[Chapter Size: 1100 Words.]
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Theon looked at the letter sent by Bronn, then glanced at him from a distance.
"It seems you're being very kind to Tyrion, delivering the letter in person."
"He's my friend, and I don't believe he killed Joffrey," Bronn replied.
"Of course he didn't. The mastermind and his accomplices already achieved what they wanted." Theon handed the letter to Andrey.
Bronn looked slightly surprised. "Do you know who it was? It doesn't matter. Tyrion is as good as dead. I couldn't find a raven. Seven days aren't enough to return to King's Landing."
Bronn felt a pang of regret. Unable to find a raven to deliver the message, he had no choice but to ride hard to Seaforth, only to discover that Theon had already returned to Pyke.
When he met Theon, less than a week remained before Tyrion's trial.
"We're still pressed for time," Theon said. "Saving Tyrion will inevitably offend Cersei and the others. Even though Cersei and I don't get along, I'm not sure Tyrion is worth the risk."
At Theon's words, Bronn quickly countered: "You know Tyrion's political talents. He could certainly help you govern."
Theon shook his head. "The political system in the Riverlands is different. Most cities are governed by Grand Maesters, and the army is led by generals appointed directly by me."
"How about this then? I'll take Tyrion's place in the trial by combat, and you'll come with Tyrion."
Bronn froze, pointing at himself in disbelief. "Me?"
"Yes, you." Theon pointed straight at him. "I need you to form a company of mercenaries. There are things only you can do."
"I already agreed to Cersei's terms. I'll have a castle and a beautiful wife. I…"
"How large is that castle?" Theon interrupted with a laugh. "Bigger than the Riverlands?"
Bronn looked stunned. "What do you mean?"
Theon tapped a map of Essos. "South of the Dothraki Sea lies a plain where the Lhazar dwell. It's perfect for growing food."
As a mercenary, Bronn was well aware of the Lhazar plains in Essos, infamous for being regarded as little more than two-legged sheep by the Dothraki.
"That place is swarming with mounted savages. Farming there peacefully is impossible."
"They're just a band of unarmored barbarians. I won't conquer them now, but I will one day."
Though Bronn didn't fully grasp the meaning of "colonize," he understood Theon's intent: to seize the Lhazar Plains to grow food.
"Well, what do you say?" Theon pressed.
Being a mercenary, Bronn naturally thought of profit first. "So, what can you offer me now?"
"Wealth, status, castles," Theon said with a smile. "You could even command the garrison of the Lhazar Plains."
"I'm in," Bronn said.
"Good. We leave tonight and will arrive in one night."
"???"
With Bronn's confused expression still on his face, night soon fell.
He followed Theon to a wheat field behind Pyke.
"Shouldn't we harvest some grain for rations before we leave?" Bronn grumbled.
"Silence." Theon motioned for quiet and clapped his hands.
A low growl echoed in the dark, and a pair of golden eyes appeared before Bronn.
Trembling, Bronn raised his hand and pointed at the creature. "Dragon. A dragon?"
Theon swung himself onto Apollo's back. The dragon seized Bronn and launched into the sky.
When Apollo set Bronn down, the sellsword suddenly collapsed to his knees and vomited violently.
Theon patted his shoulder. "You're the first man Apollo has ever carried through the skies. You should feel honored."
Then Theon pressed a hand to Apollo's forehead. "Go back."
The dragon nuzzled Theon before turning and flying away. After flying through the entire night, Apollo was weary and longed to return to Pyke to rest before dawn.
It took Bronn a long while to steady himself before he finally led Theon to where Tyrion was being held.
On the way, Theon warned him not to speak foolishly or ask questions, or he would be killed.
As a mercenary, Bronn understood well enough and quickly swore to keep his mouth shut.
Soon after, Theon was taken into a small, dark chamber. As he opened the door, a foul stench filled the air.
Theon grimaced, strode to the slumbering Tyrion, and kicked him awake.
Tyrion opened bleary eyes and saw Theon's scowl.
"You're here!" Tyrion exclaimed, suddenly alert.
"You should have come with me sooner. Gods, this place reeks, and you managed to sleep in it."
"I dreamt of you slaying the Mountain with your own hands. Glorious!"
Theon drew the blade at his waist, cut through Tyrion's shackles, hauled him up, and shoved him out the door.
"Your sword is sharper than Valyrian steel! Isn't it?" Tyrion marveled.
"Go wash the stench off, for gods' sake," Theon said with disgust.
"That won't work." Tyrion shook his head, stepping back into the dark cell. "Tywin won't allow me to leave." This time, Tyrion did not call him "Father."
"If I say you can, then you can," Theon answered sternly.
Tyrion studied him. "Are you serious?"
Theon gave no reply, only stared at him with a cold expression before walking out.
Bronn sighed helplessly and followed.
Tyrion hesitated no longer. He hurried after them. Theon, he thought, was a man who could be strangely reserved at times, then suddenly arrogant and contemptuous of everyone.
When they reached the black cells' gate, guards stepped forward to bar their way.
"Tyrion is a prisoner. He cannot be released. Please, return at once."
The words were spoken politely, too politely. Had it been anyone else, they would have seized both Tyrion and his liberator long ago.
"You know who I am?" Theon asked.
"Of course, Lord Theon," one guard replied.
Tyrion curled his lips. "No one ever says to me, 'Lord Tyrion, I fought beside you at the Battle of the Blackwater, damn it.'"
"Well then, since you know me, step aside. I will fight in Tyrion's place."
"Very well. I believe Lord Tyrion will soon be proven innocent of all charges." With that, the guard withdrew and allowed them to pass.
Once Theon and his companions departed, the guard immediately sent word to Tywin. He was no fool, he knew exactly who his master was and that he could not hope to restrain Theon.
Theon's mansion in King's Landing still stood. There, Tyrion was unceremoniously dumped into the care of a maid, while Theon himself waited in silence. He knew Tywin or Cersei would soon come, but which of them, he could not tell.
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