Chapter 8-Unraveling the Truth
Bran opened his eyes. He looked around and found himself in his bed. There was pain running through his body. Uncomfortable pain. The kind you wanted to go away, but they didn't for a long time. Not far from his bed was Maester Luwin, who had taken the responsibility to look after the second youngest male of the Stark family. The boy had only woken up recently from his unconscious state and asked what he remembered up to his fall.
Unfortunately, Brandon didn't remember a thing. Even the events leading up to the fall itself were a blank. The last thing he recalled was the King leaving for a hunt with his Father before his mind recalled darkness. A feeling of weightlessness within his mind and images moving too fast to truly understand.
Images not of his home. Images of far away places. A figure made of lightning. A demon with blades coming out the back of his wrists. A giant lizard based creature with massive wings commanding an army of what looked like the undead. A warrior wearing clothing similar to Sub-Zero, but made of pure shadow with glowing eyes and saying two words in a voice that terrified the boy.
Fear me!
These were just some of the many images Brandon saw, but could not interpret what they meant. Maester Luwin had said they were a boy's mind running rampant, but Bran was not so sure. These images were too real to him to be just be his mind playing tricks and the fact some of them showed the Lin Kuei Grandmaster in some of them only made his belief stronger.
"They haven't returned yet?" asked Brandon with Maester Luwin chuckling at the poor boy for being impatient.
"They have only been gone for a few days. They won't be back for some time," replied Maester Luwin with Bran letting out a huff.
"Where did they go? You didn't say," questioned Brandon with Maester Luwin sighing.
"Your Mother and the Grandmaster went on an important errand related to the protection of the Crown. Anything else, I cannot say," said Maester Luwin with Brandon looking away in annoyance.
"My legs and back still hurt," commented Bran with Maester Luwin nodding.
"And it will continue to hurt for a long time. You just had something done to your body no one else has had performed on them before today. All so you can walk once more. If not for the Grandmaster's knowledge of medicine, you would still have no feeling in your legs," said Maester Luwin with Brandon wincing when he tried to move.
"I wish it didn't hurt so much," said Brandon with Maester Luwin helping the boy sit up in his bed.
"Think of it as a sharp reminder to be mindful of how lucky you are to walk again. There are those throughout the Seven Kingdoms who are not so fortunate to be given a second chance," said Maester Luwin and saw the boy think over his words before nodding.
"This procedure that was done to me, it should be shared with the rest of the world," said Brandon with Maester Luwin nodding.
"Aye, it should be shared with the world. Will it? Who can honestly say. The King might press the issue to the Citadel given your Father is his Hand. But will they act on it? I don't know. But I hope they do," said Maester Luwin before Hodor came into the room ready to assist Brandon with his walking.
(King's Landing-Joffrey's Room)
"Ow," said Joffrey and winced when his Mother put some cream on his arm where the dire wolf bit him and on the bruises he suffered from the harsh training Jon Stark put him through.
"Please, its nearly healed," said Cersei while she saw the bruises on her son's arm were actually worse.
"It's ugly. So are the bruises," said Joffrey in a bitter tone.
"A King should have scars. Especially after you fought off a large dire wolf. You fought against a fierce warrior with only your mind and wits. You're just like your Father," said Cersei with a smile.
"I'm nothing like him. I didn't fight off anything. Not the dire wolf or the warrior. And they all saw it. Even when the Stark girls were brought before Father to face judgment," said Joffrey bitterly and hated the fact his revenge was denied.
"That's not true. You held your own against a man with years of experience in the art of fighting. The dire wolf was beaten by your skills with a blade and forced to return to its home or risk being put down," said Cersei with Joffrey looking angry.
"That's not what happened," commented Joffrey with his Mother putting a hand on his chin and made the boy look at her.
"When you are King, you can make things the way you want them to be for others to believe. On day, you will sit on the Iron Throne and the truth is whatever you want it to be and no one will have the power to stop it from staying that way," said Cersei gently while trying to soothe her "pure lion" and his ego.
Not to mention House Lannister's pride, which she felt was violated by the Starks and the Lin Kuei.
"Do I have to marry the Stark girl?" asked Joffrey after a period of long silence.
"I don't know. Maybe. Your Father is considering it, but Lord Stark is not entirely sure if all sides will be happy. Why? Do you want to marry her?" asked Cersei curiously so to gauge what her son felt for the eldest of the Stark girls.
"I don't know. She is pretty...for a Northern girl. A little on the stupid side, but that is to be expected of someone born in the North," remarked Joffrey with Cersei smiling further since she agreed with him.
"All the same, do something nice for the Stark girl," replied Cersei while Joffrey looked upset with the idea of doing something nice and for someone else's benefit.
"I don't want to do something nice for her," protested Joffrey with a scowl.
"But you will. The occasional kindness will spare you lots of trouble and pain down the road. It doesn't have to be something grand or expensive. Even a small or minor gift on your part will make the hardships seem lighter. It will help in securing the girl in being yours and yours alone," said Cersei while Joffrey seemed to be angrier about it.
"I would have had her heart already, if not for her sister's barbaric nature. And there is also the issue of her half-brother interfering in my fun," said Joffrey bitterly with Cersei's smile lessening at the mention of Jon Stark.
She would make him regret the day he stood between her son and punishing the wolf girl when on the King's Road.
"As King, how would you handle them?" asked Cersei curiously on how her son would rule.
"I would double their taxes and command them to supply 10,000 men to be part of the Royal Army," declared Joffrey with Cersei looking amused.
"The Royal Army?" asked Cersei while wanting to hear more of her son's plan.
"Why should every Lord command his own men. It is primitive. No better then the Hill Tribes. We should have a standing army with men loyal only to the Crown. Trained by experienced soldiers. Not peasants who have barely ever held a pike in their entire lives," commented Joffrey while Cersei looked more amused instead of impressed.
"And if the Northerners rebel?" asked Cersei while wondering how her son would deal with rebellion.
"I would crush them. I would seize Winterfell and install someone loyal to the Crown to be Warden of the North. Uncle Kevan maybe," replied Joffrey while Cersei shook her head at the boy's short sightedness.
The one thing she couldn't pin on Robert since the man wasn't Joffrey's real Father.
"And these 10,000 troops for the Royal Army. Will they fight for you or their Lord?" asked Cersei knowing the answer already.
"For me. I am their King," answered Joffrey like it was the obvious answer.
