Questioning Tyrion

The next few days Jason took his time to begin researching his opponents for the upcoming tournament. The first rule of every Surgebinder was to understand his enemy, the problem was he was facing up against forty nine highly skilled knights. Despite how humans lacked the natural deadliness of monsters, they were always very adaptive and unpredictable.

Sandor for one was one he had to keep an eye on, considering the man wouldn't be holding back against him and already had a good understanding of the Surgebinder's capabilities. Then there was the Mountain, Gregor Clegane. The man thrived off battle and brutality, using his brute strength over skill. Still, the man seemed to have a cruel cunning from what the stories said, showing Jason shouldn't underestimate him. Jaime's overall seemed to be well-balanced in all form from what he learned. Yet he felt in this event the royal knight was going to take this tourney quite seriously for once.

Jason's attention did focus on one certain fighter, an odd addition who wasn't even from any House. Thoros of Myr, a Red Priest from Essos, renown for being a usual drinking buddy with King Robert. It seemed odd for a priest to have such a habit, although his faith was very different from most Jason had heard of. Religion aside, the man was a fierce fighter, having taken part in facing the Ironborn during the Greyjoy Rebellion that happened years back. One trait he often had was lighting his sword with wildfire, a violate alchemy oil that reminded Jason of some of his oil and bomb mixtures. Overall the man was a wild card and one he'd have to look out for.

With his research aside, Jason decided it was time to confront Tyrion with some questioning to learn the full truth about the assassin dagger. With taking the weapon in secret, Jason headed for Tyrion's quarters, yet when passing through the main hall run into the dwarf along with Bronn following along. The dwarf gave a small smile seeing the Surgebinder before approaching. "Ah, Jason! Been far too long since we spoke. I hope your time at the Keep and seeing the city has gone well."

Jason nodded. "Peaceful enough. I take you've been busy with the tournament no doubt?"

"Mostly. Food and drink have to be ordered. Entertainment and the like. While Littlefinger may procure the coin, I've been appointed for the management of the tournament and as one of its announcer to give the event more flair." He answered back as the two headed outside to the main courtyard.

"Not sure if I should be excited or dreading how you'll act before the crowd."

"Oh, ye of little faith." The dwarf sighed.

"Has a point Tyrion," Bronn added. "May very well stroll out onto half-drunk and dressed."

Tyrion rolled his eyes as his two friends jested with him. "Just so you know I am trying to take this tournament seriously. Maybe the last one we have in a long while if Lord Stark takes serious management on the spending."

"Funny I thought you'd be happy with your family having to pull the strings with the capital in debt."

"As much as the domination of the Kingdoms sound, I do look to the long term. After all, a good amount of that debt remains to the Iron Bank and if payments are not meant…well…they methods on collecting are not welcoming."

Jason thought a bit, remembering the Iron Bank from Bravos, being the richest organization in the known world. In turn, they controlled one of the most powerful mercenary armies as well, the Golden Company who were as Tyrion said their 'debt collectors'. "Seems odd to worry about such a matter."

"That's what separates me from the rest of my family…well except my father. He'd say otherwise yet if you met him you'd agree with him and I are more alike then my siblings."

"Debt and family aside, there is one important mater I need to talk to you about."

Tyrion had a questioning look, yet nodded in the end. "Very well…Bronn, go enjoy yourself for the evening. See you at the usual place." Taking out a small coin pouch, he'd hand it over to the sellsword who gave an approving grin.

"As you wish. Watch him well Jason." Bronn chuckled as he headed for the gates out to the city.

Once he had strolled off Tyrion gestured to the side path that leads around the main keep and around to the vast gardens. Walking along for a while, Tyrion leads the Surgebinder to a secluded sitting area set by a fenced cliff side, ensuring no one could spy on them easily.

"So then. What is it?"

Jason simply drew out the assassin dagger, the curved blade gleaming in the bright sunlight overhead. Tryion flinched a bit at the sight of the weapon, a quick realization showing in his eyes. "That's the assassin's blade isn't it?" Holding one hand out, Jason handed it over for the dwarf to examine. "Valyrian and dragon bone. Not sure why a vagrant killer would use such a thing…could sell this for a fortune."

"You don't recognize it?"

"I study my weapons from time to time, yet don't know this one." Glancing up, he had a questioning look in his eyes. "Why do you ask?"

