The day of the trial arrived, and there would be not one, but two consecutive trials in the Great Sept: first Tyrion Lannister, accused of killing the king, and then Gregor Clegane, handed over as a bargaining chip to secure Dorne's support.
Everything was organized quickly; the High Septon was delighted that the process would take place in "his domains" and made sure Lars, his assistant, oversaw every little detail.
Oberyn Martell settled at the far left with a serious and bored expression, as the entire spectacle exasperated him as much as it disgusted him. Olenna Tyrell positioned herself beside him, openly drinking wine and enjoying making Lars nervous with unnecessary questions. Tywin, on the other hand, took a seat in the center, waiting for the trial to begin.
Cersei would have lied if she said she wasn't nervous, but not because of the possibility of losing; according to her, she had done an impeccable job convincing her "rivals." She felt tense because she wanted to prove to her father what she was capable of when he valued her for something beyond what was between her legs.
The witnesses passed one after another and the morning progressed. Varys presented his observations in his usual cautious tone, claiming that while he had heard rumors of jealousy from Tyrion toward Joffrey, he had never obtained proof. Pycelle listed the symptoms of the poison, explained how his stock had disappeared, and stated that he had seen Tyrion leaving his storeroom days before the wedding, becoming the only testimony directly accusing him. Several knights of the Guard testified about what happened during the feast without providing anything to tip the scales.
The enmity between the dead king and his uncle had never been pronounced enough to suggest murder. In reality, the entire accusation rested on details that Cersei considered sufficient because, for her, they were, even if they would hardly convince anyone with even a shred of common sense.
Tyrion responded to each accusation with logic and sarcasm, and his remarks drew some smiles from Oberyn and Olenna, to Tywin's displeasure. When he finished, it wasn't even clear why he had been accused, as there remained not a single solid piece of evidence.
Even so, Cersei was not worried; she waited with a cruel smile as her "allies" delivered the verdict, almost savoring her brother's despair.
But the smile faded from her face as soon as she heard the decisions.
Oberyn was the first to speak, stating that there was no evidence to justify the trial, that it should never have been held. Olenna nodded without ceremony, asserting that it had all been a waste of time. And Tywin, after a brief glance at Cersei, a look that made clear she had failed spectacularly, followed the rest of the verdict and declared that the dwarf was innocent, free of all accusations, though he would remain confined to his quarters indefinitely.
Cersei remained still, gripping the edge of the dais with tense fingers, incredulous and overflowing with rage, watching as everyone betrayed her in plain sight.
The High Septon concluded the proceedings and announced that the Mountain's trial would begin as soon as the chamber was ready. Tywin shot her another reproachful glance; sacrificing an asset like Clegane would not have been a problem if it had brought any benefit, but his daughter had delivered him for nothing. He could not help but regret giving her the opportunity to orchestrate such a fiasco.
Cersei, on the other hand, looked at Oberyn, who smiled at her boldly before leaving the chamber without a word. But unfortunately for him, Cersei could be many things, and forgetting an affront was not one of them. She would take revenge, sooner rather than later.
---
Ellaria was still in the room when Vlad entered, frowning as he placed cloths on Oberyn's forehead, though he could not hide the serious and angry expression he had worn since they found him.
The truth was, he did not want to get involved in this drama, but she had asked him to come. Ellaria said nothing, and when Vlad approached the bed, she simply hugged him tightly before leaving without a word, slamming the door behind her.
Oberyn let out a brief sigh.
—She's furious with me —he admitted in a hoarse voice— And rightly so.
Vlad did not even try to soften his tone.
—Let me see if I understand —he said sarcastically, crossing his arms— You finally managed to bring Gregor Clegane to trial and you won, felt invincible, and decided to celebrate by drinking the first thing placed in front of you. And now you're bedridden because Cersei found a way to poison you?
—Basically —Oberyn replied, forcing a smile that barely concealed his shame. His skin was pale and each breath seemed to cost him.
Vlad ran a hand over his face as if trying to contain a headache.
—The only reason she hasn't killed you is that she loves you —he commented with an ironic smile— Maybe she's waiting for the Mountain to do the job.
—The Mountain won't kill me —Oberyn replied with confidence that vanished the moment he began coughing.
—Of course —Vlad said— You're weak, you can't stand for more than a minute, and you can barely hold a cup. I'm glad to know that, under these conditions, you think you can defeat a man twice your size and weight.
Oberyn turned his gaze to the half-open window, breathing with difficulty.
—I let my guard down —he admitted— I didn't think.
—A brilliant move —Vlad scoffed— "I just Betray Cersei Lannister, so I'll let my guard down." I don't know how you're still alive.
Oberyn frowned, uncomfortable.
—Ellaria spoke with you.
Vlad rested a hand on the table.
—Do you want to know what she said to me?
Oberyn barely nodded.
—She asked me… no, she begged me to fight for you —Vlad explained, looking him directly in the eyes— She believes in you, but she also knows that no sane person would fight in your condition. And believe me, seeing her desperate is not something I intend to repeat.
