A Song of Ice and Fire - A Chapter a day discussion
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A Clash of Kings
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10/02/15 - Chapter 3: Tyrion I
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Your point 24, I'm not sure that I saw it as a threat, more like a "what kind of a man are you?" statement. But I agree, the riddle was very interesting. 1. Apparently besides Jaime, Ser Mandon Moore is the most dangerous man in the Kingsguard, because his face gives no hint what he will do next. Ser Mandon's eyes are pale grey, "...oddly flat and lifeless." Interesting. I'm finding I'm not liking people in this book series with pale eyes: Roose Bolton, Tywin Lannister, Ser Mandon Moore.
2. Lol, Cersei welcomes Tyrion te same way Joffrey did last chapter. "You." Ha! And I love Tyrion's response: "I can see where Joffrey learned his courtesies."
3. Apparently Joffrey doesn't often appear at council meetings, like Robert, and Cersei is sitting where the King's supposed to be. Hmm... I like that Tyrion climbs up into the Hand's seat, since Tywin ordered Cersei let Tyrion be Hand in his stead. Bet that pisses her off!
4. Littlefinger seems to suck up to Tyrion and he smiles, but he hasn't forgotten about that Valyrian dagger, ha!
5. Tyrion seems to often make fun of his small size. I guess it's better than having other people make fun of him for it.
6. Littlefinger offers to set up a room for him in Maegor's Holdfast, where I believe the king keeps his quarters as well as his royal family, but Tyrion would rather stay in the Hand's Tower, though evidently the last four Hands were all murdered. Tyrion gives Littlefinger a history lesson of the other two Hands that died before Lord Arryn. One didn't last more than a fortnight, the other was burned to death. For some reason I don't remember reading about them in The World of Ice and Fire. I only remember Tywin being Aerys's Hand for a long time. Tyrion says his father was the last Hand to have departed King's Landing with his name, properties, and parts all in tact. Wow! "All the more reason I'd sooner bed down in the dungeon," says Littlefinger. I like how Tyrion thinks to himself: "Perhaps you'll get that wish." Ha! He doesn't trust Littlefinger at all but he certainly can play the game with him.
7. Cersei is so angry that her father sent her brother instead of him and his host that she is so close to calling the letter a forgery and throwing Tyrion in jail. Wtf... She just hates everything about him. We'll find out why in book 3, I believe, but for now, she's coming across as impossible.
8. I thought it was smart of Tyrion to request that they work together so they can both get Jaime back, because they both love him, and that's something they an agree on.
9. Haha, Cersei admits they only have one Stark girl; the other one escaped and no one's seen her since. "A great many people died that day." Hinting she may be dead. I'm surprised Tyrion is not more outraged by this.
10. I like when Tyrion tells Cersei their father is displeased with Joffrey's bad council, because his reign so far has been nothing but disasters. "That suggests that someone is giving Joffrey some very bad council." Haha, I can't help but think he's referring to her! She raised a terrible child, sometimes that can't be helped, but when the queen is just as deceitful...it makes you wonder. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!
11. Cersei says Joffrey has good council, but he is too head-strong that he doesn't take it. He was instructed to pardon Ned Stark but Joff took matters into his own hands, ugh. Interesting that the High Septon claims they profaned Baelor's Sept with blood after lying to him about their intent. Not only did they piss off the Starks but they've pissed off the gods too! That doesn't help!
12. So it was Littlefinger who made the arrangements to boost Janos Slynt to knightship and Harrenhal in exchange for his gold cloaks. Cersei was desperate; Ned threatened to give the throne to Stannis. Tyrion is surprised Sansa had a hand in this deceit, though Cersei admits she did it out of love for Joffrey. Cersei's not stupid -- she sees how Joffrey rewarded her love with her father's head. I laughed at this: "His Grace has a unique way of earning the hearts of his subjects."
13. I'm surprised Varys suggested they oust Ser Barristan from the Kingsguard, because Joff wanted to blame someone for Robert's death and Ser Barristan was in fact at the hunting party, ugh. Plus it put Jaime as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and adds Sandor Clegane to it as well. I am curious why Varys suggested Ser Barristan... *SPOILER FOR A DANCE WITH DRAGONS* (view spoiler) I can't believe Cersei called Ser Barristan a useless old fool! "I hear that useless old fool slew two of Slynt's gold cloaks when they tried to seize him at the Mud Gate." Ha! Tyrion makes a good point -- that people talk of Ser Barristan like he's the Dragonknight, a wonder in this age, so what stops him from joining Robb Stark's army or Stannis Baratheon? Cersei admits she hadn't thought of that. Of course you didn't.
14. I love how Tyrion tells Cersei Joff doesn't take her council because she'll never hurt him, insinuating he may listen to him because he might hurt him if he doesn't obey. Ha! That's not what Cersei wants to hear, though. Tyrion must be more careful what he says around her. She's a dangerous mother bear when her children are threatened. I don't know...Tyrion says he'll never truly hurt Joff, but way back in Winterfell he smacked Joff three times!
