Tyrion clenched his fist and raised it triumphantly. By the Seven Gods, Cole had killed the Mountain.
Screams and cheers rose and fell across the yard.
He looked at Cersei. Her face was terribly dark as she happened to meet Tyrion's gaze. Her eyes seemed to tear him apart.
Tyrion merely smiled politely before bowing to her.
Cole's squires came forward to remove his armor, and Tyrion approached as well.
Cole handed his swords to the servants and pulled off his helmet.
"Well done, Cole," Tyrion said happily.
He turned toward the high platform where Lord Tywin sat with a stern expression. "My lord, will you pronounce the verdict?" he called out.
"The gods have found you innocent, Tyrion." Lord Tywin's face showed neither joy nor anger. After speaking, he stood and departed.
Tyrion offered a slight bow to those around him.
Prince Oberyn jumped down from the platform, walked to the Mountain's body, and circled the huge beast. "It's time to chop off his head and send it to Doran."
"It's not the way of a knight to behead a fallen opponent, Your Highness," the dwarf remarked.
"Knight?" The prince sneered. "Rhaegar Targaryen personally knighted him, and then you see what he did?"
Tyrion thought of the rumors about the Mountain. He had killed his father, sister, and first two wives. It was said his castle was a gloomy, terrifying place. Servants disappeared mysteriously, and even dogs feared to enter the hall. He stood accused of rape and countless massacres.
The Mountain's heinous deeds were without number.
Cole was unwrapping the bandages from his hands. "At least killing him might comfort those dead souls. Rest in peace. I have avenged you."
Tyrion understood his words in a general sense, though only Oberyn knew exactly whom Cole addressed.
But this was not enough—the Red Viper looked at the now-empty seat on the platform.
"Where will you go next?" Cole asked Tyrion.
The dwarf hadn't given it careful thought. No matter where he went, he would not remain in King's Landing. Cersei wanted him dead now.
"Why not come to Sunspear with me? You and Doran would have many common interests. Music, trade, history, fine wine, dwarf copper coins... inheritance and inheritance laws," the prince offered.
Tyrion tilted his head, wondering at Oberyn's invitation. "My lord, weren't you promised a seat on the Small Council?"
"I didn't come to King's Landing to serve as a royal councilor. A prince can go wherever he wishes."
You came for Princess Elia's justice, Tyrion thought.
"It seems you've gotten what you wanted."
"Not enough, but I've spent sufficient time in this shit city."
Tyrion shook his head. "I need to repay the debt I owe. How much do you think I should pay, Cole?"
Cole counted on his fingers. "The North, the Eyrie, King's Landing. How many gold dragons is a dwarf's life worth?"
"A dwarf's life is worth at least one King's Landing, Tyrion," Cole said with a teasing smile. "You said it yourself—you saved this place, so you owe me six King's Landings."
Double payment, is it?
Tyrion shrugged. "Gods, where am I to find six King's Landings for you?"
Five castle servants approached to remove the Mountain's body.
The weight of thirty stone plus heavy armor made it difficult work for the five men.
"Consider my offer, little man. There aren't many places left for you. Don't be quick to reject my kindness," Prince Oberyn said.
Tyrion thought carefully. It seemed true—he appeared to have enemies throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
Starks in the North, Baratheons in the Stormlands and Dragonstone, Tyrells in the Reach, Jon Arryn in the Vale. Damn it, was there no place for a dwarf in Westeros?
"If you wish to cross the Narrow Sea to Essos, I can arrange a ship, but I must go to Dragonstone first," Cole said.
If Tyrion followed him to Dragonstone, he'd likely be bound and burned by the followers of R'hllor.
They returned to the courtyard of the Red Keep. Cole needed to prepare for his journey—the sooner, the better.
He had already discussed with Prince Oberyn that the Dornishman would take Tyrion back to Dorne first and support Myrcella as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.
Meanwhile, Cole would secretly send envoys to contact Daenerys across the Narrow Sea and forge an alliance.
Cole himself would return to Storm's End.
The following morning, Cole summoned his knight.
"Take a few men and secure our ship," Cole instructed.
Before leaving, Cole felt obliged to pay his respects to the new master of King's Landing.
After bathing and donning his black and gold attire, his squire burst in, looking agitated. "My lord, something has happened."
Cole looked confused.
"Dragonstone has been captured." The words fell like thunder.
Cole's face darkened instantly. "What did you say?"
"My lord, Dragonstone was seized by Ironborn, Dothraki, and Tyrosh mercenaries. The entire castle speaks of nothing else." His voice trembled with alarm.
Gods be damned, Cole cursed silently.
"Have everyone don armor and assemble immediately," Cole ordered as he returned to put on his own armor.
The timing of this news could not be worse.
While arming himself, Cole considered the truth of the report. In King's Landing, his intelligence was completely blocked—he'd had no contact with Dragonstone.
How could an Ironborn and Dothraki coalition capture Dragonstone silently? The news was highly suspect, yet extremely unfavorable to their position.
After everyone had gathered, his knight took five or six men and rode for the city gates.
Cole had no time to deliberate further. He walked out of the castle with his retinue, only to find Ser Loras Tyrell guarding the drawbridge.
The Knight of Flowers wore his white Kingsguard armor, with a contingent of gold cloaks blocking the exit.
"My lord, where are you going with your armed men?"
"Just into the city for some air, Ser Loras. What are your intentions?"
Loras forced a sneer. "Nothing, merely fulfilling my duty to apprehend rebels for His Grace."
"Rebels? You misunderstand something. I was invited to attend the king's wedding. Is this your idea of hospitality?" Cole asked.
"Why should I bandy words with a rebel like you?" The Knight of Flowers lunged forward, sword drawn. He had awaited this opportunity for some time.
Cole raised Nightfall to block the attack.
Seeing this reckless assault, Cole realized something must indeed have happened on Dragonstone, and he had been deliberately kept ignorant.
Anger rose within him, and his counterattack grew fiercer.
Could the Lannisters truly disregard the sacred law of guest right?