The Conqueror (End)

Facing Gryn's sharp gaze, Brynden Tully continued, "To have fought this far is already far better than I expected... When or how I die no longer matters to me."

He let out a long sigh. "By your reasoning... I should say that I had always been too cowardly to admit my identity as a rebel. Nor will I place every fault upon Hoster."

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. "Therefore... Duke Gryn Crabb, I am willing to do my part before I die. Consider it... House Tully's atonement for its rebellion."

He slowly straightened his chest, then solemnly placed his right hand over his heart. "Tell this old knight what you wish me to do."

"Family, Duty, Honor."

Gryn clasped his hands behind his back. "It seems you have foreseen House Stark's fate—or rather, the fate of Catelyn Tully and her children."

Brynden's blade-carved face stiffened for an instant. He stared fixedly at Gryn for a while, his lips moving before he finally said, "I know Ned. He is no match for someone like you."

One of Gryn's brows rose slightly. "Someone like me?"

Brynden's deep-set eyes remained fixed on Gryn. "Someone skilled at manipulating people's hearts. Ned's sword can win victories on the battlefield, but it cannot handle the Game of Thrones. Besides..."

Weariness seeped into his voice. "A famed commander also has an endless supply of Rose Bread behind him. At least for now, I cannot imagine how Stark could withstand the 'blade' you might suddenly bring down one day."

"Bread of Roses?"

Brynden avoided Gryn's gaze and looked toward the river. If he had not been worried for Cat and her family, as a knight, he would have ended this conversation with the power player before him at