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Monday, September 30, 2019

Ethan from †Realism Essay

The rise of Realism in 1855 was the time when farming began to industrialize, communication expanded through railroads, and Nationalism was yet again revived. On top of all these important transformations that have marked this period of time was the significance for literature with a new audience, new settings, and new characters. The novel, Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton, is a magnificent example of literature from the Realistic period. First, Realism is a definite movement away from the Romantic period. Romantics wrote regarding the unique and the unusual, whereas in Realism, literature was written about the average and ordinary. The town where the novel takes place is Starkfield, an average farming community. There is not much in the town that is of interest or anything extravagant to be known for. In addition, literature from Romanticism focused on hopes, while Realistic literature illustrated skepticism and doubt. The narrator describes the scene where Zeena declares to Ethan that her sickness is getting serious, saying, â€Å"She continued to gaze at him through the twilight with a mien of wan authority, as of one consciously singled out for a great fate. I’ve got complications,’ she said† (108 Wharton). Hope for Zeena’s health is nonexistent, and she, being a hypochondriac, confirms the fact that she feels doubtful about life. The Romantics wrote about the unusual and hopeful, which are characteristics that are not strongly represented in Realistic literature. The second aspect of Realism is the idea of Regionalism. One indication of Regionalism in literature is the characters’ dialect. An excellent depiction of dialect is where Harmon Gow says, â€Å"Wust kind, . . . More’n enough to kill most men† (6). His regional accent is shown by the spelling and punctuation, allowing the reader to have an idea of how Harmon would have said it. Another aspect of Regionalism is the customs and the way of life of the characters. One way of life that the characters are accustomed to is the normality of marriage between cousins. As this practice is not enthusiastically accepted everywhere, it brings the Regionalistic aspect to the novel. Regionalism, which includes the characteristics of dialect and customs, is a critical component of Realism. Third, Realistic literature uses the concept of Naturalism. In Ethan Frome, the bleak winter setting is a primary clue that nature plays a key role in the story. Nature is displayed as a powerful and malevolent force that is indifferent to humankind. In the novel, the narrator once stated, â€Å"But when winter shut down on Starkfield, and the village lay under a sheet of snow perpetually renewed from the pale skies, I began to see what life there–or rather its negation–must have been . . . † (7). This statement depicts the winter seasons in Starkfield as gloomy and undesirable weather. Aside from the setting, the basic animal nature of humans also draws out the Naturalistic traits in Realism. The narrator tells what was going through Ethan’s mind following the smash-up, † . . . and far off, up the hill, he heard the sorrel whinny, and thought: `I ought to be getting him his feed. . . ‘ † (172). At such an intense moment, Ethan’s animal nature brings him to think about tending to his hungry horse instead of caring about his and Mattie’s teetering lives. These examples signify the sense of nature and its forces used in the literature of Realists. Edith Wharton’s novel, Ethan Frome, is a wonderful example of Realistic literature. Its style shows signs of a distinct shift away from Romanticism and illustrates the aspects of Regionalism and Naturalism, two major components of Realism. Authors of the Realistic period depicted life as typical, everyday people lived and knew it to be, using these important points. The ordinary characters that dealt with common problems and situations in the literature brought a new group of readers, establishing a unique new era that has changed the way people perceive life forever.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Peter Weir’s film ‘Dead Poets Society’ Essay