"That dagger used to be Lord Baelish who claims he lost it in a bet with your father," Jason answered back. "On Joffrey's naming day tourney, he says you and your father had a bet with the dagger being his offer. He said you betted against your brother who lost the last joust, leading to you winning the blade."

Tyrion was silent, yet a small grin did show across his face. "Heh…so it seems Petyr lied then. You know that he wouldn't-"

"Bet against his son? Yah I know. Been around you long enough to be certain on that fact, even told Baelish that." Pausing, he sighed. "So then…do you have any idea why he would lie to me?"

"Because he's trying to protect Robert no doubt," Tyrion muttered. "Thinking back I remember he had a wager with the King and it was no doubt that weapon. Robert is always interested by such items and no doubt put down a lot of gold towards the bet."

"So you mean Petyr lied to me to protect the King?"

"I'm not implying Robert is behind the assassination on Bran. The man isn't cruel to wish the boy harm or stupid enough to use such a weapon. If anything the dagger may have been gifted to someone among the court or royal family. Who though I cannot say."

"Yet Robert would know…" Jason calmly stated.

"Yes…but maybe accusing him of providing a murder weapon isn't an appropriate approach. His temperament is bad enough, yet with you, I doubt he'll keep himself restrained." Tyrion sighed and thought for a moment. "You need to win some favour back with him and putting on a good show in the tournament will no doubt do so."

"Ah yes…the classic fight for fame method," Jason remarked in dry sarcasm.

"The man is simple in the end. Show him your fighting skill and honour manners. May very win the attention of the noble-born by the end."

"Never had a good track record winning such attention, yet I'll take you word on that."

Tyron gave a small grin. "I've gotten you this far haven't I?" His expression though did turn more serious. "Still you should question Lord Baelish about his lie, learn his reasons for doing so."

"Oh, I plan to…" Jason muttered as he'd take the dagger back from the dwarf. "Already have a good idea on when to talk to him and I'll certainly get an answer."

The way the Surgebinder spoke had Tyrion nervous a bit. "Just don't cripple him."

Jason simply shrugged. "So many other details about the tournament I should know about? Special rules or events?"

"Well…for the archery one ideas has come to mind, something that will amaze the masses. After all, you can do something I doubt anyone in the known world can…well…maybe in Dorn or somewhere in Essos…but we don't have the coin hiring such talent."

It wasn't hard to figure out what the dwarf was meaning, considering Jason had put his honed deflection technique to use in saving his life. "So…block a few arrows to wow the crowds? I don't mind being part of completions yet being a sideshow is something I don't enjoy."

"My, they really must treat you like dirt back in your country if you that reluctant," Tyrion muttered. "Yet you know everyone here sees you differently. You're a mystery to many! The stranger with unmatched skill, unshakeable will and a strong sense of justice."

Jason's thoughts drifted back to the night weeks ago, of how Gaunter had claimed he was the 'hero' this world needed. "Fine…guess there can't be much harm in your request." He sighed. "Anything else?"

"Hmm…yes. Your introduction."

"Introduction?"

"You know. The reading of titles and great deeds. Jason Black is a good start yet there needs to be more."

Already the Surgebinder doubted the dwarf needed to know of his more infamous title as 'White Demon', even if it was falsely given. "Whitethorn is a title I was given the people."

"Are you saying fair ageless beings with pointed ears gave you a title?" The dwarf chuckled in a jesting manner, yet seeing the Surgebinder's dead serious look had him become silent. "Ah… whitethorn question further on that matter. How did you get it....?"

"Because of my mentor. His was called Blackthorn."

"Interesting…anything else?"

"Nothing I that the masses would know or care."

Tyrion thought for a moment, pacing about slowly. "What about the Wildling Slayer? Hmm…no…so violent in tone. Wildling Hunter? Maybe…"

"Rather not glorify that. Not like I actively seek out and kill them." Jason argued.

"Fine. How about Defender of the North then? Far more neutral and heroic."

"That will do. Anything else you need to ask?"

Again the dwarf was silent, thinking once more before remembering something. "Yes, one small detail. A bit personal yet one that I feel is needed…"

Already Jason had a strange feeling, yet he'd sighed, giving a nod of agreement before hearing Tyrion's request.