A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 32: TYRION
Overview
Tyrion confronts ruin in King’s Landing, arranges the silencing of a blackmailing singer, and clashes with Tywin over money, politics, and his unconsummated marriage. Tywin unveils two Valyrian blades and schemes to control the Night’s Watch by backing Janos Slynt, refusing aid unless the Watch elects his man.
Summary
Tyrion surveys the devastated riverfront beyond the King’s Gate, grappling with the enormous costs of rebuilding and the city’s simmering resentment. His unhappy, unconsummated marriage to Sansa isolates him, and he recalls Shae’s indifference to his wedding.
Under guard by Bronn, Tyrion secretly meets the singer Symon Silver Tongue, who is blackmailing him with a song about Shae. Tyrion offers exile and coin, but when Symon hints he will perform the song unless rewarded with a place at Joffrey’s wedding, Tyrion resolves to have Bronn murder him and dispose of the body.
Summoned by Lord Tywin, Tyrion witnesses two new Valyrian steel longswords forged as gifts for Joffrey and Jaime. Tywin demands both lavish wedding splendor and rapid harbor repairs, ordering Tyrion to find the money regardless of empty treasuries. He presses Tyrion to consummate his marriage to secure the North through Sansa.
Grand Maester Pycelle brings grim news from the Wall: Jeor Mormont may be dead and the Watch imperiled. Tywin refuses men but plots to influence the Watch by promoting Janos Slynt for Lord Commander, planning to withhold aid unless they choose his candidate. Tyrion objects but is overruled.
Who Appears
- Tyrion LannisterSurveys war damage, anguishes over Sansa, arranges Symon’s murder, disputes finances with Tywin, and witnesses two Valyrian swords.
- Lord Tywin LannisterDemands funds for wedding and harbor, pressures Tyrion to bed Sansa, reveals two Valyrian swords, and schemes to install Janos Slynt.
- BronnActs as Tyrion’s escort and enforcer; tasked to lure and kill Symon Silver Tongue discreetly.
- Symon Silver TongueSinger who blackmails Tyrion with a song about Shae; accepts a ploy, unknowingly sealing his fate.
- Grand Maester PycelleDelivers news from the Wall about Mormont’s likely death; supports Tywin’s plan to back Janos Slynt.
- Master Mott (the armorer)Presents two newly forged Valyrian steel swords with unique red-black ripples for Joffrey and Jaime.
- Podrick PayneNotifies Tyrion of Tywin’s summons.