One of the major themes/ideas explored in the Dead Poets Society is that of freedom versus conformity. The theme of conformity is introduced in the very opening scenes of the film. Close-ups of the boys chanting in unison, all identically clad in their starched uniforms at a ceremony at Welton Academy, we see that they are conforming to the authority of the school. It is the new teacher Mr Keating who, through his unorthodox methods, encourages the boys to challenge this authority, and break free from the traditional, conservative ways of thinking that have been drilled into them at Welton Academy. He wants them to understand that there is more to life than obeying the orders of others, and in this way the film deals with Weir’s common theme – also explored in Witness and Gallipoli – the quest for personal freedom, and the oppressing effects of society’s institutions. He inspires them to â€Å"Maintain thoughts and beliefs in the face of conformity.† Keating wants them to become â€Å"free-thinkers†, but he is in a way contradicting himself as he forces his own beliefs and philosophy onto the impressionable students rather than letting them think for themselves. This theme of conformity is paralleled on a personal level in Neil’s relationship with his father. Mr. Perry wants the best possible future for his son, and therefore has almost impossible expectations of him. Neil, on the other hand, while always obedient to his father’s wishes, wants to know more about himself. Acting was something that Neil discovered he was not only good at and enjoyed, but was also in a sense an escape from his present reality as it allowed him to pretend to be someone else for a while. Mr Keating’s â€Å"carpe diem† (â€Å"seize the day†) attitude inspired Neil to disobey his father’s wishes by secretly starring in the school play. Neil’s challenging of his father’s authority had devastating consequences, as after a particularly vehement confrontation with him, finally Neil came to believe that the only way to obtain freedom was to take his own life. This final act of non-conformity was not something Mr. Keating would have advocated, but was Neil’s ultimate and desperate defiance towards his father, and a tragic  expression of his independence.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Aplastic Anemia Essays - Transplantation Medicine, Stem Cells

Aplastic Anemia Aplastic anemia is a disease of the bone marrow the organ that produces the body's blood cells. Approximately two thousand people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year with aplastic anemia. The symptoms of aplastic anemia are fatigue, bruising, infections, and weakness. Although these symptoms are much like those associated with leukemia, aplastic anemia is not a form of cancer. In patients with aplastic anemia the bone marrow stops producing, or produces too few red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Without sufficient red blood cells, oxygen cannot reach organs and tissues throughout the body. A decrease in the number of white blood cells causes the body's ability to fight infection as well as it should. Platelets are needed to help blood clot (Bone). Although the exact cause of aplastic anemia is not known, most evidence points to a combination of factors. The first factor is damaged stem cells. These are the primitive cells in the bone marrow that produce blood cells. Another factor is damage to the bone marrow environment in which blood cells develop (Aplastic). Other factors include abnormalities in the proteins that regulate blood cell production and a malfunctioning immune system that interferes with the normal blood cell production (Bone). Certain environmental factors have been associated with the development of aplastic anemia. Chemotherapy drugs such as busulfan or antibiotics such as chloraphenicol can cause temporary or prolonged aplastic anemia. Chemicals such as benzene and pesticides, infections such as viral hepatitis and mononucleosis, autoimmune disorders and ionizing radiation also have been linked to the development of aplastic anemia. Although exposure to these agents increases the risk of developing aplastic anemia, it is proven that they are not the sole cause of aplastic anemia (Aplastic). Aplastic anemia was once considered incurable. Today, more than fifty percent of patients diagnosed with aplastic anemia can be cured. For patients under the age of fifty and those over fifty that are in good health, the treatment of choice is a bone marrow transplant (National). However, more than half of the patients that are diagnosed are ineligible foe a bone marrow transplant because of age or the lack of a suitable bone marrow donor. For these patients, the preferred treatment is immunosuppressive therapy consisting of injections of antithymocyte globulin (ATG), with or without oral closporine. ATG therapy boosts the production of red blood cells, blood cells, and platelets in thirty to fifty percent of patients. In some cases, blood cell production returns to normal, while in others it returns to a level that allows the patient to have a normal lifestyle (Aplastic). Approximately ten to fifteen percent of patients who initially respond to ATG therapy have the disease relapse during the first twelve months following treatment. Another round of ATG therapy may be administered in an effort to bring blood cell production back to an acceptable level. Some patients who respond to ATG therapy eventually develop another bone marrow disorder such as myelogenous syndrome or acute nonmyelogenous leukemia. These disorders may be temporarily treatable, but are seldom curable. Overall, between thirty and forty percent of patients treated with ATG therapy become long term survivors and the majority of these long term survivors appear to be cured (Aplastic). Patients who have a relative with matching bone marrow have a seventy to ninety percent chance of being cured following a bone marrow transplant. Patients transplanted with marrow from a related donor whose marrow type nearly matches the patient's have a fifty percent chance of being cured. If marrow from a matched unrelated donor is used, the likelihood of a cure is twenty to thirty percent (Bone). Physicians determine whether a donor's marrow type matches the patient's by examining genetic markers on the surface of white blood cells called HLA antigens. These are the antigens that help the body identify invading organisms, and trigger an immune system attack on any substances that do not belong in that particular person's body, such as viruses and bacteria (Severe). If the patient's and donor's HLA antigens do not match, the patient's body will perceive the donor's bone marrow as foreign material to be destroyed. This condition is called graft rejection and results in a failed bone marrow transplant.

