Out of politeness, perhaps he should have shown a little regret, though in truth he felt immensely relieved...
Tyrion shrugged. "All right, charming lady, why did you wish to see me?"
After a pause, Melisandre directly told Tyrion why. "I have learned who is helping Stannis. I saw it in the flames—a three-eyed crow."
The Three-Eyed Crow?
Tyrion instantly recalled all the legends he had read. If it was true, it would explain why Stannis had been able to grasp his enemies' every move.
White Walkers, dragons, Greenseers...
What else would appear?
Legendary beings were emerging one after another, as if further foretelling the darkness that was about to descend upon this world...
Tyrion suddenly found himself ridiculous. Before so many unknown and terrifying powers, this Dwarf still dreamed of becoming a hero who would save the world?!
Even he wanted to laugh at himself.
His cheeks burning, the recovered Tyrion saw the witch gently stroking his face. She smiled faintly at him. "You seem afraid?"
Tyrion rationally and naturally avoided the witch's lingering touch. Grinning, he said, "My lady's eyes are sharp indeed. Dwarves are cowardly by nature."
"No, you are not a coward. You are far braver than most."
A hint of a smile touched Melisandre's fiery red lips. "All men must die. Death is not the end."
Tyrion drew back slightly in exaggerated alarm and said with a smile, "If I have a choice, I would prefer to live a little longer."
"Yes, it all depends on your choice."
Melisandre pointed with a slender finger, and the flames in the brazier suddenly surged upward. Flickering firelight cast shadows across her exquisite face.
Her gaze returned to Tyrion, and her red lips parted. "You may choose death, or you may choose life."
The atmosphere immediately turned grave.