Tyrion's Chambers - Keep, King's Landing Crown Lands - Less than an hour before Stannis' fleet arrives.
Tyrion was being helped on his specially-made-for-him armour by his latest squire, a little odd but good boy named Pordrick. At the same time, the famous Purple Spider had visited him and brought him the maps he needed with the sewer system and underground tunnels; something that he thought of after his years being responsible for the same parts in Casterly Rock.
"There must be twenty miles of tunnels beneath the city." Tyrion pointed out.
"Closer to fifty. The Targaryens built this city to withstand a siege and to provide escape if necessary" Varys informed him, having learnt of all those tunnels when he was expanding his 'little bird' network.
"I'm not escaping. Strange as it sounds, I'm the captain of the ship, and if the ship goes down, I go with her." Tyrion said with an unusual seriousness.
Yet, the eunuch did not comment on the sudden courage of the short lord.
"That is good to hear. Though I'm sure many captains say the same while their ship is afloat. You look well suited for battle, my lord."
"Well, I'm not."
"For all our sakes, I hope you are wrong. My little birds tell me that Stannis Baratheon has taken up with a red priestess from Asshai."
Tyrion shrugged his shoulders.
"What of it?" he asked, not truly seeing what was important about a priestess.
Varys looked at him carefully, his head tilted ever so faintly.
"You don't believe in the old powers, my lord?"
"Blood spells, curses, shape-shifting. What do you think?"
"I am surprised, considering your good-mother," he said, making the Imp look at him with confusion.
"What about her?" he asked, wondering what Varys truly knew of her since he was only passing her information to her and Tywin while away in battle to assist them.
There was this amusement in the eyes of the eunuch, a small glint of pride of knowing far more than the Lion in front of him.
"Odd, for someone so well-read you do not seem to know a lot about her ancestry"
As Tyrion started to understand, he could not help but roll his eyes.
"You can't be possibly talking of that stupid mark, are you? Dragons are dead and there is nothing supernatural about it, as there was nothing supernatural about the Targaryens taming dragons"
"Were" he corrected him. "Daenerys Targaryen has three and I assure you, your good-mother is not as ordinary as you think" he continued but said nothing more of the subject, choosing to keep the rest of the details for himself.
"I think you believe in what you see, my Lord and that is a mistake. There is far more behind the world we know. Believe me, for I have seen things and heard things, things you have not, things I wish I had not." He said, hiding any signs of dark memories and haunting moments of his younger years as he learnt of the true world and not the one many thought it was just a story.
"I don't believe I've ever told you how I was cut."
"No, I don't believe you have."
"One day, I will. The dark arts have provided Lord Stannis with his armies and paved his path to our door. For a man in service to such powers to sit on the Iron Throne, I can think of nothing worse. And tonight, I believe you are the only man who can stop him."
Tystan's Chambers, Red Keep - King's Landing, CrownLands -Around the same time
The Young Lion had just finished wearing his armour with the help of his squire and then allowed the boy to leave, not wishing for him to be in the heat of battle. He tested the grip and flexibility of his movements, satisfied with it.
He had never truly been into a huge battle, one that was part of a war as big and important as that one but he was ready. He could hear his father's voice in his ear, all those years raising him to be the perfect heir, the perfect Lord and future Head of the Family.
Before that, however, he had to learn how to be the perfect soldier and knight. While he still did not have the respect or the experience to command, he had the skills and he had the rank to be in control of a part of the army left back to handle anyone passing through the front lines; ensuring no one would try to enter the Red Keep through the sewers, small doors and alleys that also led into the city.
He fixed his sword and then grabbed a familiar dagger from a small brown knife holster strapped to the inside of his left arm. The Valyrian Steel dagger was a gift from his mother when he left for King's Landing to be Jaime's squire; a means to be able to protect himself if he truly had to.
On it, a name was written in High Valyrian; a language his mother had taught him and he could speak and read it with enough proficiency.
