Rivers of Fire and Blood

Tyrion VIII

isclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Ice and Fire Novels, Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon TV shows. However, I decided to have a little play around with the characters. I do not earn any money from writing these stories, it is for my entertainment and is something I like to share.

There were many things Tyrion Lannister was good at, trickery and double crossing people was one of his favourites. The more difficult the character to double cross, the more challenging. The ultimate challenge was the person inside Brandon Stark. Hopefully the real boy was still alive, and maybe he could be saved, but he knew someone who was aware the Bran was someone else, possibly the previous Three Eyed Raven, an old Targaryen bastard known as Bloodraven, or Brynden Rivers, who happened to be able to see everything, was the ultimate opponent. He loved playing the Game of Thrones and he loved winning, this time he hoped he was going to win for the right person. The only problem in this case, was convincing the right person that he was the right person. Jon was one of those people who seemed to incite loyalty towards him. He was arrogant, yet humble, although he was confident, but realistic. He learned from his mistakes, something which made him a rarity amongst those who should sit on what should be the Iron Throne. Tyrion had never wanted Jon to completely disappear, he'd wanted to make sure he was available to take over if Bran turned out to be a shit King. At first Bran had seemed alright, despite his very strange appointments, but his odd behaviours had made Tyrion very suspicious of his true motives. Over the last few months, Bran had committed some heinous acts, which meant Tyrion knew Jon was the right choice for King. The problem was, as always, convincing him it could be done.

On his voyage from the Last River to White Harbour, Tyrion decided the only person who might talk some sense into Jon was Ser Davos. This was going to require some trickery on their part, as long as the Onion Knight would agree to it. Not towards Jon, but on a grander scale, because if they were going to put Jon on a newly forged Iron Throne, they were going to have to get Bran off it, and they needed to know who and what they were up against. This meant there was the possibility of someone having to return to Kings Landing and to plot to overthrow the King.

Tyrion had made up a list of houses who could be easily persuaded to help them, but it was going to take more than marching around every house in Westeros, that would take years. Ravens weren't an option, and flying dragons to every house would be problematic, as the moment they left, King Bran would intervene. Something else was required, and Tyrion had a wonderful idea of how to achieve it. This would require a meeting with Ser Davos and Lord Manderly in private, without the King or Queen knowing what they were up to. The less time they had to act, the more they would have to do what Tyrion needed them to do, which was why all three were sat in his solar that very evening after Jon and Sansa had left for Dragonstone.

"Ah good. Dornish red. You have no idea how much I miss a good glass of fine wine." Tyrion grinned at his cup.

"I'll stick with ale." Davos said.

"So, what tricks have you got up your sleeve?" Lord Manderly asked, pouring Davos a cup of ale before one for himself.

"What makes you think it is trickery?" Tyrion raised and eyebrow.

"You're a Lannister." Lord Manderly laughed.

"Well, that is true. But on this occasion, my trickery is only to benefit the right people." he said.

"You only ever want to benefit yourself." Lord Manderly looked at him sceptically.

"I would listen to what he has to say first." Ser Davos insisted.

"I have good reason to stay loyal to Jon and Sansa. I cannot explain it right now, but all will make sense. All I will say is my heart is tied to their cause." Tyrion looked into his cup as his mind drew towards Ranny. Tyrion had lusted after women before, but this time it was her mind and kindness which attracted Tyrion, and he knew the feelings were mutual, albeit she possibly would change her mind if he was ever disloyal to Jon.