"Unlikely. You doubled their taxes, invaded their homeland, and asking them to kill their fellow brothers in the North. All the while pillaging everything else of value for your own benefit," said Cersei with Joffrey looking like it was suppose to be this way.
"I'm not asking them. I'm commanding them. I am their King. They will do what I say or be put to the sword," stated Joffrey while Cersei shook her head.
"The North cannot be held. Not by an outsider. It is too big and too wild. You know the old saying, there must always be a Stark at Winterfell. It is the same as there must always be a Lannister in the Westernlands. A good King knows when to save his strength and when to unleash it to destroy his enemies," said Cersei with Joffrey looking displeased by her words of wisdom.
"So you agree. The Starks are our enemies," said Joffrey with Cersei looking him in the eyes for a long moment.
"Everyone who isn't us is our enemies," was Cersei's cryptic reply before attending to her son's injuries again.
(King's Landing-City Gates)
"Are you sure about this Lady Stark? You risk someone recognizing your face," said Ser Rodrik while they rode their horses into the city gate.
"It has been nine years since I set foot in the Capital. And no one knew who I was the last time I was here," said Cat confidently.
"That was nine years ago. Clearly someone knows you now," commented Sub-Zero while he saw to guards on horses head their way.
"Welcome to King's Landing Lady Stark. Would you mind following us?" asked the first guard.
"I certainly do mind. We have done nothing wrong," said Cat with a hint of irritation in her voice.
"We have been instructed to escort you into the city," said the first guard professionally and rode up to the Tully woman.
"Instructed? I don't know who is providing your instruction, but...," said Catelyn, but was cut off by the second guard.
"All will be explained. Please follow me," said the second guard before escorting the three of them to a nearby brothel and escorted them into a room.
Where one Petyr Baelish was sitting beside a whore before he dismissed her.
"Cat!" exclaimed Petyr happily while Catelyn Stark looked less than happy.
"You little worm! You take me for some back alley Sally you can drag into a...," said Cat before a man and whore walked into the room.
And Petyr commanding via a snapping of his fingers to the whore to take her client away.
"I meant no disrespect. Especially to you of all people," said Petyr while trying to calm the angry Tully woman.
"How dare you bring me here? Have you lost your mind?!" demanded Catelyn while her voice carried throughout the room.
"I am sorry. But no one will come looking for you here. Isn't that what you wanted? The locale is horrible, I know. Yet who would look for Catelyn Tully Stark in a brothel of all places?" explained Petyr with Cat looking less than pleased.
"How did you even know I was coming to King's Landing in the first place? How did you know I was where to look?" asked Catelyn while Petyr smile and looked right past her to the bead covered door.
"A dear friend," said Petyr with the "friend" coming out of the shadows to reveal himself to be Varys.
"Lady Stark," said Varys before bowing to the Tully woman.
"Lord Varys," replied Catelyn politely, yet surprised.
"To see you after so many years is truly a blessing. When I heard what nearly happened to your poor son Brandon, I nearly died. To think someone would go so far as to kill an innocent child. I deplore such people and believe children are blameless. Oh, your poor hands," said Varys before he gently held the woman's hands and sorrow filled his eyes at the proof of Catelyn's fight with the assassin to protect her child.
"How did you know I was coming here?" asked Catelyn before she slowly removed her hands from him.
Knowledge is my trade. I have little birds everywhere. Even in the North. They sing to me the most interesting of conversations. Including the one about the assassin and the choice of weapon he used. I trust you brought the dagger with you?" asked Varys with Catelyn looking at him before turning to look at Ser Rodrik and Sub-Zero.
"We do. It is quite a unique item for such a low level assassin to possess," said Sub-Zero before he produced the dagger and gave it to Varys to examine.
"Valerian steel and dragon bone. Indeed. Such an item would be one of a kind. How a lowly assassin came across this, is a mystery," said Varys before he sheathed it and gave it back to Sub-Zero.
"So you don't know who was the owner of this weapon?" asked Catelyn while Varys just shook his head.
"I'm afraid I do not," answered Varys while Petyr laughed.
"This is a historic day. I know something that you do not," said Petyr with everyone now looking at him.
"You know who this belongs to?" asked Catelyn with Sub-Zero narrowing his eyes.
"Of course I do. There is no other dagger like this in all the Seven Kingdoms. And it is mine." admitted Petyr while Cat looked shocked.
"Yours?" asked Cat in shock.
"Or at least it was, until the tournament celebrating Prince Joffrey's last name day. I bet on Ser Jamie Lannister to win the joust as any man would. Imagine my surprise and the others when he lost to the Knight of Flowers. As a result, I lost the dagger to the winner of said bet," explained Petyr while Catelyn had a bad feeling about this.
"To whom?" asked Catelyn while Petyr smiled further.
"To Tyrion Lannister. The Imp," said Petyr while Catelyn looked shocked by this.
Sub-Zero however, did not believe it.
(Later that Day)
Ned found himself in the brothel. He hated coming here. Too many eyes and ears. All of them would no doubt be whispering to certain parties of him being here. Rumors of him being unfaithful to his wife or possibly trying to have another child, even a bastard son would reach the ears of the King. Not that Robert would care. The man had been with so many women outside of his wife, he had no room to talk, much less judge Ned. In fact, Ned suspected Robert would laugh and joke about it in wanting to expand the Stark name to live further South in some capacity.
Still, to keep further rumors from spreading to other people around him, Ned ordered Jon to stay close to Arya and Sansa until his return.
"This is not enough Cat. Even if you could present it to the King, the proof is minimal," said Ned after he saw Catelyn once inside the brothel.
Catelyn soon explained everything to him that that happened in Winterfell since leaving for King's Landing. Brandon's surgery, it being a success, and how the assassin tried to kill their son but failed in the attempt. Per Sub-Zero's suggesting, she didn't tell Ned or Petyr about how the assassin survived and was being interrogated in secret for the name of the man's employer.
"But we have the proof. The dagger and the fact it belong to Tyrion should be enough," said Cat while Sub-Zero shook his head.
"And I keep telling you, Tyrion is not the man behind the assassin. Besides, even if you do bring this to the King now, Tyrion would just deny it. He could easily say the dagger was stolen at some point. There is no evidence to dispute otherwise," said Sub-Zero and did not believe Tyrion of all the Lannisters would hire an assassin.
Tywin? Yes. Tyrion? No. Besides, Bran had done nothing to earn Tyrion's scorn.
"Not to mention the only other person who could provide the proof has died during the struggle you were in Cat," commented Petyr while Sub-Zero narrowed his eyes further.
