AN: Apologies for the delay, but I now have a surplus of two chapters. I will try to post them on weekends.

Alright then, onto the next leg of this story. Also, fixed a minor issue no one seems to have caught in chapter 6. I said Ser Boros Blount joined the KG when I was thinking Balon Swann. It is now fixed.

WESTERLANDS-LANNISPORT-BROTHEL

TYRION

Tyrion laid down on top of three naked women as they all rested from the rather...vigorous work out they just had.

'Honestly, why can't life just be like this?' Tyrion thought to himself. Of course he knew why. It would be rather boring if he JUST had whores to fuck. He may do things to excess-such as fucking, drinking and reading- but when he got bored of the monotony of one, he had others things he could do an excess of. Many of his best times in Casterly Rock's library had been either preceded or succeeded by trips to his favorite brothels.

After that rest and getting dressed, Tyrion exited the spacious room to the main hall where Jyck and Morrec were. At the sight of their lord the two stood up and accompanied Tyrion out of the brothel.

'Might as well see any new cards they have.' Tyrion decided. Instead of going up the path to Casterly Rock, he made for a section of shops near the brothel.

While Tyrion had hardly lost a duel since the cards had first been declared safe, he found himself unable to find cards that really fit with him. He had tried many different combinations.

He had tried a straight power deck, filled with monsters relatively easy to summon when taking their Attack Points into consideration. He had tried a deck based on removing your opponent's deck to cause a deck out win. He had even experimented around with a deck designed to stop his opponents from ever using their trap and spell cards.

Every one of them had brought him nothing but victory. Yet at the same time, they all felt wrong, like that time he had been forced to wear Jaime's old clothes from when he was a child as a dare. They technically fit, but they were so uncomfortable he was glad to be rid of them.

As they entered the shop, he allowed himself to look at the display cases and wonder at how it all worked. He reached out to touch a card, but was unable to grab it. It would remain so until he paid the price listed under it.

As it was for all the cards. The one Merchant ware that was immune to thievery. No one could explain it-or anything else about the cards, but Tyrion would bet money the Citadel had Maesters working without rest to try to uncover every mystery connected to them.

As he perused the available cards, he made a mental list of all the ones he already had.

'No worthwhile traps that I don't already have. Spell cards are good on their own but not sure any would fit my current deck. As for monsters….'

Tyrion's eyes fell on one card.

'Ah, this would work wonders.'

He approached the man in charge of the shop today-the owner's son or nephew perhaps- and showed him which card he was interested in. After exchanging the gold needed, he threw in some silvers for some of the boxes. Tyrion enjoyed the gambling aspect of them. Not knowing what was in the box until later.

As they exited the shop, Tyrion found himself at the edge of a crowd of people surrounding a man standing on a pile of rocks-probably there for some work on a building that was being fixed.

"The gods have gifted us with a way to finally be free! Lords have long maintained their power through the loyalty of heretics who prefer the pleasures of flesh over those of the soul. They take better weapons and armor and ways of fighting and keep them to themselves, only aiding us when they have need for us. But now we have a way to fight these impious lords who grow fat off of the labor of our work! Where is your pride? Think of where you will be in ten-no five years. Tywin Lannister will rot in one of the Seven Hells for all his sins, and a twisted demon-monkey will be the monster you all obey! Can true believers of the Seven, really be underneath such a degenerate, who should have never been born?"

At the start, there had been some who looked like they agreed with the man. Mostly the sailors or merchants who came from outside the Westerlands. But for every one of those, there were five who looked at him just for entertainment. By the time he started to talk about Tywin's death, the crowd had started to disperse.

It was one thing to rage against all lords, but to specifically insult the Lord of Casterly Rock in LANNISPORT of all places...the poor fool was practically guaranteed a long death. Either that or pray to the Seven that he had a good enough deck to escape.

'This must be one of that Septon's followers. The fool is just going to get them all killed if this is the best he can come up with.' With the High Septon declaring the upstart as someone perverting the Light of the Seven for his own gain, the vast majority of the faith was against him. He was lucky to have escaped King's Landing with the few idiots who thought to join him.

Having nothing left to do, Tyrion and his men returned to their steads and started riding back to Casterly Rock.

Along the way, Tyrion would spot the occasional Lanny or Lantell, but none called out to greet him. He was used to it. They were but distant kin, and while his height may drag his standing in society down with it, he was still a mountain higher than those families. After leaving the city and heading North, Tyrion looked back on a whim and saw a ship approaching the Harbor. That would not be so strange except for the sigil on the ship's mast. Three Black Scorpions on red.

'What is a ship belonging to house Qorgyle doing in the Westerlands?' Tyrion thought to himself.

Officially-or as official as it can be while maintaining the appearance of peace-the feud between Dorne and the Westerlands was only between Houses Martell and Lannister. But, the houses sworn to either would not usually risk not taking the same stance as their lord.

Racking his brain, Tyrion recalled the Qorgyle family tree. If he was remembering right, Lord Qorgyle had been fostered in the Reach with the current Lord Kenning. Perhaps he was visiting his old friend. That relationship started before the feud, so Prince Doran likely would not feel insulted from his banner having good relations with a western lord.

