A Song of Ice and Fire, #3
A Storm of Swords
by George R. R. Martin
Contents
CHAPTER 66: TYRION
Overview
Tyrion prepares for trial, seeks allies, and considers trial by combat, but Bronn refuses to face Ser Gregor after being promised Lollys Stokeworth. In court, Cersei’s witnesses and Varys’s meticulous half-truths vilify Tyrion. Ser Kevan offers the Wall for a confession, which Tyrion rejects. Prince Oberyn privately proposes to serve as Tyrion’s champion.
Summary
Ser Kevan informs Tyrion that Tywin, Mace Tyrell, and Oberyn Martell will judge him, and that Cersei plans to name Ser Gregor Clegane if Tyrion demands trial by combat. Tyrion asks for Bronn, but Podrick cannot produce him until days later. Frustrated and isolated, Tyrion lists Sansa as a witness, suspecting her involvement yet doubting the court would believe his innocence if she were found.
Bronn finally arrives, revealing his betrothal to Lollys Stokeworth, a reward arranged through Cersei. Calculating the risks, Bronn refuses to champion Tyrion against Gregor, preferring certain advancement over a deadly duel. Tyrion dismisses hopes of trial by combat and faces the trial instead.
In the throne room, the judges hear a parade of witnesses. Kingsguard knights recount Tyrion’s past confrontations with Joffrey; the Kettleblacks repeat his threats to Cersei; Pycelle displays missing poisons and asserts Tyrion stole them; maesters confirm poison killed Joffrey; courtiers allege Tyrion handled and poured the fatal wine. Varys delivers the most devastating testimony, documenting Tyrion’s acts and intentions short of the murder itself. Tyrion’s outbursts only worsen his position.
That night Ser Kevan offers terms: confess, repent, and Tywin will spare Tyrion for the Wall. Tyrion, recalling Ned’s fate, refuses to trust it. On the eve of Cersei’s “final witness,” Oberyn Martell visits, trading barbs and speaking of Dornish succession and Elia’s murder. Tyrion names Ser Gregor as Elia’s butcher and denies Tywin’s command, while Oberyn pointedly doubts Tywin’s innocence.
Assessing the rigged trial and Mace Tyrell’s resolve to see him condemned, Oberyn declares Tyrion looks guilty enough to be innocent—and offers a path to survival: he will serve not as judge, but as Tyrion’s champion.
Who Appears
- Tyrion LannisterAccused of regicide; seeks witnesses; spurns confession-for-the-Wall; watches damning testimony mount; accepts Oberyn’s offer of champion.
- Prince Oberyn MartellTrial judge who visits Tyrion privately; discusses Elia’s murder and politics; offers to be Tyrion’s champion.
- Ser Kevan LannisterConveys trial terms and restrictions; urges Tyrion to confess and take the black; defends Tywin’s justice.
- BronnRefuses to face Ser Gregor; chooses marriage to Lollys Stokeworth and advancement over championing Tyrion.
- Cersei LannisterLeads the case against Tyrion; lines up witnesses; plans to name Ser Gregor in trial by combat.
- Tywin LannisterPresides as judge; controls proceedings; withholds Kingsguard escort; offers the Wall via Kevan.
- Lord VarysTestifies with detailed records that implicate Tyrion’s intentions and acts, short of the poisoning itself.
- Grand Maester PycelleDisplays poisons; claims Tyrion stole them; affirms a rare poison killed Joffrey.
- Mace TyrellJudge hostile to Tyrion; emphasizes Margaery’s risk; favors conviction.
- Ser Addam MarbrandEscorts Tyrion to trial; commands gold cloaks during proceedings.
- Ser Balon SwannReluctant Kingsguard witness; recounts Tyrion striking Joffrey during the riot.
- Ser Meryn TrantKingsguard witness; amplifies stories of Tyrion’s defiance and threats.
- Ser Boros BlountEchoes incriminating accounts and past conflicts involving Tyrion and Joffrey.
- Osney, Osfryd, and Osmund KettleblackTestify about Tyrion’s threats and Joffrey’s fears, bolstering Cersei’s case.
- Podrick PayneTyrion’s squire; struggles to secure Bronn; remains loyal and apologetic.