"Lord Baelish has promised to help us in this endeavor to find the truth," said Cat while looking at Ned while her husband looked at Baelish.
Oh how he wanted to run his sword through the man's guts right now.
"I will try to keep you alive for her sake. A fools task to be sure, but I was never one to refuse your wife anything," said Petyr with love and affection in his voice that made Ned snarl slightly.
Fortunately, his wife missed it when looking at Petyr.
"I won't forget this. You are a true friend Petyr," said Catelyn while Petyr smiled with a hint of pain in his eyes at being called "friend".
"Don't tell anyone. I have a reputation to maintain," commented Petyr jokingly while the resentment he felt for Ned Stark flashed in his eyes for a second when Catelyn hugged the Lord Hand.
Something Sub-Zero saw easily enough.
'The vile snake holds back from showing his fangs and the venom that comes with them,' thought Sub-Zero and knew Baelish was biding his time to put his plans into motion.
Plans that Sub-Zero intended to stop when the time was right.
(Winterfell-At the Moment)
In the Main Hall of Winterfell, Robb Stark sat at the head of the table while staring down the dwarf and Imp of House Lannister. Beside Tyrion, was Yoren, a proud member of the Night's Watch, who was heading to King's Landing to get recruits to take the Black. After Tyrion came to see the Wall and to piss off of it, he was able to obtain a strong friendship with Yoren.
"I must say, I received a much warmer welcome the last time I was here at Winterfell," commented Tyrion while noticing who was in the room and who was not.
"Any man from the Night's Watch is welcome here," said Robb while nodding to Yoren who bowed slightly in thanks.
"Any man of the Night's Watch, but not I, aye boy?" asked Tyrion before Robb glared at him with anger worthy of a Stark and House Sigil.
"I am not your boy. I am the Lord of Winterfell while my Father is away as Hand of the King," said Robb while Tyrion nodding.
"And you might learn a Lord's curtsey," said Tyrion before turning to see Brandon slowly walking into the room with Hodor and Theon by his side.
"So it is true. I heard in passing that young Brandon awoke and was able to walk again. Do you remember anything from that moment?" asked Tyrion while seeing the boy was in pain.
Hence the walking slow part.
"The boy remembers nothing. The Grandmaster was able to save his ability to walk, but can do nothing for his memories," said Maester Luwin with Tyrion looking at Bran.
"To survive such a fall and to live means young Bran is strong. As to be expected from a member of House Stark," said Tyrion since he knew Starks were made of sterner stuff due to their time in the North earning everything with the rest of the people here.
"Maester Luwin says it will be some time before I can walk without any pain," said Bran while Tyrion nodded in understanding.
"Considering the procedure you just underwent, I would be more surprised if you didn't feel any pain. The Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei is a man of many talents. In fact, he had asked for my help on an issue regarding your need for climbing before I left for the Wall. Which is why this gift will come to aid you in the years to come," said Tyrion, who gave Bran a parchment to see what was inside.
"What is it?" asked Bran while trying to decipher the plans.
"These are special climbing harnesses for when you wish to scale a wall or even a tower. This was designed originally by Brandon the Builder himself. Apparently, he had a taste for climbing buildings as he did for making them. I spent time with Maester Aemon at Castle Black to inquire about such things and made a few modifications to the plans to ensure better performance," explained Tyrion while Brandon looked at the plans with joy.
"So I will be able to climb better using this?" asked Brandon with Tyrion nodding.
"Bette and safer. It is designed so should you fall, a piece of the harness with the cord is attached to the wall or tower to prevent a very unpleasant death. The cord itself must be strong enough to hold your given weight and the hook attached to the wall must be strong enough to hold itself when you fall so your weight doesn't pry it loose," said Tyrion with Brandon nodding before he smiled at him.
"Is this some kind of trick Lannister?" questioned Robb while Maester Luwin was shown the plans and verifying the authenticity of what they could do.
"It is no trick Lord Stark. Young Bran was nearly crippled and if rumors are true, nearly killed by some assassin stupid enough to make an attempt on his life. I have a weakness for cripples, bastards, and broken things," said Tyrion seriously since he lived a humble life in seeing things from the perspective closest to the common folk.
"Thank you Lord Tyrion for this gift. I will not forget this kindness," said Brandon with Tyrion nodding and smiled knowing the boy meant it.
"You have indeed shown my brother a kindness Lord Tyrion. I apologize if my attitude has been cold to you. The whole issue with my brother's near death from that fall and the attempt by the assassin has everyone on edge. The true hospitality of Winterfell is yours," said Robb with Tyrion thinking it over before nodding in his mind.
Usually he would throw off such politeness and apologies considering they were usually false, forced, or required of a High Lord. But this was a genuine thanks and the Starks had every reason to be cautious with guests who came into their home.
"I was going to stay at the nearest brothel, but as I told Yoren here, we would be staying at the finest castles and Inns on out travel to King's Landing. I am many things, but I will not be made a liar," said Tyrion while smiling and felt he should stay at Winterfell for a few days.
If only to see how Brandon was taking to his recovery.
(Essos-At the Moment)
Riding in a Dothraki Horde of Khal Drogo was Daenerys Targaryen Stormborn rode on her horse with Ser Jorah Mormont riding beside her. She had been wed to Khal Drogo and become his wife while her brother Viserys was eagerly waiting for the day he could use this army against the Usurper. But deep down in her heart, a steadily growing feeling within Daenerys was taking shape, whispering that Viserys was a fool, and that he would never conqueror the Seven Kingdoms.
And given his already impatient, as well as impulsive manner, the voice grew in strength with each passing day. Her brother was constantly talking down to others, whether they knew what he was saying or not. Daenerys wondered if any of the Dothraki understood what Viserys was saying to them half the time. Just as she wondered if Viserys was even aware how the Dothraki would speak ill of him in his presence. Her brother did not speak their language so it was clear Khal Drogo could insult Viserys all day without him even knowing short of Ser Jorah translating.
"Vaes Dothrak, the city of the horse lords," said Jorah Mormont to Daenerys as they got closer to the city.
"It is just a pile of mud. Of mud and shit and twigs. Is this the best these savages can do?" commented Viserys in a displeasing tone and not seeing some of the angry looks being sent his way by the Dothraki around him.
"These are my people now. You should not insult them or call them savages," countered Daenerys with Viserys scowling at her for a second.
