Chapter Sixty-Six - Tyrion 9 - A Storm of Swords | A Song of Ice and Fire (ASOIAF)

Tyrion stands trial for the murder of the king. The prosecution has no end of witnesses, while Tyrion has none. But at the 11th hour a glimmer of hope appears. Mackelly and Simon weigh the scales of justice.

Chapter Review:
Tyrion Lannister languishes for days in a Red Keep tower cell. He’s well-treated and fed as befits his station, but the crime of which he’s accused holds only one possible punishment. He’s getting advice and daily visits from his uncle Kevan, but neither of them is very optimistic of his chances. Cersei is amassing a deluge of witnesses to testify against him. 

Tyrion pins his hopes on trial by combat, but knowing that the opponent will be Gregor Clegane, Bronn demurs. The trial, before a three-judge panel of Tywin, Mace Tyrell, and Oberyn Martell, goes very badly for Tyrion. The witnesses either exaggerate, downright lie, or in the case of Varys: accurately report Tyrion’s various threats and comments on the dead king. Kevan advises confession and the Night’s Watch, but Tyrion doesn’t trust his father’s mercy.

On the final night of the trial, Tyrion is visited in his cell by Oberyn. He’s not necessarily there to reassure Tyrion, but knowing that he’s doomed he’s hoping to get the truth about his sister’s death. Tyrion confirms some suspicions: while it was the now dead Lorch who dispatched Princess Rhaenys, it was The Mountain who raped and murdered Elia and killed baby Aegon. But Tyrion denies that Tywin ordered the deaths. Oberyn throws Tyrion a lifeline. He’ll be his champion in trial by combat against Clegane.

Characters/Places/Names/Events:
Tyrion Lannister - Youngest son of Tywin Lannister. Brother to queen Cersei and Jamie Lannister. Former Hand of the King.
Tywin Lannister - Tyrion’s father, Hand of the King.
Kevan Lannister - Tyrion’s uncle. Brother and trusted advisor to Tywin Lannister.
Sansa Stark - Oldest daughter of Ned and Catelyn Stark. Former hostage of the Lannisters. Wife to Tyrion.
Cersei Lannister - Mother of the late Joffrey Baratheon, sister to Tyrion.
Mace Tyrell - Lord of Highgarden.
Oberyn Martell - Brother to Doran Martell the Prince of Dorne. In King’s Landing to seek justice for his murdered sister Elia and her children.
Lord Varys - Master of Whisperers in King’s Landing. Has served multiple monarchs as chief spy.