15. Cersei decides to accept him as Hand, but Hand to her, not Joffrey, since she's regent. She orders him to tell her all of his plans and intentions before he acts on them, "...you will do nothing without my consent. Do you understand?" She still doesn't trust him. And why not, when he lies straight to her face?
16. Ha! Now he wants to know who killed Jon Arryn. Cersei honestly doesn't know, but does tell him Ned Stark thought it was her...because she slept with Jaime. I laugh when Cersei slaps Tyrion three times about it. Reminds me of when he slapped Joff three times. This family...
17. Now Cersei admits to Tyrion that Robert killed himself, really, chose to drink so much, didn't even wonder at the very strongwine, kept gulping it down. The boar killed him. She says the feast was so delicious, ugh. "...it tasted like triumph." Of course she'd say this. Still, she gave Lancel that wine to give to him. It's still her fault, to me.
18. Ha, Tyrion liked Robert, mostly because Cersei loathed Robert as much as she loathed him, lol.
19. I was wondering why she was being so forthcoming with him. She really believes Tyrion might be able to free Jaime.
20. I really like that Tyrion takes special care to remind Cersei to treat Sansa well. :) Even if it's only for the reason that they don't need to piss off the Starks any more than they already have. It just shows, to me, that he has a heart.
21. When Timett goes off to "explore," I love Tyrion's response: "I hope he doesn't kill anyone important." lol!
22. I like that Tyrion commands the Captain of the Lannister guard to take downt he rotting, tarred heads off the castle walls. I can't believe they're still up there! "Even in the midst of war, certain decencies needed to be observed." Right! When the captain says the king ordered them to stay up for Robb Stark and Renly and Stannis, Tyrion reminds him his king just turned 13 today, lol, true!
23. Tyrion also doesn't like how ugly and dangerous the city is getting -- even worse than before. There are plenty of watchmen, but none of them are really doing their job, wtf. And there are so few farmers selling food, that is a bad sign! The food that IS sold is being sold at really high prices, so many cannot afford it. Some are even selling rats. :) Obviously someone doesn't care about their city... This is the way of war.
24. Tyrion finds out Cersei's at least been doing something, but it's all to protect the city from Stannis and Renly. She even is paying for wildfire. This makes Tyrion uncomfortable. Wildfire is very dangerous. "...ten thousand jars were enough to turn all of King's Landing into cinders." Oh dear! Of course Cersei's not paying for it; Littlefinger somehow found the money -- probably through more loans...No, they're taxing people this time, those who are fleeing into the city for protection. "Clever. Clever and cruel." Paying to be safe when you are potentially running into more danger!
25. Tyrion feels more safe at an inn with his mountain men to guard him. Plus Shae is hiding there. Apparently Varys is here, too, ha! I'm surprised Tyrion is so jealous that Shae seems to like Varys, calling him "m'lord" like how she calls him, lol. Well she is a whore. She's gotten very good at making men feel wanted. Everyone here may find Varys so amusing and harmless, but Tyrion is paranoid that Varys knows about his little secret. He wants to keep Shae safe, and he doesn't trust Varys. Don't trust anyone, Tyrion!
26. Once again inanimate objects seem to watch as people ride through the Gate of the Gods -- the carvings, Varys says this to Shae. She doesn't seem to feel threatened at all. This intrigues me. Tyrion knows Varys is really saying that he saw them coming right as soon as they entered King's Landing. Varys warns her to be careful, the city is not as safe as it once was, but Tyrion reads this as a threat from the Red Keep. Varys has no laughter in his eyes as he tells Tyrion to take very good care of her, "if I were you." Hmm... I like that Tyrion tries speaking the "same language" as Varys. :)
27. Varys says on the streets people are calling the comet "the Red Messenger," interesting since it has so many names already. "They say it comes as a herald before a king, to warn of fire and blood to follow." Very interesting.
28. Varys also gives them a riddle, lol, of course. Shae believes it's the rich man, but Tyrion says it depends on what kind of man the sellsword is. I agree with Tyrion -- though it says something, to me, about who Shae is. She must think gold is the most important thing to not betray. I think this kind of riddle has no right answer. It is meant to tell what kind of person you are, depending on what your answer is.
29. Tyrion knows he is Hand of the King for as long as Tywin wants him there, and he is walking a fine line with having Shae in King's Landing. Tyrion knows Shae only wants his gold and not really him. He calls himself a fool. I personally don't believe she ever has feelings for him. *SPOILER FOR A STORM OF SWORDS* (view spoiler) What he needs is a girl who will choose him over gold, when he has nothing to offer but himself. *SPOILER FOR A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE* (view spoiler)
30. Haha, I sure hope he'd do the realm justice! He'd be the first Lannister to figure out that concept. But not the last! ;)
I think at some point it's mention Tywin was Hand for 20 years.About the spoiler in your point 13, now that you say it, it makes sense!