"I'll call them what I like because they are my people. This is my army. Khal Drogo is marching it in the wrong way with my army," Viserys remarked angrily before he rode off into the city.
"If my brother was given an army of Dothraki, could he retake the Seven Kingdoms?" asked Daenerys to Ser Jorah.
"The Dothraki have never crossed the Narrow Sea. They fear any water their horses can't drink," answered Jorah while having the same beliefs about them as Ned Stark when it came to the Dothraki.
"But if they did? If they found a way?" asked Daenerys with Ser Jorah thinking over the possibility of the Dothraki setting foot on his homeland.
"King Robert is a fool to meet them in open battle, but the men who advise him in the ways of strategy are different," answered Ser Jorah.
"And you know these men?" asked Daenerys with Jorah nodding.
"I fought beside them once...long ago. Now Ned Stark wants my head. He drove me from my lands. Sadly, King Robert and Ned Stark are not the true threat," answered Ser Jorah while missing his home and family on Bear Island.
"Who is?" asked Daenerys curiously since she always assumed it was House Baratheon and House Stark who were threats to her return.
"The Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei. His name is Kuai Liang. He arrived many years ago during your Father's time as King before Robert's Rebellion and gained favor with him during a tourney. He was made the King's Champion on the spot before participating in the melee and archery competition. He won both, but refused to joust due to never having been in one and did not wish to make your Father appear foolish in front of all the people there," said Ser Jorah having heard the tale from his Father when inquiring about the Lin Kuei.
"And he is the deadlier threat?" asked Daenerys while Jorah nodded.
"Aye. Many High Lords of today, if not their Heirs, have been his students in the past when he was building his clan from the ground up. He even taught your brother Rheagar how to fight using a dragon based hand to hand combat fighting style. He taught them all the ways of strategy and how to wage war before it would even begin, which was later used by them against one another during Robert's Rebellion," said Jorah while Daenerys thinking things over in his head.
"So he is neutral," commented Daenerys with Jorah nodding.
"Aye. When Robert's Rebellion happened, Master Liang took no sides in it. The closest he ever came to taking a side was when Tywin Lannister sacked King's Landing. It was widely rumored the lion had his most ruthless of enforcers, Gregor 'The Mountain that Rides' Clegane, and Armory Lorch attack Elia Martell along with her two children. The rumor also has it that the Grandmaster had just arrived shortly after young baby Aegon's death and just as Gregor Clegane was about to violate Elia Martell. From what I heard, Master Liang killed the Mountain by using the power to create ice from his very body to freeze him to a nearby wall before cutting Clegane open. After crippling Armory Lorch, he rescued Elia Martel and her daughter from the vengeful wrath of the newly made King Robert," said Jorah with Daenerys nodding since Viserys had told her some things, but she had doubts on the truth behind them.
"It sounds as if he has a Code of Honor?" asked Daenerys with Jorah nodding.
"Aye, he does have honor. While his clan are essentially assassins and spies who work for money, the Lin Kuei will not kill just anyone for profit. They will not kill children or take innocent lives knowing it will make them enemies of powerful Houses. As I said, when the Usurper started his war against your Father, the Lin Kuei did not take sides with either one. Instead the Grandmaster chose keep the war away from the people using what few trained agents the he had at the time. Some even call the Grandmaster the Dragon of Ice given his powers and his armor showing some dragon based creatures on it," said Ser Jorah with Daenerys thinking things over.
"There can only be room in the Seven Kingdoms for one House of the dragon. Would this Grandmaster bend the knee if asked or commanded?" asked Daenerys curiously.
"I don't know Khaleesi. Master Liang has never bent the knee to anyone who has sat on the Iron Throne. Not your Father or King Robert," said Ser Jorah since it was true.
"Maybe that's because those who sat on the Iron Throne were Kings. Perhaps a Queen can do what others cannot," commented Daenerys thoughtfully.
(King's Landing-Private Location)
"It is good to see you again my friend. After so long, I believe you haven't aged a day. One of these days you must share your secret with me," said Varys with a smile and Sub-Zero nodding.
"You have aged well Varys. Usually those who live in the Capital seem to have the life sucked right out of them within a few years," commented Sub-Zero while Varys made a noise.
"True enough. But I tend to live far better than most. As to you being here, I must admit, I was surprised to see you come to King's Landing. It wasn't a social visit I imagine. Or was this a means to keep an eye on such a promising young student under the command of the Lord Hand?" said Varys curiously while Sub-Zero shook his head.
"Lady Stark needed an escort. While Ser Rodrik should have been enough, one does not take chances with the life of someone like her to the open road," answered Sub-Zero and Varys nodded in agreement.
"Truer words have never been spoken. The roads these days are treacherous no matter who comes across them. Even High Lords need a strong escort these days to protect them from bandits and Hill Tribes," said Varys before letting out an exaggerated sigh.
"Has Ned Stark made progress on who killed Jon Arryn?" asked Sub-Zero with Varys shrugging his shoulders.
"Perhaps. Perhaps not. I only see him at Small Council meetings. Sadly, from what I have been able to surmise, the answer to your question would be...minimal," answered Varys with Sub-Zero making a noise.
"The duties of being Hand of the King have been delaying him," commented Sub-Zero and Varys nodded in agreement.
"Indeed. Sadly, the tournament King Robert wished to have in honor of Ned Stark's new appointment as Hand of the King has caused an increase to those problems," said Varys since the tournament had caused more issues to further make Ned Stark's life more tired with each passing day.
"Jon Arryn's wife is part of the conspiracy," admitted Sub-Zero with Varys looking a tad surprised by this.
"Really? Well that explains how Lord Arryn was poisoned. Who else could get close to the late Lord Hand. Though I do question who gave her the poison to do it," said Varys with Sub-Zero explaining how it was Petyr Baelish who was suspected of the event.
"Ned Stark and I suspect there maybe more conspirators in all this, but its more theory and speculation at this point," said Sub-Zero while Varys nodded while thinking things over in his head.
"Perhaps I can help a little. Have either you or Ned Stark heard of Ser Hugh of the Vale?" asked Varys with Sub-Zero shaking his head.
"Not that I recall. I'm sure Ned would have mentioned him if he was important," replied Sub-Zero with Varys nodding.
"That's because Ser Hugh isn't important. At least not until recently, when the man was knighted in a private ceremony," said Varys with Sub-Zero frowning.
"You said he was from the Vale? Meaning his connection to the Vale connects him to Jon Arryn," commented Sub-Zero with Varys nodding.