Friday, September 27, 2019

The Importance of Military Bearing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The Importance of Military Bearing - Essay Example Whether in the darkness of war trenches or in the comfort of their offices in the barracks, military personnel are expected to exhibit a high level of professionalism. Therefore, the capability of demonstrating military bearing is independent of the sites of operation: it is a demonstration of the military tactfulness, which is a direct opposite of the civilian sloppiness. In fact, many military officers today decided to join the Armed Forces because of the spruce appearance of the military personnel. (a) Self-dignity: The beauty of military bearing is in the ability to carry oneself with dignity. The military personnel are often encouraged to stand tall: they should maintain a realistic air of self-importance around themselves. The extent of self-dignity depends on the ranks of individual officers. To display this enviable self-dignity, the military personnel are taught to assume certain kinds of postures, like standing straight with the back upright like a ramrod and looking straight into the eyes of their interlocutors. Some officers have taken this self-importance farther than that: one could perceive self-dignity in their gaits as they walk from one place to another: The higher the rank the bigger the swagger or faster the sprightly gait. (b) Physical Appearance: One of the amazing things about the military is the immaculate appearance that military personnel command. You could see their uniforms properly ironed and neat. Even the way they put on these uniforms depict professionalism that seems to make people dizzy about whether soldiers truly spend hours to get their uniforms prepared. Although, it isn’t the uniform itself that matters, the way it is worn: military personnel have different ranks, and each rank has the befitting official uniform that stipulates the appropriate level of authority as reflected by the officers’ epaulettes, badges, caps or berets, and other military paraphernalia. A military officer is expected to be neat, spruce, brisk, and articulate in fashion.  Ã‚  

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Country Focus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Country Focus - Research Paper Example The report includes extensive analysis of the automotive as well as the steel sectors. These sectors are the spearhead for further economic transformation (The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, 5-6). The report also considered the extensive up gradation in transport facilities and secure modes of power supply. The country is now focused on handling the challenge of rising demand. The mining industry of the country is under the spotlight as new markets are emerging which posits the opportunity to trade. The emerging markets promises further growth in iron ore. The country recovered fairly well after e contraction in the year 2009 and such kind of recovery can be matched by very few economies. The focus now has diverted to the sectors that provide multiplier effects and initiatives have been taken to increase the output of the productivity sectors. Unemployment has been a subject of concern for the country but fails to posit serious impact on the economy. The count ry is following the policy of maintaining political stability and is on the way of providing good business environment along with rich natural resources (SAinfo reporter and BuaNews). Cultural Aspects The central unit of the society is formed by families. The nuclear families are paramount to the existence of individual. The family serves the purpose to support the community both financially and emotionally. The concept of time differs between the black and white Africans. The white Africans try to keep the pace according to time while the black Africans are usually believed to complete the work at slower pace. The cultural ancestry impacts on the differences in communication styles. The Africans who have the potential to speak English generally maintains a reserve and conservative mannerism with the objective to avoid conflict. The Africans from other backgrounds usually maintains a direct and explicit approach of communication. The objective of them is to be honest and forthright. This implicates that they will not hesitate to refuse anything in public. In order to initiate the business deals successfully, it is important to be aware of the styles of the different communities. The abundant availability of natural resources has paved the way for the country to become the largest developed economy among the countries of Africa (Willumsen, Moene and Hoyland, 1-2). The per capita GDP has made the country as one of the top 50 wealthiest nations of the world. The country has got immense potential from the investment point of view with one of the emerging market economies around the globe. The greeting styles generally tend to vary depending on the ethnic heritage of the country. The Africans who can speak English generally follows a formal and polite mannerism to address someone. The black Africans generally follow an informal approach to greet someone who is unknown to them. The initial gesture that is most common in this part of the world is a formal handshake. However for the female associates, the trend is to wait for the female to offer a shake of hands first. For long term business success it is important to build relationship and networking. The residents generally prefer a win-win situation where both the associated parties tend to gain something for the business negotiations. So it is advised to avoid confrontation and aggressive bartering over prices.