After half an hour of leisurely riding, they reach Casterly Rock. Once back home, Tyrion dismisses Jyck and Morrec for now and heads to the library. Once there, he pulls out a book he had almost finished and sat down to read.

RIVERLANDS-RIVERRUN

EDMURE

"So Patrek, I hear you had to cross the Twins on business. Can we expect a wedding invitation?" The future lord of Riverrun asked his friend as he greeted him by the gate.

"Jest all you want, but I managed to escape with my self unwed. Can't say the same for everyone the Late Lord invites to a private meal." The knight told his friend.

"So how did you then? Your right behind me in terms of possible husbands for noble ladies in the Riverlands." Edmure inquired in a slightly more serious manner.

"Old Frey has been shaken off his usual ways. Apparently nothing is going right for the house. That Septon who came through here? He apparently took almost the last third of Walder's male succession with him."

Edmure stopped and looked at him. "What did you just say?"

"Out of Lord Frey's fifty something legitimate male descendents named Frey, the fifteen boys or men farthest from becoming Lord left with the Septon."

Edmure looked at his friend. "Why am I just hearing about this NOW?" He demanded to know.

"Probably because anyone who would be able to talk with you about it would know to avoid the Twins altogether. Though Lord Frey did say he sent a raven here."

'Damn you Father' Edmure thought and immediately felt guilty. That was the last thing he wanted, but right now it was how he felt. With Father stuck in his bed chambers, it fell on Edmure to rule in his name. Keeping things from him would just make it harder.

Edmure sighed and tried to calm down. "Did Lord Frey say anything else that I should know about?"

"Aye, and it ties back to the Septon as well. Apparently Walder's grandson Zachery-he's in Oldtown training to be a Septon himself- has fallen in with the Septon's teachings. It's a minority now, but there are people of the Faith who follow him in almost every Sept. Zachery was apparently part of convincing his half siblings and uncles and cousins. After they all left, they found letters from Zachery to each of them. Same as Luceon, one of the Most Devout, though his letters were more for the older Freys while Zachery spoke to the younger ones."

Edmure sighed. "Can we come up with a better name for him than just 'The Septon'? Sometimes it gets really confusing who we talk about."

"He does have another nickname apparently. It is what his followers refer to him as." Patreck revealed.

"Oh, what is it? Has he taken to styling himself the True High Septon?" He quipped, but his heart was not into it.

"Not quite but surprisingly close. His followers call him the High Sparrow. But another name that is less popular is the Divine Duelist."

THE REACH-HIGHGARDEN

MARGAERY

"Grandmother was shouting up a storm. I take it you know why?" Willas asked his sister.

Margaery sighed, "Honestly, I have no idea. Did Father come up with another idea that she claims is idiotic?"

"No, in fact father just had to leave earlier today. Something about one of that Septon's followers hiding out in a winery. He and Garland left to try to catch him."

"Don't tell me Mother said something to upset her." Margaery said.

"No idea. All I know is she is complaining about anything to everyone who will hear her. And as her son is the Lord, anyone who ignores her can be seen as insulting her." Willas explained.

Margaery got a better look at her brother. He had his amiable smile, but he was rubbing his lame leg, which he tended to do while deep in thought.

"Anything troubling you Brother?" She asked.

Willas sighed. "It's nothing much, just been awhile since I last got correspondence from Oberyn. Wondering what is taking so long."

Margaery looked confused. "Did you not here? Apparently his daughters are more numerous than even he thought. Is he not on his way to get another bastard and bring her back?"

"That is the thing, Sister." Willas said. "I have been friends with that man for years. Ever since we started our companionship, he has told me about each of his daughters. But this time? I hear about it from Grandmother's gossip. Something is not right."

STORMLANDS-STORM'S END

BRIENNE

"Ready to head out, lady Brienne?" Ser Cortnay asked her as they readied their horses.

"Aye Ser." Brienne responded.

By taking stock of which ravens were still making it into the castle, the Maester had found that the majority of them were coming in from the south. A force of knights was dispatched southward, and would approach from the west to hunt down the rogues responsible. Meanwhile Ser Cortnay and her would ride east to catch them in between the two forces.

"I hope it is just some thieves with delusions of grandeur. If it is an actual organized force, then we may not be able to ensure your safety My Lady." Ser Cortnay explained.

"I know Ser, but I came to find what was keeping you from responding, and if this keeps up, who knows what chaos is happening in the rest of the Stormlands."

"Too true my Lady. All we can do is pray." Ser Cortnay said before turning to the rest of the mounted knights, preparing them to head out.

FOUR DAYS LATER-KING'S LANDING-RED KEEP-KING'S SOLAR

ROBERT

"And then, Ned grabbed a smaller hammer, and chased me around the Eyrie for three straight hours!" Robert said amidst his own laughter only for Tommen to laugh as well while Myrcella just smiled.