"Balerion "he read the name out loud and passed his fingers over the engravings. He was the old Valyrian God of death and the underworld, a representation of the Stranger in the Faith of the Seven.
He could still remember the words of his mother when he handed him that dagger.
"Balerion, to ensure you do not meet the certain god earlier than you must" she had told him and he had kept it on him ever since.
Placing it in the specially made sheath, it was camouflaged easily along the straps of his lower arm-guard but could easily be retrieved from him with his right hand if he ever truly needed it.
Taking his helmet from his desk, he marched towards the door since it was time to meet with the rest of the troops. Upon exiting his chambers, he took notice of Sansa along with her handmaiden and Tyrion's secret lover; Shae.
"Lady Sansa, Lady Shae" Trystan greeted both women, offering a small bow like a true knight. "May I ask why you two ladies are not in Maegor's holdfast, for your own protection?" he asked.
The Stark girl smiled when he first greeted them, a silly small smile that her handmaiden did not miss. She tried to remain serious as she quickly inspected him once again in Lannister armour or at least Casterly Rock Heir Ranked Armour.
"We will head there shortly after. King Joffrey had requested me to see him off before the battle" she explained, playing with something in her hands.
"I see," he said without a single change of emotions on his face. "I would escort you myself but I am afraid my path is the other way to go find my troops" he explained.
Sansa nodded, understanding what he meant and she played with something in her arms.
"Of course, Ser...Just...I wanted to return this to you" she said and lifted her one hand, showing it was his handkerchief that he had given her from back then.
The corner of his lips twitched, a smile threatening to form but he fought it.
"My Lady, I do believe that you should keep it but if you insist on returning it to me" he said and gently took it from her, the edges of their fingers barely touching and she tried hard not to blush.
It was then that the young Lion took notice of something embroidered at the edge of it. The initials TL were at the side of it with red thread, something that did not exist before. He looked from them at her, who had a faint pink hue on her pale cheeks.
"Back in the North, it is customary to give something to the men before going to war; a token of good luck with the promise to return it" she explained, playing with the hem of her dress, her eyes never truly looking at him for far too long.
Trystan blinked slowly, his lips having parted just a bit as he processed the information.
In the end, he offered her a small weak smile.
"Then I shall keep it safe, my lady and return it to you once the battle is over," he said and placed it inside his chest plate. "However, shouldn't you give such gifts to your future husband?"
At the mention of Joffrey, Sansa became a little bit more serious but also timid.
"I will offer my words to him and my wishes to return safely, Ser. Himself had wished me to do so and this is why he requested my presence before the battle" she explained.
"Then I suggest you do not keep him waiting for long, My Lady," he said and gently took her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles. "I will see you after the battle"
Sansa watched him walk the same way they had come, her cheeks a pink hue that stood out against her pale complexion. Fingers played with the hem of her dress and she was just staring at the retreating form of Trystan for a moment longer, until Shae nudged her gently.
When she looked at the older woman, the Stark girl saw that known smirk on her lips.
"He is a charming boy, is he not?" she questioned as the two of them started to walk again.
She tried her best to look forward and not give anything away.
"He is just being well-mannered and acts like a knight. He is not like the rest of his family" she said, trying to justify her actions.
Shae wanted to argue, saying that Tyrion was different compared to the others as well but she did not; knowing better than to expose her relationship with him.
"I did not say he is not. I asked if you find him charming but with this personality, I can see the answer already" she said and Sansa tried hard to remain professional and keep that blush away. "Worry not, my lady. I will not speak of a word. I understand your position"
This made Sansa look at her with curiosity.
"You do?" she asked, knowing practically nothing about her handmaiden.
Shae nodded but before she could answer anything else, they entered a different room and were spotted by Tyrion.
Inside of the Harbour Wall, Blackwater Bay - King's Landing, Crown Lands - Beginning of the battle.