Financial Innovation & Risk Management of Goldman Sachs Essay

Financial Innovation & Risk Management of Goldman Sachs - Essay Example The paper tells that over the recent years, commercial banks in the banking industry have recorded dramatic losses because of risks it faces due to global crisis. This is because, in the financial perspective, risk is assessed as the tendency whereby the actual return does not match with the expected return. As a commercial bank, Goldman Sachs faces market risk, financial risk and operation risk that arise from either external or internal activities. With banks facing a crisis as a result, of risks that arise from credit exposure and interest rate position among other risks they have resolved to upgrade the risk management strategies and theories they use. Goldman Sachs is one of the banks using risk management strategies that either eliminates or mitigates some risks. In other instances, Goldman Sachs management decides to shift the risks to other parties. The risk management strategies comprise of liquidity risk management, operations risk management, credit risk management and mar ket risk management that has over the years, seen the bank remain stable during both the financial and economic crisis. More significantly, banks carry out risky business, as it provides financial services to its clients. In the banking industry, Goldman Sachs is well known as the leading securities and global investment-banking firm. It has three main business lines that it operates comprising of investment banking, asset management and securities services and trading and principal investments. Goldman Sachs is an international corporation that provides services to a substantial and diversified client base that is widely distributed worldwide. With banking institutions in over twenty-three countries, it has diversified its operations outside the United States and grown globally (Goldman Sachs, 2012). Its wide base of clients includes other financial institutions, governments, corporations, and high net worth individuals. As a result, the management of Goldman Sachs focuses on being the leading member in worldwide financial markets besides being a leading advisor of choice to its wider clients’ base. Goldman Sachs just like other financial institutions faces business and operational risks that originates from its internal activities apart from financial risk that arise from outside activities (Goldman Sachs, 2012). As a result, liquidity, market and credit risks fall under liquidity risk because it relates to the outside clients of the bank. On the other hand, legal, people, system, equity investment and external risks relate to day-to-day operational risks of the bank. At Goldman Sachs, the management and strategic risks are more likely associated with business risks within the banking institution. More than often, institutions face a financial crisis, and economic crisis that have affected Goldman Sachs bank operations just like any other banks in the industry. Nonetheless, the impact of the crisis depends on the level of risk management an organizati on has been implemented (Goldman Sachs, 2012). With the high level of competition that exists in the banking industry today, besides the existence of an open economic system that is followed by sensitive market players and other strong external influences it is more challenging for institutions to carry out efficient liquidity management plans. Goldman Sachs, as one of the strong banking institution with branches in different countries faces competition from non-banking financial institutions that has recently seen banks declining reliance on the levels of deposits because of the immense competition. In addition, the competition in the banking industry has become immense thus, affecting the global position of Goldman Sachs in the financial market. With pressure mounting up for accountability to the shareholders based on risk management, Goldman Sachs just as, many banks have resorted to ensure that it mitigates risks while efficiently managing its liquidity levels

