Chapter 19: Lies and Ransoms
Egger was indeed spinning a yarn, but it wasn't baseless nonsense. George R.R. Martin had once stated that the world of Westeros is a planet—spherical, slightly larger than Earth, with a vaster landmass. Egger's own physical experience confirmed this. Judging by the atmospheric pressure and gravity, the environment of the world of Ice and Fire was remarkably similar to Earth's. If the author's lore held true—that "the landmass ratio of this world is greater than Earth's"—then there might truly be land or large islands hidden within the vast ocean to the west of Westeros.
No one would believe the truth of his identity as a transmigrator, and his knowledge of the plot and the key players was his greatest leverage. Since these two secrets could never be shared, the Sunset Sea—the boundless expanse off the west coast that most locals knew nothing about—became the perfect fictional homeland.
It's worth noting that this 'man from across the sea'' persona wasn't something Egger had cooked up on the spot. He had been using this cover since he first introduced himself to his brothers in the Night's Watch. Its greatest strength was that it was unfalsifiable; in the future, if he wanted to add new details to his backstory, he could simply blame any inconsistencies on "cultural differences" or "foreign customs."
As for the circumnavigation part, that was indeed a concept Egger had fleshed out during the feast between bites of food. Though improvised, it wasn't random—the inspiration was obvious, and the goal was clear: to cater to the interests of the core Lannister member before him, leave a lasting impression, and find a breakthrough to escape the Night's Watch.
To a dwarf with a physical disability but grand dreams and a thirst for knowledge, who could be more fascinating than an adventurous explorer from across the ocean? By claiming he had funded the expedition, Egger ensured Tyrion wouldn't view him as a commoner from the dregs of society.
A year of living in this world had taught Egger that lineage and status were the most critical factors in how others treated you. Elevating his perceived status was a vital bonus in social engineering. Using accidental slips of the tongue to create the illusion of being wealthy and leisured was far more credible than outright declaring himself a nobleman.
This masquerade served multiple purposes: it bridged the status gap to build a more equal foundation for their relationship, and it provided a logical explanation for his Asian features and his superior knowledge and refinement compared to those around him.
Egger was never one for lying or boasting, but for the sake of his life, he wasn't finished living yet... and if that meant deceiving the entire world, he wouldn't hesitate.
While one man was racking his brain to package himself for escape, the bastard youth had already finished reassembling the broken sword and keenly sensed the problem.
"This break is very strange," Jon Snow observed. Looking at the shattered blade he had mostly restored to its original shape, he sensed the anomaly but lacked the vocabulary to describe it. "A weapon forged of steel doesn't break like this."
"Correct. Normally, there would be visible deformation at the point of the break," Egger interjected, speaking the words the boy couldn't find. He had already delivered the necessary information; certain topics were better left for others to conclude. "The break occurred exactly where the blade met the Other's weapon. Under the influence of ice magic, the steel lost its resilience and became more brittle than cast iron. It couldn't withstand the impact and simply shattered."
Jon stared blankly at the two swords he had pieced together, finally understanding why Uncle Benjen had said those things.
"This is nothing but a farce!" Tyrion had little interest in the broken blades; he didn't care what a normal break looked like. He was far more preoccupied with this legendary new continent. While he didn't fully believe Egger, he instinctively felt the man's explanation of his origins was plausible, and he found himself feeling indignant on Egger's behalf. "You come from an unknown continent, potentially the most important guest Westeros has seen in a thousand years, and as soon as you wash ashore, a bunch of Northmen press-gang you into guarding a wall? Are you content to spend the rest of your life in the cold, desolate far north?"
"I am not content. But what can I do?"
"I will find a way to help you leave."
Brother, you're giving me too much face. Egger nearly choked on his own saliva. This was exactly the outcome he wanted, but it had come so easily and quickly. Was his luck finally turning?
"Uh... I thank my Lord for his kindness. But in the history of Westeros, has there ever been a case of a Man of the Watch returning to a normal life?"
"As far as I know, no," the dwarf shrugged. "Once you swear the vow, you are either a Crow for life or a deserter. There is no third path. But I said I would help you leave, I didn't say I would help you take off the black..."
"What is the difference?"
"Let me tell you a story. Once, there was a nobleman who stood on the wrong side of a political struggle. After falling from grace, he had no choice but to join the Night's Watch. A few years later, the man he supported reclaimed the throne. That Crow then returned to his family's castle under the pretext of 'recruiting and gathering supplies' for his brothers. He lived like a normal noble—eating, drinking, and bedding women—until the day he died, never returning to the Wall."