Tyrion had a brilliant and mad plan that truly helped when the battle first began. Using wildfire from a decoy ship and a flaming arrow from Bronn, he burnt a big percentage of both Stannis' fleet and men.
However, many more survived and they used the remnants of the ships as bridges while they were motivated by the need to avenge their fallen brotherhoods and honour their King. They landed on the bay and charged straight for the walls.
They were quickly met with flaming arrows, forcing them to hide beneath their shields. Their attempts to climb the wall were not very fruitful for boulders and heavy rocks were thrown on top of them, smashing and killing many unfortunate men to be found on the other side of them.
Then, they tried to reach the Mud Gate and enter elsewhere but resistance waited for them. Trystan was to lead his group side by side with Ser Sandor and Lancel.
"Any man dies with a clean sword, I'll rape his fucking corpse!" The Hound shouted at the men as they all got ready to charge.
"Always the motivational speaker Ser Sandor" Trystan joked and got his blade ready as he led the charge by his side.
They engaged the enemy forces, shields and swords being used to block and kill any Baratheon man they could see. Blood splattered on their armour, and resistance was met from both sides as men faced one another in a show of brute strength, guts and confidence.
Arrows flew from both sides and Trystan managed to grab a Baratheon man and use him as a shield as two arrows pierced the man's back. As he tossed the man to the side, he heard the sound of screaming and as he turned his head; he saw his cousin Lancel with an arrow stuck in his chest.
He stumbled back and was about to be killed by a Baratheon soldier when Trystan tossed his shield at the man, smacking him in the side of the helmet with it. It shocked the enemy and earned the Half-Lion a few extra seconds to rush with his sword and stab the man through the stomach.
He pushed his body to the side and withdrew his bloody sword, his chest barely being able to move under his heavy armour while he panted faintly. He quickly turned and helped Lancel up to his feet as he stumbled and whined from the pain.
"Retreat, now," he told him, pushing him behind their lines and towards the gates.
At the same time, he turned to face the next enemy only to see the Hound standing like a statue in the middle of the battlefield. His eyes were wide, his body frozen as he saw a Baratheon man charging at him while covered in flames.
However, an arrow shot by Bronn passed through the man's eye and took him down before his hatchet could end the life of the younger Clegane. Yet, the mighty Hound looked around and saw more of their men losing.
With the fires he could not concentrate, he could not focus and all he could think of was the pain coming from his face as his face was pushed on the flames by his mad brother.
"Sandor!" Trystan shouted, making him snap out from his little PTSD moment as he sliced another man, only to see the knight walking back into the Gates.
Seeing that this was not going to take them anywhere, Trystan raised his voice once again.
"Fall back! Fall back!" he ordered, his voice managing to be heard above the sound of blades and cries of dying men.
The soldiers heard him and they all started to walk backwards, shields and swords raised while they kept pushing the enemy back. The gates were open for them to pass and after some struggle, they managed to close again and keep the Baratheon soldiers out.
Trystan pulled off his helmet, feeling sweat mixing with blood thanks to the rain coming above them, while his limbs started to feel sore from the constant fighting. If it weren't for the years of practice and the adrenaline pumping through his veins, he doubted he would have survived this dog.
He looked around him, seeing many men wounded but alive while others were trying to focus once again and prepare themselves for battle. His attention went to the wound as a soldier gave him a wine pouch to drink and they all watched him walk further away from the gates.
"Can I get you some iced milk and a nice bowl of raspberries, too?" Tyrion asked from the steps that led to the top of the wall where Joffrey and all the archers were.
"Eat shit, dwarf." Was the Hound's reply.
"You're on the wrong side of the wall."
"I lost half my men. The Blackwater's on fire."
Joffrey climbed down a few steps as well and glared down at the knight.
"Dog, I command you to go back out there and fight!"
Sandor only looked down defeated, not motivated to go out there again.
"You're Kingsguard, Clegane. You must beat them back or they're going to take this city. Your king's city." Tyrion told him, hoping to motivate him.
