21 Chapter 21 (bonus Chapter)

"No…" Gregor said tentatively.

At that, everybody's awe turned to bewilderment. Daliah asked in concern "Gregor, is there something more you wish to tell us?"

Gregor was still clutching the first document from his meeting with Robert in his right hand.

He stole a momentary glimpse at it, and then he released a heavy sigh and declared "There's a setback to all this."

He then held the document out to his father. Ser Tarrence took the document swiftly, but he read it slowly.

Gregor's mother stood by his side and read the document alongside him. All the while, the solar was immersed in absolute silence.

Gregor stood by, as he anxiously waited for his parents' reaction. Overtime, his father's eyes narrowed, and his mother's mouth slowly dropped open.

That was not a promising sign. Even so, it was simply a preview of what was to come.

Finally, Ser Tarrence shifted his gaze upward, looked his firstborn in the eye, and muttered tensely "Gregor… this is a decree removing you as my heir."

"Yes, Father," Gregor affirmed, not bothering to hide his gloom, "My signature is at the bottom."

"You agreed to this?!" Daliah mumbled. She sounded more distraught than angered.

"I had to," Gregor debated, managing to stay calm, "It was the only way I could make everyone content."

"Certainly," Tarrence spat heatedly, throwing down the document, "If 'everyone' does not extend to us!"

His parents were not the only ones unsettled by this development.

The other four men were obviously outraged, Ellyn seemed on the verge of sobbing, and Sandor just stood still without any display of emotion.

"Who does Robert Baratheon think he is?" Ser Wallis snapped furiously.

"How could he force you to give up your right to Clegane's Keep?" Sylas Vikary murmured.

"This was not the King's idea," Gregor firmly disclosed, "He was forced just as I was. This deed was the doing of Lord Tywin Lannister."

Once more, everyone in the room was greatly baffled by the Mountain's information.

"Why would Lord Tywin want you to give up your footing in the Westerlands?" Erryk Ruttiger muttered in confusion, "You're one of his most prestigious generals."

"I was," Gregor Clegane disputed, "I can fathom his reasons. I believe Lord Tywin harbors some feelings of resentment towards me for the episode with Ser Amory Lorch. It was not the fact that I personally killed Ser Amory that displeased him. It was more the fact that I interfered with Ser Amory's assignment. By doing that, I almost directly challenged Lord Tywin's authority. That's one thing he'll never forgive or forget."

"I must agree, my lord," Sylas Vikary coincided, "For as long as he's lived, Tywin Lannister has never tolerated any act of defiance."

"True, just recall the fates of the Reynes and the Tarbecks," Erryk Ruttiger observed.

"By comparison, I'd say this outcome is far more fortunate and desirable," Gregor debated.

He picked up the first document, held it up, and looked around at the other eight people.

He solemnly declared "I know you all must be furious about this. I certainly am. Please understand; I did not do this without hesitancy. Nor did I do it simply to serve my own purpose. I had your interests at heart, as well."

Everyone had eased down a bit by this point, but Ser Tarrence and Lady Daliah were still somewhat cross.

Daliah asked in a patient yet upset voice "How is this in our best interests, Gregor?"

The Mountain illuminated "This was the only way I could protect the rest of you from Lord Tywin's wrath. He has no conflict with you; only me. By cutting myself off, I have ensured that he will let you be."

"Ser Gregor makes a very valid point," Maester Velix proclaimed.

With his gaze locked on the first document, he added in "This is perhaps the most prudent course of action available to him now. It keeps him in favor with the crown, and it guarantees the survival of this family."

"I would have to agree with the maester," Erryk Ruttiger contended, "Lord Tywin is a ruthless man, but so long as Ser Tarrence remains loyal to him, there should be peace between Clegane's Keep and Casterly Rock."

"Exactly," Gregor professed, "Anyway, although I'm being evicted, I have not disowned my family. I will not be severing my ties to you or any other part of the Westerlands. My travels will take me all over Westeros. If I have an opportunity, I could come to visit you, or you could visit me."

"My lord, Moat Cailin is all the way up in the Neck," Ser Wallis Peckledon pointed out, "You'd actually have to enter the North to reach it."

"Think of how much distance that is," Sylas Vikary proposed.

"I've been farther than that," Gregor claimed casually, "Besides, the moat was established there because of the location. Its location makes it a key stronghold that separates the North from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms. It also offers quick access to the other regions of Westeros. Those are just a couple of the advantages I'd have as the Lord of Moat Cailin."

Those points were enough to convince Ser Wallis and Sylas that Gregor had the situation in hand. Now the only people who needed some assurances were Ser Tarrence, Lady Daliah, Sandor, and Ellyn.

Gregor needed an additional fifteen minutes to sway his parents and siblings. Logical reasoning was not as effective here, given how his relationships with them were based on much more emotion.

So he had to appeal to their sense of obligation and familial bonds. What ultimately swayed them were the points he made about how his deeds would gain greater respect and appreciation for the Cleganes, and that he would be able to better secure their position in the Westerlands.

He also emphasized strongly that he was not turning his back on his family.

He argued that he would not really be leaving home; he would just be away on business for prolonged periods of time.

By mid-morning, all eight of those people had submitted to Gregor's decision. They were still not pleased with his long-term relocation to Moat Cailin, but they were not vehemently against it, either. Whatever he did next, they decided to support him in it.

"How much longer can you stay?" Daliah queried.

****

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