####
Two years, that's all it took him to soar this high.
Olenna Tyrell sat alone in the gardens, sipping tea and eating some lemon cake. She was alone, a rare case as she often had the company of other Tyrell women. But that day, she wanted silence.
Given more years. A castle. An army he already possesses. How much higher will he go?
She feared what she had seen. The ability to manipulate people with words that Lord Septon enjoyed was too much. The man could single-handedly cause a riot and call it justice. The man, in a true sense, wielded the power of the masses.
If left alone, he was bound to grow. Grow big enough that he'd sway the entire masses. That his word would decide the fate of the nobles. House Tyrell would be forced to kneel to him, as will others.
Now or never.
####
Bronn had started to prepare to leave Highgarden. He wanted to rest in some towns, a minor noble's castle next, and also plan out his castle. It was going to take years to build and a lot of manpower. But he had the power of faith with him.
One word, and he was certain gold and men would be the least of his worries.
But that could wait. That night was the most extravagant feast, hosted by House Tyrell to bid Bronn farewell. It was also to celebrate Willas completing his healing. The boy had started to ride horses again, albeit only gentle mares, and very slowly.
"What a blessing you brought to my castle and my house, Lord Septon." Mace Tyrell made a toast, standing at his table. "My son, my heir, can now walk and run, and ride. My beautiful wife is with my fifth babe."
"..."
Bronn maintained a big smile on his face. Heck, he raised his cup towards Alerie rather shamelessly, while eyeing Olenna's blank face.
"Even more, the entire Reach is soon to be blessed with the Grand Sept of Seven's Angel. Oh, we are blessed. To the Lord Septon! To Seven's Angel!"
The glasses were raised. There were at least a hundred men and women in that hall. They were all nobility of varying status. Some were nobles from around Highgarden. That night, even the servants were dressed well, bringing food and wine to everyone.
Bronn was obviously the busiest man there, surrounded by nobles. Men who mostly sought his advice, though his attention was mostly on the many big bosoms on display there in those southern, wide-necked gowned women.
He didn't act on them, however. He had Unella and Malora right behind him. Other than showing some shiny hand tricks, he did nothing else. He drank a single glass of wine, ate just a single plate of pigeon pie, and talked the entire time.
"Uh."
Bronn coughed suddenly, a frown on his face.
"Lord Septon?" Unella rushed to his side with a glass of water.
"Ngh… Poison!" He coughed more and fell to his knees, almost gagging. A frown marred his face, his gaze rising to search for Olenna Tyrell.
So that's what the old bitch was planning? Fine then, two can play this game.
Bronn knew what was happening. A poison that was suffocating him. Contracting his throat. He quickly grabbed his locket, removed the cork of the small vial, and drank it. The healing was instant, and he stood up straight in moments.
Thud!
Right when Bronn stood up, a thud resounded from close by. Chaos erupted, loud cries and shouts rang. All heads turned to look, and there she was, on the floor, lying flat, face pale.
"Poison! It's poison!" Mace's loud, panicked scream was audible.
Bronn reacted to it and rushed towards the scene, pushing aside all the nobles to make way. He acted well, keeping a frown on his face the entire time.
"Move!" He softly ordered and arrived.
"Lord Septon!" Mace cried. "Save her!"
Bronn just stared at the blue-faced bitch. Olenna was awake, her eyes moving, reacting to all the noises. Of course she did. The poison wasn't going to kill her, just paralyze. But he could kill her with a single sting of a bee resting under his sleeve.
Oh, Olenna Tyrell.
He smiled faintly, allowing all the noise to fade away. He stared right into her eyes as she stared back at him, and right then…
Oh? I can?
He tried to use that mind-reading magic again. He failed. But he did feel something: Fear, dread, absolute anxiety. He tried to look deeper, and there was also confusion mixed in between. That begged the question, why now? Because she was weakened?
But that didn't matter.
"Please, save her, Lord Septon!" Mace begged.
Bronn didn't move, maintaining that mocking expression.
Oh, I'll save her.
"Move aside, Lord Mace!" Bronn ordered and knelt by Olenna's side. He then leaned down as if trying to feel her breath in his ear. But all he did in reality was whisper to her ear.
A whisper so low, his words were only meant for her.
"You set your own trap, Olenna. The Gods know, I'll keep your fine brood safe. You'll be watching, that I vow."
Bronn sat up urgently, frowning. "No! It's the poison of the mind! I can save her, but…"
"But what?!" asked Lord Mace.
"She'll never speak or move again!"
Loud gasps echoed across the hall. Willas fell to his knees beside Olenna, crying.
"Lord Septon, too, was given poison." Septa Unella sternly voiced. "Seven blessings, he fared well and saved himself by their grace. This is unacceptable! To try to kill the Seven's Angel."
Even louder gasps echoed, as if they cared more for Bronn than the old hag of Highgarden.
Mace Tyrell turned pale. To try and kill Lord Septon was no less a sin than refusing the Faith of the Seven.
"I… I'll find the one who did this. But… save my mother, Lord Septon. I beg you."
I'll surely do that. The savior of Olenna Tyrell sounds like a sweet title.
"I shall do what I can. In the name of the Seven, get her to a bed, and quickly."
To live there forever.
Bronn wasn't angry, nor was he happy. He was slightly annoyed. Olenna had been acting strange for weeks, suddenly being sweet to him. He was already expecting poison or a poisoned blade.
But he didn't know when or how he got poisoned.
It no longer mattered, however. He followed behind Mace, who lifted Olenna and brought her to a nearby room with a bed.
"Out! All of you!"
At Bronn's command, all ran away, even Mace. And in that silent chamber, Bronn took out a vial from his pocket. He walked over to the pillow side and sat down on the edge, beside Olenna's head.
As he poured the vial's contents into her mouth, he smiled.
"Could it be another poison? Or an elixir? I suppose we'll never know."
Olenna's eyes reacted, widening.
"You opened your hall to the devil, and he was happy to leave, smiling, after bread and wine. Yet you sought his blood. Now the Seven stir him to wrath. Still, fear not, Olenna, for the gift you've laid before me shall be well kept, Seven witness."
All she could do was react with her eyes, and even that was limited. Such were magical potions and poisons. Without an antidote, it was impossible to heal her.
Finally, Bronn stood up, smiling. Then he leaned down, close, and pecked her forehead, his hand caressing her hair like she were an old lady he was taking care of.
"Sleep well, my lady, for that is all you'll ever know through your days remaining."
___________________
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