1-The chapter starts with Tyrion trying to talk to his sister, who does not wants to be disturbed, like Ser Mandon said. I forgot Jaime told him Ser Mandon was the most dangerous of the Kingsguard after him, because you could never read what he thought, there was no hint in his face. Ser Mandon let only Tyrion in, I don't think Cersei would have been too happy if Timett burst into the room.
2-I found this interesting: "Cersei could smell weakness the way a dog smells fear."
3-Tyrion gaves Cersei the letter Tywin wrote and she's really not happy about it. She tells Tyrion he would be of better help in the battle field. She says the King names the Hand, and Joffrey named Tywin, not Tyrion. But Tywin named Tyrion and he clearly knows the power he has over his sons and daughter.
4-He remembers he has to talk to Petyr about the dagger, who acts like nothing happened. I don't remember if they talked, but I guess they do, and I forgot what Petyr told him. A lie I bet.
5-Really interesting was the only Hand in the past years to leave his place alive, with titles and lands. Tyrion could tell Tywin wasn't the only one who ignore one of Cersei's commands. I wonder who were the others.
6-Tyrion read her face when they were talking about Jaime, and he saw rage, fear and despair. She really wants to get Jaime back.
7-When Tyrion tells her about the heads of the people of the small council in pikes, she tells him: "I trust no on, I need them". So, nobody trust in anyone in King's Landing.
8-We got confirmation Joffrey acted on his own on the Ned matter. Cersei was furious they didn't ask her before killing Ned. I think she knew how good of a captive Ned could have been.
9-The High Septon was upset they shed blood there, in Baelor's Sept. We haven't seen a lot of how religion works in this world, but at least we got Baelor's Sept is an important place.
10-So, turns out Sansa was the one who told Cersei about Ned's plans. I totally believe she feels bad about it, it ended up in the death of her father.
11-Joffrey wanted someone to blame about Robert's death, so they dismissed Ser Barristan. And Varys suggested Barristan to be that person. I completely forgot about it, and I wonder why he chose Ser Barristan. It's very interesting. And Petyr suggested to make Janos Slynt a lord, and I wonder why too. Maybe he thought he won his loyalty.
12-Tywin thought of what the people might say when they saw Ser Barristan riding besides Robb or Stannis. Interesting he didn't think he could go with Renly.
13-Tyrion plans to stop Joffrey from fucking shit up by making him believe he could and would hurt him if he did something Tyrion didn't like. I guess it's the only way to keep the little shit under control.
14-The fact Cersei seemed shock Tyrion would touch her, tells they don't tend to have contact at all. No hugs between them apparently.
15-Cersei tells Tyrion he will be her Hand. In case someone missed Cersei was the ruler, not Joffrey. I don't think the brothers trust each other at all.
16-She slaps him a lot! He does say things like he knows she sleeps with Jaime, why not open the legs for the other brother and why it was so interesting for Jaime in fucking his own reflection. Those were offensive things, but they made me laugh. She stops because Tyrion told her he has new friends, and she won't like them. I wonder why she didn't ask who they wore, maybe she thought Tyrion would not tell her.
17-She admits without any guilt she helped kill Robert by giving Lancel wine 3 times stronger than the one Robert used to drink. He clearly knows his sister.
18-He tolds Cersei no harm should come to Sansa. I think he might be the only one who gives a crap about what happens to her.
19-He goes out to see the streets, and one of the first things he sees are the heads in the spikes, and orders to take them down. He doesn't agree with a lot of decisions made in the city. And it must be awful to see heads in spikes.
20-The streets are a fricking mess, so much violence and dead people around. The food was way too expensive, a man was selling rats and it was the best food he saw. How awful. And there are a lot of guards, so I am taking a lot of people are stealing.
21-But, because Cersei is too busy taking care of the defenses and has food, does not care about the people. Which is awful, but it has always been that way. Tyrion finds out the Alchemists' Guild was prepareing 10000 jars of wildfire. Even the first time I read it, when I didn't know what wildfire was, it sounded like not a good thing at all.
22-Littlefinger put a tax to enter the city, which is clever and cruel indeed. But hey, they need money and don't care about people.
23-He enters the inn Shae is in, and Varys is there! It is amazing how fast he learns about things. And the real things they were saying were really interesting. They didn't have to put it in words, yet both understood what the other meant. He wonders who betrayed him, but I think the little birds tols Varys. The Spider knew the moment they passed the gates they were there, and who they were. It really amazes me.
24-The riddle was very, very interesting. I really liked it, and I think it was a threat.
25-Tyrion tells Shae she'll have a home with all in. I think he has feelings for her at this point, even knowing she is a whore and loves money, not him.
26-I loved the last phrase of the chapter. He'll do justice! Cersei of course does not expects this at all. We'll see how it goes!