Bronn descended the steps. The letter still bore a red wax seal depicting a roaring lion.
Grand Maester Pycelle saw it clearly, but the Imp had never mentioned such a letter. That made Pycelle especially eager to read its contents.
"I will see your letter delivered, my lord." Ser Cleo carefully put away the envelope. Tyrion would have worried about entrusting the letter to anyone else, but this cousin of his was timid and cowardly, and would certainly keep it safe.
Tyrion carefully felt one of the spikes beside his hand. The next step-there was still a more important next step.
Tyrion was still thinking about how the Red Cloaks had arrested superstitious hedge prophets and slanderers on Cersei's orders, without his permission. They had spent too long following Cersei, after all. Whatever else it meant, this was a warning sign. And this letter to Robb was immensely important.
"Villar," Tyrion called. "Here, my lord."
"There is no harm in letting House Stark's men escort the northerners' bones, but members of House Lannister are worth rather more," Tyrion announced. "Ser Cleo is a cousin to Queen Mother Cersei and me. With you responsible for seeing him safely back to Riverrun, we can all sleep soundly."
"As you command. How many men should I take?"
"Twenty. These are urgent times. Better to be cautious," Tyrion said.
As Tyrion had guessed, the old man soon rose to object.
Grand Maester Pycelle stood, panting. "Lord Hand, this will not do... These brave men were sent to the capital by your father, Lord Tywin himself, to protect the Queen Mother Cersei and her children..."
"The Kingsguard and the City Watch are perfectly capable of those duties. Besides, I am not asking them all to leave. Villar, may the gods grant you swift success," Tyrion