A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 4: TYRION
Overview
Tyrion awakens from his wounds to find himself displaced, his allies scattered, and Cersei ascendant. He surveys post-battle power shifts—the gold cloaks under Addam Marbrand, Tyrell largesse, and Joffrey’s wedding plans—before confronting Tywin. Seeking recognition and Casterly Rock, Tyrion is rebuffed; Tywin claims the credit, dictates strategy, and threatens to hang Tyrion’s next whore.
Summary
Tyrion wakes fevered and maimed in Maegor’s Holdfast, fearing Cersei’s reach. Bronn arrives newly knighted by post-battle honors, reporting losses and shifts: Ser Jacelyn Bywater slain during a Watch mutiny as Joffrey was withdrawn, the Hound fled, and Ser Addam Marbrand now commands the City Watch. The clans have dispersed; Chella was driven off, Timett departed, and Shagga lingers in the kingswood.
Bronn reveals Alayaya was scourged and expelled after Cersei’s men seized her, and that Tommen has been retrieved by the Kettleblacks. Tyrion, enraged and weakened, determines to be seen. With Podrick and Bronn’s help, he leaves his sickbed, passing Kingsguard sentries and Tyrell camps filling the outer ward; the city celebrates their food largesse and awaits Joffrey’s wedding to Margaery.
In the Tower of the Hand, Ser Addam mentions Lord Tywin’s insistence on finding missing Tyrek Lannister. Tyrion then meets Tywin, who coolly notes the coming new-year wedding and dismisses Tyrion’s complaints about being moved from the Hand’s tower. Tywin credits his own flank attack and Cersei’s wildfire for victory, granting Tyrion only limited praise for the chain and Dornish diplomacy, while outlining ongoing plans against Stark’s vassals near Duskendale and the delay against Stannis at Dragonstone.
When Tyrion presses for recompense, Tywin offers no gratitude. Tyrion warns about Littlefinger’s new Lord of Harrenhal title and seeks formal recognition as heir to Casterly Rock, citing Jaime’s Kingsguard vows. Tywin flatly refuses, condemning Tyrion’s birth and vices, and scorning the idea of turning Casterly Rock into a “whorehouse.”
Accusing Tyrion of threatening his grandsons to protect Alayaya, Tywin takes ownership of her whipping and declares the family’s honor paramount. He ends the audience by promising a reward of his choosing and threatening to hang the next whore found in Tyrion’s bed, leaving Tyrion denied, isolated, and warned.
Who Appears
- Tyrion LannisterAwakens maimed after Blackwater, learns he’s been sidelined, confronts Tywin, and is denied Casterly Rock and recognition.
- Tywin LannisterNow Hand; claims credit, sets war plans, refuses Tyrion Casterly Rock, and threatens to hang his next whore.
- BronnNewly knighted; briefs Tyrion on post-battle shifts, Alayaya’s scourging, and helps him leave his sickbed.
- Podrick PayneAssists Tyrion dressing and moving; serves as support during visits in the Red Keep.
- Cersei LannisterOffstage power; orchestrates Alayaya’s punishment, reclaims Tommen, and marginalizes Tyrion’s influence.
- Ser Addam MarbrandNew commander of the City Watch; reports strength, constraints, and Tyrek’s ongoing disappearance.
- Ser Meryn TrantKingsguard at Maegor’s Holdfast; grudgingly lowers the bridge at Tyrion’s command.
- Ser Osmund KettleblackKingsguard on duty; beneficiary of Cersei’s favor and part of her family’s ascendancy.
- AlayayaInnocent whore used as Tyrion’s decoy; scourged and cast out by Cersei’s order.
- Joffrey BaratheonHis withdrawal sparked Watch mutiny; upcoming wedding to Margaery cements Tyrell-Lannister alliance.