—I can win —Oberyn insisted, though his voice lacked any conviction.
—No, you can't —Vlad replied firmly— And what do you think will happen to Ellaria and the entire Dorne delegation when you die? Do you think Cersei will just let them go?
Silence fell between them. Oberyn tried to sit up, but barely managed to lean on one elbow before letting out a frustrated growl. Then he slammed his hand on the edge of the bed, cursing himself as he struggled to catch his breath.
—You'll protect her —he finally said.
Vlad looked at him more seriously, without a trace of his usual sarcasm.
—I like you, Oberyn. I might even call you my friend. But don't think I'll sacrifice my plans for your recklessness —he said, turning toward the door— Although, as I said, your wife asked me, and I will fight… but you'll have to ask me yourself.
Oberyn closed his eyes, as if the request were more painful than the poison.
—I can't ask you —he whispered, and Vlad understood that it wasn't pride: it was fear of what it implied.
But Vlad didn't back down.
—Oh, but you will, Oberyn Martell —he declared in a low voice— You will ask me to fight in your place. Because if you don't, I will disappear tonight from this rotten city, and you and Ellaria will bear alone the consequences of your stupidity.
And by his tone, it was clear he would keep his word.
---
The tournament field in King's Landing had been prepared for the event. The stands, decorated with banners, were packed. Nobles, courtiers, representatives of the Faith, and knights watched, making noise as if it were an actual tournament.
High above in the stand, Tywin Lannister sat motionless, observing the spectacle with his usual cold gaze. Beside him, Cersei kept her eyes fixed on the field, wishing she could be the one tearing her enemies apart. On the other side, Mace Tyrell tried to look solemn, though he couldn't help smiling now and then.
In the center of the field, the ground had been tamped down and bordered with ropes and stakes.
Shortly after Lukard's arrival, Oberyn entered the arena accompanied by two of his men, who helped him stay upright, though he could barely walk.
Seeing him, Ellaria hurried toward him.
—Oberyn! —she shouted, frightened.
She wrapped her arms around him, helping him keep his balance, before yelling at the top of her lungs.
—You damn fool. What part of staying in bed didn't you understand? —she cried, her face full of concern.
Oberyn didn't defend himself.
—I'm sorry, my love. But I have to see it with my own eyes —he said, hugging her with a tired, sad smile.
Ellaria held him tightly, fully aware of what this meant for him.
Behind them, a figure watched silently. Vlad stood, clad in tight dark leather armor, a long sword sheathed at his hip, a curved dagger at his belt, and steel gauntlets on each hand, thick and heavy enough to dent armor.
—Leave him for later. It's time to take our positions —he said, tying his hair back with a cord.
A metallic sound echoed from afar. The stands turned toward the field's entrance.
The Mountain had arrived.
Gregor Clegane advanced like a walking wall, covered in black plate armor and with his helmet closed. He didn't speak, but it wasn't necessary.
Ellaria stepped back, looking at Vlad with awe and fear.
—Are you going to fight that?
—I'm going to kill him —he replied as if he were talking about the weather.
—He's the biggest man I've ever seen in my life —she said, more convinced than ever that she had to prevent Oberyn from fighting.
Vlad chuckled softly, almost amused, adjusting the grip of his sword.
—The bigger they are… —he hummed with a smile, not finishing the sentence.
Ellaria smiled, still trembling.
—I can never repay what you've done for Oberyn today. Thank you for listening to my pleas.
Vlad laughed, this time with a hint of irony.
—Relax. I have a soft spot for women who cry.
Oberyn approached and held out his hand, serious.
—I can't repay you either, but I'll make sure to try —he turned his head toward the Mountain— Remember what you promised.
—Don't worry —Vlad said, also looking at the colossus— I'll make him suffer.
A movement in the stands announced the arrival of the herald. It was Pycelle speaking, raising his voice solemnly:
—Before the gods and men, we gather to determine the guilt or innocence of this man, Gregor Clegane. May the Mother grant them mercy. May the Father grant them the justice they deserve. And may the Warrior guide the hand of our champion…
Tywin interrupted the speech with a gesture. He wanted this over as quickly as possible.
The crowd cheered as if it were a joust. Vlad only looked at the man.
A dead man.
---
Well, guys, you've reached the 150 power stones, so here's an early chapter for you.
This arc is about to end, but I've made some important changes compared to the show. They're subtle, but you'll notice them over time. One example is the Lannisters' debt and the exhaustion of their gold mines, something that in the show has almost no consequences.
As for Tyrion's trial, it didn't go the way Cersei wanted, because without the "motive" (Tyrion's supposed hatred of Joffrey to protect Sansa), her obsession with his guilt is pure delusion. Tywin didn't pull Shae out of nowhere; he simply wanted to see if Cersei could handle the situation, but Shae is still in King's Landing… much to the misfortune of our favorite dwarf.
Hope you enjoyed it, guys. See you next time!