his side in any way? Perhaps if Robert were to die… No, killing Robert wouldn't do him any favours. Especially if the threat beyond the Wall. He couldn't ignore it, no matter how much he desired to.
The best course of action… would be to forge an alliance with Robert Baratheon. But how would he do it without the King having an heir?
Doran's eyes strayed on Jon for a moment. Perhaps…