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies Assignment - 1

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies - Assignment Example From this paper it is clear that the company served 138,417 million customers. Further, the company employs four marketing concepts in order to generate higher revenues. The company sells quality air travel services. Service is sold at popular prices. The company excellently ferries the customers from one domestic location in the United States to another domestic location on time and in styly. Furthermore, the company offers its in-flight services at reasonable prices. The reasonable prices do not necessarily equate to the lowest airline ticket prices. Reasonable prices are meant to recuperate the expenses of operating the company’s airline business. Reasonable prices allow the company to squeeze out a certain profit percentage from the daily flight schedules. Additionally, the company promotes the benefits of riding in one of the company’s huge jet planes. Promotions include offering discounts to customers to increase loyalty. This research paper declares that promotio n increases customer loyalty. One of the promotion activities is advertising the company’s services on the Internet and other media advertising venues. Likewise, the promotion includes company granting 10 percent discounts to the elderly passengers. Elderly passengers are those aged from 65 years and above. U.S. Airways. U.S. Airways has its main office in Tempe City, Arizona. The company ferries passengers from one United States location to another domestic location. The company ferries international passenger clients from domestic locations to South American destinations, the European Union member states, and different parts of the Middle Eastern territories. During 2012, U.S. Airways generated $13.83 billion revenues. With the merger of U.S. Airways and American Airlines, the new head office of the merged company will be the American Airlines head office. Further, the merger will result in stockholders of American Airlines owning estimated 70 percent of the amalgamated com pany. The U.S. Airways stockholders will own 30 percent of the combined company. The combined company will retain the name of American Airlines. In accounting parlance, when the name of the combined company retains the name of one of the companies, the joining of the companies into one bigger company is classified as a merger. According to the Edgar online website, American Airlines generated passenger revenues amounting to $4,326 million during the first three months of 2007. American Airlines earned $558 million from the regional affiliate revenues during the same year. The company further generated additional $201 million cargo revenue during the same accounting year. Revenues include cash inflows from other revenue sources amounting to $317 million. Further, the merger is a beneficial strategy.  

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Case summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Case summary - Essay Example The company also focuses on how their human nutrition centre will help the consumer to understand how important improved nutrition products are for their health. The changed environment of the world now focuses on sustainability, health, nutrition, waste management and economic development. Companies such as Walmart have incorporated these elements in their business and the supply chain focuses on shared value. Nestle has to focus on all these elements in order to keep with the expectations. Sourcing at Nestle focuses on shared value concept. Nestle has always planned ahead of time and has been very innovative and socially responsible when it come to producing and sourcing. Not only has Nestle introduced products that were high in nutrition, it has also introduced products that combats certain health conditions. By working with health companies it has come up with "nutraceuticals" that are health foods suitable for people with health conditions like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease etc. Neslte identified that water is a very valuable resource of the world and it is being wasted by producers. Nestle emphasizes to make producers aware of its value so they use it wisely by improved irrigation systems and other technologies. Nestle identified that they had to contribute back to the society because Nestle is a huge firm and they rely hugely on the ecosystem. Hence if they invest in environment sustainability and social well being, the business is going to benefit. So they adopted CSV. As a food producer, investing in environment and health of people makes business sense because this will in turn give improved quality products at the end. Nestle formed SAI platform which was later joined by a number of companies to produce agricultural products sustainably. Consumer preferences had changed, now consumers were willing to pay more for