"What are you discussing?" Jon had been focused on the sword and only heard the first half of the story. "A Man of the Watch who doesn't guard the Wall? Can one simply use an excuse to treat the law and the vow as nothing?"
"It's not that simple, of course. If the Lord Commander of the Watch publicly declares him a deserter, every lord in the realm—from his own vassals to his liege lord—would automatically put him on a wanted list." Tyrion paused for effect, clearly enjoying the secret. "The reason that man stayed free was because the Night's Watch officially recognized his status as a 'recruiter,' and he indeed 'recruited' supplies for them as both sides claimed."
...
"I see. If the political enemies who forced him into the Watch were defeated, and the benefits he could provide the Watch were greater than his presence at the Wall, the leadership of the black-clads wouldn't risk offending the King to forcibly recall him or declare him a deserter!" Egger had a moment of clarity. He hadn't considered this angle, but mulling it over, he quickly found the key. "I suspect the 'supplies' this noble gathered weren't exactly donated, were they, my Lord?"
"Naturally. This solution requires two things: first, a thick enough skin, and second—the ability to continuously provide enough resources to satisfy the hunger of the Night's Watch so they maintain the official stance that he isn't a deserter," Tyrion continued. "Wealth is the fundamental requirement. Tell me, between enough supplies to feed a hundred soldiers and one unmotivated soldier, which do you think the Watch would choose?"
Egger rubbed his chin, falling into deep thought.
Thick skin? Having faced an Other, Egger felt he could handle that. But the second part... he truly had nothing in this world. His net worth was barely above zero; any servant in Winterfell was wealthier than he was. How could he afford such a high ransom?
Yet, the man standing before him could easily afford it—the son of Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and the wealthiest man in Westeros. If Tyrion were willing to help, everything would be solved. But they had only just met; how could he ask for such a massive favor so soon?
...
"How have I never heard of this man?" Jon cut in. "And the Night's Watch is an organization independent of the Seven Kingdoms. Even the King has no right to interfere in its internal affairs."
"You haven't heard the story because the man wasn't a Northman, and because he and the Watch parted on good terms. There was no conflict, and he wasn't an important enough figure to make history," Tyrion huffed. "As for the King having no right to interfere? You are still young. When you grow up, you'll learn that if you are strong enough, you can interfere in whatever you please."
Jon was momentarily speechless. He wanted to argue but found no evidence, knowing in his heart that Tyrion was right. He could only flush red and remain silent.
"I can handle the initial arrangements and help provide the first 'ransom' payment." The dwarf stopped speaking to the boy and looked at Egger. "But for everything after that, you'll have to find your own way. Also, I have a condition: you must tell me more about the advanced technologies and its customs."
"I thank my Lord!" Regardless of everything else, Egger's joy was genuine. Though it all felt a bit surreal, his gamble had paid off.
"But he is a sworn brother of the Watch," Jon murmured, still looking at the broken swords. "How can he..."
"Tell me then, boy: is it 'reasonable' that this explorer from the end of the Sunset Sea should be forced to guard a wall for the rest of his life just because he took a few potatoes to stay alive after a shipwreck?" Tyrion smiled, cutting the boy off. "Keep in mind, he isn't a bastard with nowhere else to go."
"In my homeland, forcing someone to swear a vow is illegal, and such vows are considered void," Egger added. "The customs of Westeros seem different, but I have already served a year for those potatoes and risked my life to kill an Other. By any count, I owe you nothing more. I have family waiting for me back home; I cannot and should not stay here forever."
Jon sighed. "Fine, do as you like. I'll act as if I heard nothing of this."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but we aren't discussing how to be a deserter," Tyrion shrugged. "Even if you told your father or the Lord Commander, they couldn't touch me. This is an open play; you'll understand when you're older."
Being treated like a child made Jon look quite miffed. He looked at the broken swords one last time with a serious expression and suddenly spoke: "I've decided. I'm joining the Night's Watch."
"You should cool your head before making big decisions," Tyrion looked the bastard over once more. "Though, I suppose I understand your reasoning—wildlings gathering under a King-beyond-the-Wall, ice-magic Others appearing in the woods... while everyone else is trying to get away from danger, only by heading toward it can one win glory and honor."
"I'm not doing it for glory or honor! I only..." The boy straightened his back as he gazed at the eerie broken blades. "I only want to protect my family and the millions in the North from the terrors of the far north."
"Is that so? Touching." Tyrion nodded, done teasing the boy. He locked eyes with Egger. "As it happens, I've decided to visit the Wall myself. It would be a shame not to see the greatest of the nine man-made wonders with my own eyes. Besides, I want to see for myself if what my new friend says is true. It seems we'll be traveling together."
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