Contents
TYRION — Chapter 15
Overview
Tyrion endures sobriety and integrates further with Griff’s secretive company as they pole down the Rhoyne. Young Griff’s skill and education are showcased, while Tyrion records dragonlore and unexpectedly beats Haldon at cyvasse. Passing Ny Sar, they receive a potent river omen and press toward Dagger Lake, pirates, and the haunted Sorrows.
Summary
Before dawn on the Shy Maid, Tyrion battles sleeplessness and enforced sobriety under Griff’s stern watch, bantering with Septa Lemore and observing the crew’s river routine. He resists bathing for modesty and turtles, but is tossed overboard by Ser Rolly Duckfield after Young Griff wins a spirited training bout and knocks Duck into the Rhoyne.
As the day unfolds, Tyrion dons his patched motley, compiles notes on dragonlore per Griff’s command, and spars verbally with Haldon Halfmaester. Young Griff’s lessons display languages, geometry, and a polished overview of Volantis’s tigers and elephants, underscoring his careful grooming and keen memory.
Tyrion and Haldon then play cyvasse for secrets; wary after a past misplay, Tyrion withholds his dragon until the decisive moment and wins, leaving Haldon in chagrin. The victory hints at Tyrion’s calculating patience even in exile.
Toward evening, with storms threatening and Dagger Lake ahead, Lemore warns of pirates and the Sorrows. As the Shy Maid passes the vast ruins of Ny Sar at the confluence with the Noyne, Yandry recounts the Rhoyne’s great daughters and the widening waters yet to come.
A colossal horned turtle surfaces beside the poleboat and bellows; the Greenblood-born crew exult, naming it the Old Man of the River, an auspicious omen as they continue downstream toward greater dangers. Tyrion, musing on Tysha and hope, notes the portent as they near the pirate-haunted reaches and the Sorrows.
Who Appears
- Tyrion Lannister (Hugor Hill/Yollo)Narrator; sober under Griff’s orders, compiles dragonlore, wins a cyvasse wager against Haldon, and observes Ny Sar and a giant turtle.
- GriffGruff leader keeping strict discipline and urgency to reach Volantis; oversees the night watch and Tyrion’s sobriety.
- Young GriffTalented, well-schooled youth; defeats Duck in sword training and demonstrates learning in languages, math, and Volantene history.
- Haldon HalfmaesterTeacher and medic; instructs Young Griff, spars at cyvasse with Tyrion, and loses their wagered game.
- Ser Rolly Duckfield (Duck)Bodyguard and trainer; spars with Young Griff, gets knocked into the river, and dunks Tyrion in jest.
- Septa LemorePious companion who bathes in the river and tutors Young Griff; warns of storms, pirates, and the Sorrows.
- YandryPoleman and pilot; steers the Shy Maid, lectures on the Rhoyne’s daughters, and names the giant turtle an omen.
- YsillaCook and Yandry’s wife; manages the brazier and celebrates the appearance of the Old Man of the River.