Monday, September 23, 2019

Delayed ischemia due to cerebral vaso spasm post operate subarachnoid Essay

Delayed ischemia due to cerebral vaso spasm post operate subarachnoid haemorrhage clipping - Essay Example This disease mostly strike at fairly young age and proved to be fatal. Its effects are similar to the cerebral infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage. Diagnosis and acute management of the subarachnoid represents a great challenge to the neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventions radiologists and intensivists. In this case study we analyze the factors that are involved in the subarachnoid hemorrhage and their relation with the delayed ischemia that is occur because of the cerebral vasospasm. In this study we also evaluate the role of the practitioners regarding to this disease. In most of the population the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage is 6-7 individuals per 100, 000 persons in a year. Incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage increases with the age. Their risk factors are smoking, constant or excessive alcohol intake and hypertension. In the patients who have positive family history for subarachnoid hemorrhage, the average age at which the disease strikes to them is younger age t han in patients with the sporadic subarachnoid hemorrhage. So, genetic factors also play significant role in this disease. Factors that are involved in the rupture of the arachnoid membrane are very complex; it happens because of the sudden increase in trans mural arterial pressure, activities such as exercise, straining and intercourse are reported as 20% necessary factor in the prevalence subarachnoid hemorrhage (Zentner, et al., 1996). The main characteristic symptom of subarachnoid hemorrhage is the head ache. This head ache is different from the normal head ache that usually occurred in individuals in their daily routine life due to extensive hard work. Head ache usually last 1- 2 weeks and sometime longer and of very high intensity. Vomiting is also the characteristic of this disease but it is not distinctive one because it also occurred in the patients of non-hemorrhagic. Focal neurological deficits occur when an aneurysm compresses a cranial nerve or bleeds into the brain pa renchyma or from focal ischemia due to acute vasoconstriction immediately after aneurysmal rupture. Sometimes, therefore, the clinical manifestations of a ruptured aneurysm are indistinguishable from a stroke syndrome from cerebral infarction. Complete or part third-nerve palsy is a well-recognized sign after rupture of aneurysms, mostly of the internal carotid artery at the origin of the posterior communicating artery (Wartenberg, et al., 2006). Systematic feature which are associated with the subarachnoid hemorrhage are sever hypertension, hypoxemia and electrocardiographic changes which can mimic the myocardial infarction and lead to erroneous examinations and treatments. The first investigation if the subarachnoid hemorrhage is suspected is CT scan. Their detection depends on the amount of blood that leaked into the subarachnoid space. The indication of surgery in patients of subarachnoid hemorrhage can be done if the overall medical condition of the patient is out of control, l ike aneurysm size and location, accessibility of the aneurysm for surgical repair, and presence or absence of thrombus, are also important (Wartenberg, et al., 2006). Cerebral vasospasm is the intensive and prolonged vasoconstriction of the large conducting arteries in the subarachnoid space that is initially surrounded by the clot. The further narrowing of the vessels develop gradually over the first few days after the aneurysmal ruptur

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Some advantages and disadvantages of internet Essay Example for Free