"Indeed. He's connected to Jon Arryn because Ser Hugh was once Jon Arryn's squire up until the former Lord Hand's sudden death. Strange coincidence that the squire should suddenly rise in rank shortly after his Lord's sudden and unexpected demise, don't you agree?" replied Varys with a knowing look on his face.
"I will pass that onto Ned before I depart. Hopefully, we can obtain him before certain conspirators wish to cut loose ends," said Sub-Zero with Varys nodding.
"I would make haste my friend. I understand Ser Hugh intends to partake in the jousting part of the tourney. Dreadful things can happen even in the most civilized events," said Vary with the Lin Kuei Grandmaster nodding.
(Tower of the Hand-Sometime Later)
"Ser Hugh of the Vale? Jon Arryn's former squire?" asked Ned with Jon/Aegon nodding.
"The Grandmaster told me. He felt it was important to know. The mere fact that a squire, who has done nothing great to warrant a knighthood was made a knight raises quite a few questions. Even more so when it happens right after Lord Arryn's death," said Jon with Ned frowning.
"Lord Baelish felt I should speak to Ser Hugh myself. He claims to be helping me find the employer of the assassin aimed at killing Bran, but I have my doubts," said Ned with Jon nodding in agreement.
"He's pretending to be your friend and gain your trust. When the moment presents itself, Lord Baelish will betray you," said Jon with Ned nodding.
"I also suspect he is plotting to pit my House against House Lannister," said Ned before he revealed a book to Jon.
"Over a book?" asked Jon with Ned closing his eyes.
"Something within this book. Something that Lord Baelish clearly hinted the Lannisters don't want us to find. I also suspect, he wants me to believe the Lannisters tried to kill Bran to cover up whatever the secret may be. Even before the assassination attempt," said Ned with Jon frowning at this information.
"He's trying to guide you by the nose. By following the trail of clues laid there by Lord Baelish himself, you expose your back to him after a time before he slits your throat at the last possible moment when your back is turned," commented Jon with Ned growling with impatience.
"I know what Lord Baelish is trying to do, but I have to play along with his plans to move things forward. I already sent Jory to retrieve Ser Hugh before the jousting begins," said Ned with Jon nodding, but had his doubts the man comply with someone who was not a knight.
"And if our recently knighted suspect doesn't comply with the command? Jory is not a knight and Hugh technically outranks him in terms of authority. Something Hugh will no doubt comment on despite Jory being sent by you," commented Jon with Ned thinking it over in his head before a small smirk appeared on his face.
"I was under the impression that the Lin Kuei had the skills needed to obtain or capture anyone when necessary," said Ned with Jon smirking behind his mask.
"Of course. And since King Robert has given you full authority to do what is necessary to move the investigation further, it means you have can use such power to send me to get the so called knight of the Vale for questioning," said Jon with Ned nodding.
"If Jory fails to get Ser Hugh to see me, do what you must to make this so called knight see me," said Ned with Jon nodding before he left.
(Tourney Grounds-Short Time Later)
"Excuse me, Ser Hugh. I need to speak with you," said Jory while addressing someone who was measuring strides with his walking and counting at the same time.
"I am busy. Leave me alone," commented Ser Hugh rudely.
"I come here under the command of Lord Eddard Stark. The Hand of the King," said Jory with Ser Hugh turning around to finally address him.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite get your name Ser...," said Ser Hugh while Jory bit his tongue.
"I'm not a Ser since I am not knight," said Jory with Ser Hugh looking smug.
"Well it just so happens...I am a knight! And I don't have to talk to you or come with you anywhere. When the Hand of the King wishes to see me about something, he can come here himself," said Ser Hugh before going back to measuring his invisible stride of his horse and walking awkwardly while doing it.
And while Jory left to report this to his Lord, a shadow watched the supposed knight of the Vale for the right moment to strike.
(King's Landing-Street of Steel)
"Ser Hugh said he would talk to you if and when you came to see him. The man thinks his position as a knight makes him special," said Jory while he and Ned Stark rode their horses gently through the crowd.
Ned had been advised by Lord Baelish to visit the blacksmith in this area to see who Jon Arryn was visiting a couple of times, but not for weapons or armor. No, the person who had Jon Arryn's interest was a young apprentice of the blacksmith himself named Gendry Waters. Ned didn't know why Baelish suggest he visit the boy, but would "listen" to said advice for now, and play along with the snake's still yet to be revealed plan.
"Everyone can become a knight these days. Most don't even know how to wield or swing a sword," commented Ned while wondering how men could become knights simply by knowing a fellow knight or High Lord and not do anything to earn the title.
"Should we be so out in the open my Lord? A lot of people can see us," commented Jory with Ned not caring since he was visiting a blacksmith not a brothel.
"Let them watch," replied Ned since he had nothing to fear with people seeing him visit a simple blacksmith.
So Jory waited by the horses, looking around for good measure. Feeling the different eyes of several people watching him and Lord Stark in this area. Only for Ned Stark to come back with a shocked look on his face and possibly something else to go with it.
"What did you find my Lord?" asked Jory with Ned looking at him before looking back from the blacksmith's store.
"I think we just found Robert's bastard son," commented Ned with Jory looking surprised by this news.
"The King's bastard son? How can you tell?" said Jory in a whisper.
"Because the boy looks just like him back when we were young men," said Ned and now realized why Jon had inquired about Gendry.
Though why Baelish wished for him to investigate one of Robert's bastard children was a mystery to him.
(Day of the Jousting Tournament)
Many were getting impatient. Many were eager to see who would win and who would be knocked off their horse in defeat. At the moment, everyone was waiting for Ser Hugh of the Vale to show up since he was called to ride against Armory Lorch. The ugly monster of a man had been sent by Tywin Lannister to win the joust in order to pay the lion back for investing so much gold in the pig man's recovery all those years ago.
"Enough of the bloody pomp! Hurry up and get on with it before I piss myself!" declared Robert while Cersei looked disgusted and left moments later.
Armory Lorch soon appeared before the King and bowed, but Ser Hugh was nowhere to be found with many wondering where the newly made knight of the Vale was? Did he run away? Did he realize it was too soon to compete after just being knighted?
Where was Ser Hugh?
(Undisclosed Location)
Ser Hugh breathed loudly when the bag was swiftly yanked off his head. His arms were tied behind his back and additional rope tied them to the chair he was sitting on. Looking around, the knight of the Vale found himself in a dark room with very little light in it. A few candles here and there, but in the far distant corners of a large room.
