Chapter 40: Tower of the Hand
Tyrion's small hands rubbed his big face. Perking up, he began, 'Ma Gang, it's like this...'
Tyrion, ever eloquent, laid out the full story to Ma Gang in concise language.
After listening, Ma Gang recalled the conspiracy against Cersei that Glyn had previously analyzed for him. His heart stirred: 'Tyrion, you're smarter than me. Can you guess why Littlefinger wants to create a conflict between Cersei and Jon?'
Ma Gang asked very naturally. He had taken Glyn's advice to heart; indeed, he was a man of his word and had not revealed the plan regarding Cersei's conspiracy to anyone else.
Ma Gang would not reveal the conspiracy against Cersei to outsiders; he would secretly investigate it himself.
Tyrion slapped his thigh, his spirits instantly lifted. 'At first, even I didn't understand why Petyr would do this, but Glyn helped me figure it out. This young man is truly brilliant. If I weren't so restrained, I'd even want to give him a passionate kiss on the spot.'
Ma Gang looked at his brother, who couldn't be serious for more than three seconds, his smile helpless. 'I suggest you give up. From what I know of him, such foolish behavior would definitely destroy your friendship.'
Tyrion grinned widely.
Ma Gang patted Tyrion's back. 'What did young Glyn say?'
Tyrion cleared his throat and reined in his smile. 'Littlefinger's target should be Lord Jon, who holds him in high regard. Everyone knows the old Lord's health is very poor.'
Ma Gang's eyes showed doubt.
Tyrion continued, 'You also know the old woman's temper. She has long detested Lord Jon, and it just so happens King Robert wasn't in the Red Keep. Who can stop her from causing a big scene?'
Cersei was a bit willful; Ma Gang couldn't help but agree.
'The old woman wouldn't show the slightest mercy to the old Lord because of his advanced age. As a result, Lord Jon's health problems will further escalate under Cersei's provocation.'
Hearing this, Ma Gang had nearly figured out Petyr's objective. 'Is Petyr after Jon's power?'
Tyrion nodded. 'Lord Jon most trusts Petyr, who also hails from The Vale. His health doesn't allow him to handle state affairs as before. The less he can handle state affairs himself, the more he might rely on that seemingly very loyal and reliable Earl Sheep-Ass.'
Ma Gang's eyes showed indifference. 'A ridiculous conspiracy. He hurt Cersei.'
Tyrion said in a deep voice, 'Yes, a Lannister always pays his debts, so I didn't hesitate to offer Petyr's position to Glyn. Given Petyr's shrewdness, he'll surely guess it was my doing.'
Ma Gang patted Tyrion's small shoulder. 'Well done, Tyrion.'
Tyrion leaned his body closer to Ma Gang. 'This morning, Glyn will meet Lord Jon. We still have to find a way to keep it from Cersei, lest Cersei and Lord Jon clash. If things get out of hand, it won't be possible to hide it from King Robert.'
Ma Gang pondered for a moment. 'Don't you think it would be better for Glyn to lie low for a while?'
Tyrion shrugged. 'Glyn is fundamentally a knight like you. He told me the best defense is offense. His words were truly remarkable; he convinced me immediately.'
Tyrion chuckled and continued, 'I think Littlefinger and Glyn's night talk should be very pleasant. You can trust him.'
A knight is never afraid. Ma Gang, for his part, wholeheartedly agreed with Glyn's view.
'Ma Gang, I'll have to rely on you regarding Cersei.'
Ma Gang pondered for a moment. 'Hmm, there's a way. Princess Myrcella has always wanted to learn some braiding from Cersei. Lately, Cersei has been in a very good mood and is very patient. Today is the perfect time.'
Tyrion grinned. 'My poor niece. Normally her mother lacks a bit of patience for such things, so Myrcella will be excited all day.'
Ma Gang smiled and shook his head. 'Cersei won't have any free time the entire morning. Don't worry, I'll be watching constantly.'
Ma Gang, who had originally intended to leave, suddenly halted. 'Tyrion, what are you planning to do later?'
Tyrion asked doubtfully, 'Go back to sleep, of course. They're still in bed; I'm going to continue to be affectionate.'
'Dream on!' Ma Gang's eyes flickered, and he said sternly, 'I'm still a bit uneasy. Crackclaw Point's hatred for Lord Jon runs deep.'
Ma Gang's expression was serious, and Tyrion blankly nodded in agreement.
'I'll dispatch a contingent of Red Cloaks for you, just in case. No matter what happens, your priority is to ensure Glyn's safety and await my arrival.'
...
Red Keep, Tower of the Hand.
Glyn handed Lord Jon's invitation to the guards of the Tower of the Hand.
The guards carefully checked the invitation, instructed Glyn to proceed to the study on the second floor, and then stood aside.
Glyn left Montun and Anzhai outside and stepped into the Tower of the Hand.
'Good day, Baron Glyn Clegane.'
By now, Glyn had already passed through the spacious hall of the Tower of the Hand and arrived at the staircase.
An unfamiliar voice, with a subtle lilt, brought Glyn to a halt.
A bald, corpulent figure, clad in a loose robe with hands clasped together, appeared in Glyn's line of sight from the side of the staircase.
Varys? Glyn raised an eyebrow. Pressing a hand to his chest, he offered, 'Good day, esteemed sir.'
Varys approached leisurely. 'The wisdom shining in your eyes tells me you've recognized my identity.'
Glyn slightly nodded. 'Forgive my presumption, Lord Varys, I had specifically inquired about the prominent figures within the Red Keep.'
Varys nodded with a smile on his face. 'Being willing to familiarize oneself beforehand in an unfamiliar place is an excellent habit.'
Varys's gaze was very friendly. 'While it's an honor that Your Lordship classifies me as an important figure, I feel compelled to clarify: here, I am but a humble minor figure. They only grant me a glance when they need me; otherwise, they maintain a polite distance.'
Glyn chuckled. 'I believe I can guess why.'
'Oh?'
Varys opportunely feigned curiosity, as if exceedingly eager for Glyn's forthcoming answer.
Glyn deliberately lowered his voice and said, 'They have uneasy consciences. Don't forget your position, Master of Whisperers.'
Varys laughed delightedly. 'That truly is a wonderful answer.'
Glyn just smiled.
Varys politely scrutinized Glyn. 'Baron Glyn, I just came out of Lord Jon's study and spoke with him about you.'
Without waiting for Glyn's reply, Varys continued, 'As Master of Coin, Lord Petyr doesn't fully understand some matters. I fulfilled my duty as Master of Whisperers and provided Lord Jon with complete intelligence.'
A thought stirred in Glyn's heart, and he said, 'Thank you. Because of Lord Varys's diligence, perhaps the audience with the Hand of the King will be much easier?'
Varys nodded. 'It ought to be a pleasant meeting, Baron Glyn.'
'I deeply regret Lady Lyanna Clegane's grievances. If you have the chance, please convey my good wishes.'
With that, Varys slightly stepped aside and extended a hand towards the staircase. 'Go ahead, Baron, don't keep Lord Jon waiting too long. We'll meet again next time.'
(end of chapter)