The Hound finally lifted his head to look at them.
"Fuck the Kingsguard. Fuck the city. Fuck the king." He said and left them.
Trystan marched their way, having witnessed everything. He suspected that the whole bay on fire had awoken some dark memories for Ser Sandor but now it was the worst timing for them.
"What do we do now, brother?" he asked Tyrion.
Suddenly, Lancel managed to reach them. He was wounded but he could still move and yet chose not to rejoin the battle but instead act as a messenger for Cersei. The Queen has ordered Joffrey to return and meet her in Maegor's holdfast, where he should remain.
Tyrion tried to argue with him, to pressure him to lead and fight for the men would lose their morale but Joffrey was too afraid. He ordered two of his Kingsguards to stay at his place and lead while he retreated with Lancel, earning a look of disbelief from the youngest Lion.
"You must be kidding me" he commented and just as he said that, the men took notice of Joffrey's absence.
"Where is the king? Why isn't he with us?"
"Who are we fighting for?"
"Who leads us?"
As those questions were thrown around, they could hear the ram smacking against the wooden gates that would not stand for much longer.
Suddenly, as realization descended upon Tyrion; he spoke words he would have never thought of saying.
"I'll lead the attack," he said. "I'll lead the attack!" he repeated, the second time louder.
Some soldiers heard him, mixed responses coming from such a statement.
"Yes."
"What are you talking about?"
Tyrion looked at his squire.
"Pod, my helmet."
Then he turned to the Kingsguard left behind.
"Ser Mandon, you will bear the king's banner. Men, form up. Men! Men!" he shouted, earning the attention of some soldiers but not all.
Suddenly, Trystan placed two of his bloodied fingers in his lips and let out a rather loud whistle; impressing his sibling as he was not aware he could do that. The sharp piercing sound made everyone look at him.
"Listen up, you all! You have a new commander and he has something to say to you all, so you better listen up!" he said, his voice sounding heavier and more commanding that none of the soldiers dared to disobey or ignore.
Tyrion looked at his younger brother, jealous of the way he could be heard or get their attention. He did, though, mentally slap himself and focused on the topic at hand.
"They say I'm half a man. But what does that make the lot of you?" he asked them.
"The only way out is through the gates. And they're at the gates." A soldier pointed out.
"There's another way out. I'm going to show you. We'll come out behind them and fuck them in their arses." He said, suddenly earning the interest of the soldiers.
"Don't fight for your king and don't fight for his kingdoms. Don't fight for honour. Don't fight for glory. Don't fight for riches, because you won't get any" he started his speech, in a rather pessimistic way but his next words made up for it.
"This is your city Stannis means to sack. That's your gate he's ramming. If he gets in, it will be your houses he burns, your gold he steals, your women he will rape." He said the only sound being heard was that of the fallen rain and the ramming at the other side of the gate. "Those are brave men knocking at our door... Let's go kill them."
The men all raise their swords in support, leaving out their new war cry as they get motivated by his words.
Trystan smiled and looked as his younger brother climbed down the steps with pride. Perhaps he was and would be the only lion to ever look at him that way but he enjoyed it as they started to walk side by side.
"Have I told you that you have a unique way of giving speeches" he commented as the men started to follow them.
The dwarf managed to crack a smile despite walking straight to his doom.
"If we survive this battle, I promise to teach you all of my secrets behind it," he said and watched as his younger brother wore his helmet.
"Then you better survive because I wouldn't mind learning a new skill. How will I impress the ladies?" he asked as Tyrion led them through a tunnel that he had memorized from the map Varys had shown him before.
"Oh, I am sure you do not need my speech skills to impress them. Just wink at them, be your over-polite and courteous self and you will have them falling at your feet" he said as they reached the end of the tunnel that led them right behind the Baratheon men.
He wore his helmet as the younger Lion pushed the gates open and moved through the dried-up foliage. He commented nothing else as he drew his sword and once out in the open, they went for their surprise attack.