A large room clearly meant to be unpleasant for anyone who crossed its owner.
And that "anyone" just so happened to be him.
"Ser Hugh of the Vale," said Jon in the shadows of the room with his voice echoing all throughout to throw off the man's ears.
"Who are you?" asked Hugh while trying to look around for his captor.
"Who I am,is not important right now. What is important, is capturing you alive," said Jon while walking around his captor in the shadows of the room.
"Capturing me alive? Do you even know who I am?" demanded/asked Hugh while he hoped his title as a knight of the Vale would make his kidnapper hesitant to hurt him.
"Of course I know who you are, Ser Hugh of the Vale. I also know you were once the late Lord Arryn's squire until just recently," answered Jon while seeing the man struggling to get out of his chair.
"If you know this, then you also realize that I know powerful friends in the Vale. Friends who will not tolerate this action against one of their own," said Hugh while Jon narrowed his eyes at him.
"I'm sure you do. But I bet these friends wouldn't be friends for much longer if they knew you helped poison Jon Arryn," said Jon and saw the instant knee jerk reaction and fear now showing on the man's face.
"I-I did no such thing. Lord Arryn died of natural causes. A fever struck him," said Hugh with Jon scoffing.
"Please, spare me your excuse. Would I accuse you of such a dishonorable thing if I did not know the truth? That you had a hand in Jon Arryn's death? That people conspired to kill him for their own selfish desires and purposes? And that you, being an ambitious man yourself...were one of them?" asked Jon while whispering into Hugh's ear in low tone, which only made the man more fearful.
"You can't prove it. You can't prove anything!" protested Hugh, but his words held doubt and fear.
Something Jon/Aegon was taught by Sub-Zero to use when available.
"Can't I? We know the poison that was used. We know the buyer. We know who put it in Jon's food and wine the night he died. And we know, it was you were the one who gave it to Jon's not so loving wife. We can prove it. All I have to do, is drag you along with all of your conspirators into the throne room before the King, and watch as the man declared your heads be removed from your body," said Jon with Hugh sweating heavier now.
"W-Why haven't you?" asked Hugh curiously.
"Because you may have some additional information locked in that head of yours. And I intend to get it from you...one way or another. If you cooperate you in answering all my questions, the decision made to remove your head could be replaced by sending you to Wall instead," said Jon while Hugh looking nervous.
"What do you want to know?" asked Hugh fearfully.
"We know Petyr Baelish wanted Jon Arryn dead. What we don't know, is why he wanted your Lord dead? Jon Arryn was a man of peace. Without him, the Seven Kingdoms was at risk and still is at risk of going to war with itself. So why?" demanded Jon with Hugh thinking for a moment to compose himself.
"Lord Baelish is an ambitious man. Always has been. He has High Lords from all over Westeros in his pocket from almost the entirety of the Seven Kingdoms. The only real exception is the North and Westernlands because the North doesn't have people he can use and not even Lord Baelish will challenge Tywin Lannister as things are now. Still, the man knows each of the deepest and darkest secrets of these High Lords. Secrets that go against the laws set forth by Gods and Men. In exchange for his silence, these Lords have pledge to help him in his ambitions when called upon. But they have too much respect Jon Arryn, who has been standing in Baelish's way, to betray him. With my late Lord out of the way, nothing is stopping these High Lords to summon their banners to fight for him if the right time came for the call," said Hugh while Jon snarled behind his mask.
"He seeks the Iron Throne. But there are multiple obstacles in his way and Lord Baelish wants to have them killed to remove anyone with right bloodline capable of challenging him. Add the High Lords he will obtain by his side should he prove victorious, I imagine the reward for their so called 'loyalty' will be immense," said Jon with Hugh nodding.
"He has promised them the lands and castles of their enemies when the Seven Kingdoms became his own," said Hugh while being promised a castle and decent land in the Vale if he continued to be loyal.
"And Lysa Arryn? Why did she poison her own husband? What does she gain from it?" asked Jon with Hugh thinking for a second.
"She didn't love Lord Arryn. It was an arranged marriage created between her Father and the late Lord Hand. She loves Lord Baelish. She has always loved him. Jon wanted to have his son Robin to be fostered with Stannis, but Lady Lysa wouldn't allow it. She has been noticeably clingy to the boy. As if he was made of poorly constructed and fragile glass. Even after all this time, she breast feeds him despite being too old for it. She told Petyr of Jon's plans for her son that same day and he suggested killing Jon and writing a letter to her sister Catelyn in order to frame the Lannisters to throw off suspicion. He wanted to weaken House Stark and House Lannister the only way possible," said Hugh with a now angry Jon growling.
"War. He wants the Wolf and the Lion to fight until one is victorious over the other. With the victorious party still weak from the fighting, he will strike," said Jon with Hugh just nodding.
"Lord Baelish promised me wealth, lands, and a Lordship once he became King," replied Ser Hugh while Jon snarled.
"Jon Arryn could have given you those things too if you were patient enough," said Jon while Hugh shook his head and bitterness showed on his face.
"By that point, I would have been an old man. Any child I sired would be benefiting from it more over myself. Lord Baelish promised I would still be a young man by the time he took the Iron Throne. I wasn't about to wait to get what I had earned from my time being the squire of that old man," replied Hugh angrily since he knew how Jon Arryn's speed on who would be rewarded by him was not the quickest.
"Hardly the point. There is something to be said for loyalty," said Jon angrily.
"Loyalty to someone like Jon Arryn isn't worth the prestige people think it holds. He was an old man with time nipping at his heel," spat Hugh while wanting what he felt was his for all the times he service as Jon Arryn's squire.
"You mentioned how Lord Baelish was seeking to make the Starks and Lannisters fight each other. Are the Lannisters partially involved in the plot in some way? Or are they just a means to an end?" asked Jon with Hugh shaking his head.
"I don't know if they are involved or they are just being used as pawns in Lord Baelish's pursuit for the Iron Throne. But I wouldn't be surprised if Jon Arryn's death did benefit them in some way and they were plotting their own means of betraying King Robert to further their own treacherous House," answered Hugh with Jon making a noise.
"Just like how you will now pay for your treachery," said Jon with Hugh struggling.
"Wait! Wait! You can't do this! I deserve a trial to explain my actions. Or at least let me take the Black!" protested Ser Hugh before his mouth was gagged and a bag was put over his head before being knocked out via a blow to the head.