He had taken to inviting his kids to his solar when there was no urgent business, so he could regal them with stories of his youth, duel them, or just spend time. He had even tried to invite Cersei, but she always refused. Joffrey had also yet to come. Robert feared he had failed the boy already.

"Is he really your best friend?" Tommen asked.

"Aye. There is not a man I trust more than Ned Stark. I wonder what he's up to right now. Probably something boring and tedious that honor demands he do himself." Robert mused.

MEANWHILE-WINTERFELL-MAIN HALL

EDDARD

"PULL HARDER TORMUND!" Ned yelled at the Wildling as he held Rickon's left leg. Tormund was holding his right.

"I'M PULLING STARK!" Tormund yelled back.

On the other side, Jon, Catelyn, Sansa, Hodor, Ygritte, and Theon were holding onto Samwell Tarly, pulling him as well. Despite their combined strength, Rickon's jaws remained firmly clenched on Sam's arm.

"RICKON, LISTEN TO ME, SAM IS NOT MEAT. YOU CANNOT EAT HIM!" Jon yelled at Rickon, Sam's screams having subsided into quieter whimpers.

"HOW IS A THREE YEAR OLD THIS STRONG?" Robb said as he and Gilly attempted to open Rickon's mouth up enough to loosen his hold.

BACK TO KING'S LANDING-KING'S SOLAR

ROBERT

"Yup, no doubt it something honorable. That man.." Robert mused with a chuckle.

"If you ever need help and I am gone, see if you can send him a message. He will do everything in his power to help you."

A knock on the door sounded.

"Enter." Robert barked.

The door opened to reveal the younger of his two squires, Tyrek Lannister.

"Pardon, Your Grace, but the Lord Hand says that an emergency meeting of the small council is to take place soon. He said to inform you.

'Always something.' Robert mused in thought.

"Alright then. Tommen, Myrcella, sorry to cut this short, but a King's work is never done. Ser Boros, escort the Prince and Princess back to their chambers."

Ser Boros nodded and stood by the two children as Robert left with Tyrek and Sers Moore and Oakheart.

Robert looked at his squire. "Where is your cousin, or is he brother? Honestly there are so many lions here it's hard to keep track of the ones not also stags. But I do not think I have seen him much recently. He does have duties as a squire."

Tyrek gulped in nervousness. "Cousin, Your Grace. Lancel has been praying. He did so before, but after the cards appeared he appeared to have some religious awakening."

Robert nodded. "Ah, well next time you see him, remind him he still has duties to others as well as the Seven. Wouldn't be fair if he puts all the work on your shoulders."

Robert walked into the Small Council, just as Stannis, Baelish and Varys were about to sit down. The three stood upon seeing him. Ser Barristan raced in from the white tower, and took a stand by Robert's chair. After another few minutes, Pycelle, Jon, and Renly came in. Jon's face showed panic and worry, while Pycelle's showed a mixture of rage and fear.

"Alright Jon, what is so urgent?" Robert asked his Hand and father figure.

Jon looked at him, the emotions on his face evident for all to see.

"I am afraid...that a declaration of war has been issued."

"WHAT?" Robert said in shock. Stannis, Renly, and Littlefinger joining in the shock based on their faces "Has Viserys Targaeryn managed to raise an army so quickly? Varys, I thought you said the Dothraki had been exterminated!"

Varys looked at Robert, confusion on his face. Apparently even he did not know what Jon was talking about.

"My birds did not lie to me, the Dothraki have either been crushed or scattered too far to band together. I have heard nothing of Viserys gaining any more swords to his claim."

"It was not Viserys." Jon said, his voice hard but brittle. "The raven came from Casterly Rock."

THREE DAYS AGO - CASTERLY ROCK-TYWIN'S BEDCHAMBERS.

TYWIN

Tywin Lannister entered his bedchamber after a long day of work in both his solar and hall. He had done everything from approving of marriages for the many Lannister branches, to approving of merchants coming to help restock Casterly Rock's stores.

It was a hot summer night, and Tywin had experiences of waking up from the heat on such nights, so he ordered a bucket filled from one of the water wells inside Casterly Rock and brought up to him. He took a goblet and filled it with the bucket. He then took a long gulp of the cool water as he prepared to go to bed.

As expected less than four hours later, he did end up waking from his dreamless sleep. But it was not the heat that awoke him. Instead, it was the sound of something hitting his door and then the door opening.

When he was fully cognizant, he looked at the open door to see the guard's body on the ground, with the person who had opened the door standing by his bed.

Standing above him, in the garb of a merchant, was Oberyn Martell, Duel Disk visible, and drinking out of his goblet.

"Ah, Lord Tywin. I would apologize for the disturbance, but then again, The Mountain did not when you ordered him to kill my sister and her children."

AN: And there is where we leave off this chapter. You can guess what is going to happen next chapter.

Originally this chapter was just Tyrion-Robert-Ned-Tywin. I added the other POVs to lengthen it out, but tried to keep a theme in each. Except for the Winterfell one. That was meant to mirror a favorite scene from an anime.

So now, we move to start a war.

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TYWIN V OBERYN