"You can explain yourself when the time comes...in front of the King," commented Jon before
(Crossroads Inn-Sometime Later)
Catelyn Tully Stark kept her face covered for the most part. She wanted to keep a low profile after leaving King's Landing. Petyr Baelish had offered his assistance to use his influence and resources to assist her husband find out who tried to murder Bran. But it seemed Ned wanted to keep the man at arms length and the Lin Kuei Grandmaster was not convinced Tyrion Lannister was the employer of the assassin sent to kill Bran.
They had argued about it all the way to the Inn until finally, it seemed even Master Liang had enough of her Tully stubbornness before leaving them. When asked why, the Lin Kuei Grandmaster said "I will have no part in the mess you make should you cross paths with Tyrion Lannister. Whatever foolishness you get into regarding this or the lives lost in the process will be on you and you alone." before leaving in another direction.
They haven't seen him since and assumed the man rode off back to the North to the Lin Kuei compound to attend to clan matters related to running it.
"My Lady, if I may speak freely, I don't think Tyrion Lannister is behind what happened to Bran," said Ser Rodrik with Catelyn looking at him in surprise.
"You saw the evidence Ser Rodrik. What makes you think differently?" asked Catelyn with Ser Rodrik sighing.
"I will admit, the evidence does seem to point to the Imp, but there is no motive to the action. Tyrion never really met the boy until the feast for when the King arrived in the North. Plus, from what I know of the man's reputation, he would sooner spend money on wine, whores, and an occasionally good book. The King's Slayer, I can see doing it given his questionable nature. The Queen herself I believe is also a suspect, but only IF Bran had done something extremely offensive to her. Tyrion Lannister isn't like his Father or his other siblings. There is some measure of humility in him born from his deformed stature. He would gain nothing from hurting Bran or having your son killed soon after," said Ser Rodrik with Catelyn looking away.
"If what you say is true, how did the man's dagger end up in the hands of an assassin?" asked Catelyn countered in a whisper.
"Excuse me Lord Lannister, we don't have a room available for you," said the woman running the Inn.
"My associates can sleep in the barn. And I don't need a big room as you can plainly see from my height. Just a small closet will do," remarked Tyrion after coming into the room with Yoren from the Night's Watch.
"Would you like me to sing you a song Lord Lannister? Perhaps one that commemorates your Father's great victories in past battles?" said the minstrel trying to earn some coin from the Inn patrons.
"Nothing would make me lose my appetite faster. Is there no one here willing to give up their room?" asked Tyrion while holding a golden dragon in his hand and hitting the table near him with it to further prove the coin was real.
"You can have mine," said a man by the name of Bronn.
"Now there is a smart man," said Tyrion before he threw the coin to the man and turned his head to see two familiar faces.
"Lady Stark," commented Tyrion with all the people in the room now looking at the red haired woman, who decided to reveal herself to everyone.
"My lady," said the nearby tavern wench and bowed humbly.
"I'm rather surprised to see you here. Though I suppose it explains why I didn't see you at Winterfell after coming back from see the Wall," remarked Tyrion with Catelyn fighting to hold back her glare before she composed herself.
In this moment, she saw the eyes of everyone on her with knights from different Houses watching intently. Some from House Frey. Some from Harrenhal. Many of them were from Houses sworn to her Father's House. All Catelyn would have to do is invoke her House name, accuse Tyrion Lannister of the crime against Bran, and order these men to arrest the man to await the King's Justice.
And yet, her mind had a moment of clarity. Tyrion Lannister was many things. Drunkard. Whoremonger. The son of a High Lord who spent his time spending his family's money on fine wine, loose woman, and books over everything else. Never once had the man's reputation in life revolved around assassin, killing others, or violence in general.
So she decided another approach.
"I had important business in King's Landing with my husband. An assassin attempted to end my second youngest son's life," said Catelyn with some of the people in the room gasping since to kill a child was truly a despicable thing.
"Seeing as I saw young Brandon walking about with a little help when at Winterfell, I can easily presume the assassin failed," said Tyrion with Catelyn nodding with many around them sighing in relief knowing House Stark had avoided something so horrible as losing a child.
"My son's dire wolf ripped the man's throat out," answered Catelyn while not wanting to give away the assassin (as far as she knew) was still in the Winterfell dungeons.
"A firm and righteous punishment for someone aiming to kill a young boy. Never let it be said the Gods don't deliver such things to the truly wicked," said Tyrion with a smile.
"If you would sit with us Lord Lannister, I feel we need to talk about some things," said Catelyn while Tyrion frowned a bit in confusion at what she wanted to talk about before shrugging and moved to sit by Ser Rodrik.
"Yoren, grab a chair and sit with us," said Tyrion after the shock of seeing Lady Stark in their midst.
"Yes my Lord," said Yoren before he walked over with a chair and sat down with them.
"Did you really see my son Brandon walking around?" asked Catelyn curiously.
"Yes. He walked right into the Main Hall as I was talking to your eldest son and Maester Luwin. Yoren here was a witness to the whole event," said Tyrion with Yoren nodding.
"Aye, the lad was being helped by a big fella and the Greyjoy lad. Lord Lannister even gave the boy a gift to ensure there won't be a second fall," said Yoren before explaining Tyrion's gift to Bran and how the boy loved it.
"Given the boy's current condition, I doubt he will be climbing anytime soon." said Ser Rodrik while seeing how nervous the Tully woman was regarding her son's desire to go climbing.
"Indeed. From what I can gather, the boy remembers nothing. Though Maester Luwin was no doubt trying to throw me off in the event I was the initial attacker. And now, there was second attempt on young Bran's life while I was at the Wall. Curious. I didn't think a boy so young could obtain such attention from an assassin or someone hiring them to end the life of a young future Lord," said Tyrion since he knew such assassins were expensive to pay given the target in question.
"The assassin used a unique weapon when he tried to kill my son. A dagger made with Valerian steel and has a dragon bone hilt. One of a kind," said Catelyn with Tyrion's eyes widening in shock.
"Do you still have it?" asked Tyrion with Catelyn shaking her head.
"I gave it to my husband when I was in King's Landing. We met with Lord Baelish and he told us how the dagger once belonged to him. But he wagered it on Prince Joffrey's last name day during a tournament," answered Catelyn with Tyrion nodding.
"Yes he did. I bet against him and won. My brother maybe one of the best knights in all of the Seven Kingdoms, but House Tyrell has the better jousters. I won the dagger from him fairly," answered Tyrion with Catelyn nodding.
"Did you bring it with you to Winterfell?" asked Catelyn with Tyrion nodding.
"I did, but it went missing sometime before we arrived. I couldn't find it. I was hoping to show it to your husband and get his opinion of the weapon given how the blade itself is Valerian steel," answered Tyrion while wondering who could have taken it to use against young Brandon.
"Who else knew you had the bloody thing?" asked Yoren with Tyrion thinking it over.
"My sibling of course. The King. The Hound. And my nephew Joffrey," answered Tyrion with Catelyn and Ser Rodrik not liking this.
"We can rule out the King. He wouldn't dare raise a hand or war hammer against one of Lord Stark's children," said Ser Rodrik with Catelyn nodding.
"The Hound wouldn't hire an assassin. Knowing that man, he would just fight his way into the room to do the deed himself," remarked Tyrion knowing the Hound would do the job himself.
"Would your siblings hire an assassin? Would either of them have the stomach do such a thing?" asked Yoren while Tyrion thought it over.
"My brother? No. He wouldn't hire an assassin. Being raised around knights, nobility, and honor would make the idea of hiring an assassin beneath him. He never felt hiring such people was the right way to do things. Now, my Father other hand, he would have hired someone, but the man is back at Casterly Rock without any knowledge of what happened to young Brandon. My sister however...she would entertain the idea. She always believed in the subtle, yet equally effective approach. Though I doubt she had the time to steal the dagger from my luggage. Being the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms also means being near the King where ever he goes during the day doing Kingly things. And when the Queen is not, she is usually around one of the Kingsguard for protection," said Tyrion knowing his sister well enough that she couldn't plan something like this right away.
She would seek out those who could.
"Which leaves...the Prince," said Ser Rodrik in a whispered tone so no one would hear them throughout the Inn.
"The Crown Prince? Why would Prince Joffrey do such a thing to Lord Stark's son?" asked Yoren with Tyrion frowning in thought.
"My nephew does what he wants simply because the fool thinks his title as Prince and future King allows him to do whatever he wants to begin with. Joffrey killed a pregnant cat in the belief it would please his Father. I can only imagine what the King might have said near him to instigate such an act," said Tyrion knowing the boy's head was filling with the kind of madness the Mad King during his reign.
"I owe Master Liang an apology. I was so focused on believing you or someone from your House was responsible for Brandon's suffering, I didn't see the truth," said Catelyn with Tyrion shrugging.
"You wouldn't be the first person to hate me simply for existing in this world Lady Stark. I get enough of that from my sister and my Father," said Tyrion sadly knowing those two were itching for the day when the Lannister name and gold couldn't protect him.
"What do we do now? We can't exactly go back to King's Landing and tell Lord Stark that the Crowned Prince himself might have actually had a hand in attempting to murder young Brandon" asked Ser Rodrik with the small group looking concerned.
"We should head East to the Vale," said Sub-Zero after making his presence known to them and scaring the group.
"Seven Hells man, do you have to do that?" asked Yoren, who had reached for his sword, but realized if the Grandmaster wanted them dead, he would have done it by now.
"Why do we need to go to the Vale?" asked Catelyn curiously.
"To see your sister. She has much to answer for in regards to her crimes," said Sub-Zero with Catelyn frowning.
"I can accept I was mistaken about Lord Tyrion hiring an assassin to kill my son, but the accusation of my sister being a conspirator in the murder of Jon Arryn is preposterous!" stated Catelyn with Sub-Zero unaffected by her glare.
"Is it? You haven't seen her for five years," said Sub-Zero with Catelyn scowling.
"He's not wrong. The woman has changed since you last saw her, Lady Stark," added Tyrion since he had seen the woman often when in King's Landing and saw the woman was not right in the head.
"Not to mention she did write the letter implicating House Lannister in the plot to kill Jon Arryn," said Sub-Zero with Catelyn frowning.
"Which when you think about it, is completely stupid! Why would House Lannister want to murder the Hand of the King? Much less someone like Lord Arryn? He was too well respected. Loved by all! Even my Father, for all his ruthlessness, respected the late Lord Hand. House Lannister gains nothing from Lord Arryn's death," said Tyrion with Catelyn not liking the idea that her own sister was possibly trying to help start a war between the Starks and the Lannisters.
"What about the other conspirators?" asked Catelyn knowing there were more.
"They have laid low long enough. Its time we make ripples in the water and make them stir to reveal themselves," answered Sub-Zero before looking at Tyrion.
"What? Why are you looking at me?" asked Tyrion curiously.
"Because you are going to help us make the ripple my friend. You are coming with us...to the Vale," said Sub-Zero with Tyrion looking shocked.
"Why me?" asked Tyrion with a frown.
"Lysa Arryn has accused House Lannister of murdering her husband. Catelyn Stark also believes you had a hand in the attempted murder of her son. Naturally, Lady Stark would wish to bring you to Vale to see her sister as a prisoner, and to dispense the King's Justice upon the accused," replied Sub-Zero with Tyrion grimacing.
"I don't like the idea of being used as bait," said Tyrion with Sub-Zero nodding.
"I know. No one does. But this is necessary," said Sub-Zero before looking over at the others.
"What about me? I am heading to King's Landing to gather the prisoners in the dungeons to take back to the Night's Watch," said Yoren with Sub-Zero nodding.
"And you will. You will also visit Lord Stark and tell him what his wife has done. You will also tell him in secret that the trap is being set against the enemies of the Crown. He will understand. If not him, my student will know in his place. Also, I suggest when you leave here, you move with a purpose," said Sub-Zero with Yoren nodding.
"I will have to damn near kill my horse to get to King's Landing in record time, but I think I can get there to tell Lord Stark before the rest of the city knows what you are about to do," said Yoren with Sub-Zero nodding.
"Shall we?" asked Sub-Zero with Tyrion sighing before glancing up at him.
"I'm not going to regret this, am I?" asked Tyrion curiously.
"That depends," answered Sub-Zero.
"Depends on what?" asked Tyrion.
"It depends on whether you have your head placed on the execution block before this is over," answered Sub-Zero with a hint of humor in his voice.
All Tyrion could do was groan knowing he was going to regret this whole thing already.
(A/N: YAY! Another update. Hope you enjoyed it. GoT is coming to an end. Only a few more episodes left and so many have died as of episode 3. THAT WAS NUTS! So many people died that we didn't think would, but did! Until next time...PEACE!)