Some advantages and disadvantages of internet Essay The internet which was once just a little puddle, now, have become an ocean; an ocean of knowledge. It is like a magical crystal ball which has an answer for every question of yours and the best thing about it is; it is completely free. I know how much I have learnt from the internet. How internet is better than books when it comes to knowledge? The answer to this would be the infinity of the internet. Plus, apart from this, learning from internet is much more fun. You have all kinds of videos about basically every topic that you can imagine of. Disadvantages If availability of knowledge helps people to do good things, it is also, a help for evil. There are thousands of websites which tells you ways to make a bomb or how to commit suicide. People even learn how to hack websites from the internet. Communication Advantages Another amazing thing about the internet is the communication that it makes possible. Most of the business firms communicate with each other with the help of e-mails. It is not only a faster way but also the safer way too. With internet you can video chat with a person who might be in some other continent as of yours. Disadvantages We are getting so use to of virtual communication that we are lacking a physical contact with our acquaintances. It is separating us from the real world around us, which I think smothers the development of personality of an individual. Smaller World Advantage Due to internet our world is becoming smaller and smaller. Computers which are connected to internet are connected to each other. This facilitates the transfer of a file or even a folder from one computer to another. Disadvantage Due to this connection your personal data can be stolen from your computer. Various kinds of virus, malware, and spyware enter your computer via internet. Convenience Advantages With the help of the internet we can do almost everything at home. We can do everything from paying bills to buying airline tickets, from finding jobs to ordering stuff. It sure saves us lots of time in this busy and competitive world. Apart from this, it also saves us energy so that you can put that energy to more productive things. Disadvantages Like every technology, internet too reduces your effort but in return it takes a toll on your health. As you can get practically everything sitting at your home you don’t go around physically. So, your physical activity goes to nil. I believe any type of transaction that you do on internet is unsafe. Hackers can suck all of your life’s savings if you use internet banking services. Virtual Information Advantage With more people relying on internet for getting information the usage of books will also reduce. This will decrease deforestation and will prove eco-friendly. Disadvantage If people will choose internet over books this will increase the energy consumption. Jobs Business Advantage Thousands of people are using internet to get their bread and butter. There are all types of jobs available on the internet from data entering to translation. Websites and blogs are solely internet based businesses and from what I know people are earning quite a healthy amount of money from it. You just need an idea and great determination to pull it off. Disadvantage To tell you the truth I don’t think there is a valid disadvantage to this but if I be a little strict a low wage might be one. I some cases, it depends upon the country in which you reside American and Europeans are paid highest. Entertainment Advantage I think more than anything mentioned above entertainment is the thing for which the internet is used. You can find almost every song made anywhere in the world on the internet and same is for movies. All sorts of multiplayer games can be played with an opponent who might be on the other side of the world; thanks to internet. Disadvantage Internet has encouraged the concept of piracy. Due to this, the individual or the production house or the music label that produces a particular piece of music/movie/video game ends up with a hole in their profits. Asking a question Advantage If there is a question in your mind of which no answer can be found neither in the books nor on the internet itself then, there are lots of sites available in which you can put a question and there will be millions of people answering it. As you don’t need to reveal any identity to do so; you can ask the most embarrassing questions. Disadvantage Most of the people answering these questions are not qualified professionals. This leads to lot of myths spreading around. Data Storage Advantage There are lots of sites on which you can store your vital data by paying a small rent of the hard disk that it takes. For very important things like wedding video or pictures which you don’t want to lose can be stored there because crashing of the hard drive is not a very rare sight now a days. Disadvantage We have seen endless number of times in history that these kinds of sites have been compromised by hackers. This creates a fear in the mind of users about the secrecy of their content. Social networking sites Advantages Social networks have changed our lives. It is like a virtual world. I personally think if you have an account in a social networking website then you are never alone. There is always something happening. I think the best part of social networking websites is, they can sometimes work like a support group because I feel someone can tell what they feel and people listen to it. It is like an outlet for your emotions, which, if kept inside screws an individual mind.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Uk Chocolate Market Analysis Marketing Plan Marketing Essay

Uk Chocolate Market Analysis Marketing Plan Marketing Essay UK chocolate market is considered the 2nd largest market amongst the EU after Germany, with an average consumption between 4kg to 10kg per head. Not only UK is among greatest chocolate consumers in EU but also holds highest share on sales of confectionery market since 2003. Average annual growth rates in last few years in chocolate market show an increasing trend in volume sales reaching  £4.83bn, and expected to reach up to 684,000 tons till end of 2010, growing at rate of 2.4%. The changing consumer purchase patterns towards how products are produced in terms of their impact on environment and health are considered factors on which future market growth of chocolate will be depending on. For this reason the confectionery and chocolate market has started struggling due to the lobby created by healthy eating, health conscious community. The organic chocolate market is thus becoming the recent trend for consumers because of the increasing awareness of the economic and environmental concerns surrounding cocoa production. These changes are well monitored by market players whose response towards these changes is evident from entering of organic companies into chocolate market and big conventional manufacturers investments in the processing of organic chocolates. Yet, although organic chocolate markets expected to grow at exceptional growth rates, the sector is still niche market when compared to the conventional and possess very little share in the total chocolate market. Moreover, with the squeeze on disposable incomes, an increased focus on price, the buy one get one free offers have been replaced with special price, multibuy and round-pound type deals. Continuous innovations in rival sectors such as biscuits and cakes etc are offering tough challenges for chocolate market. The outlook for the market still remains positive, but chocolate brands need strong effort in terms of providing customers with high value and healthy products. The major players of Chocolate in UK market fighting neck to neck in the battle of market share are Cadbury Kraft, combined market share of around 40%, after Cadburys takeover by Kraft. Mars, market share of 15% and turnover of more than 9.6 billion pounds Nestle Kitkat, market share of 20.4% Green Blacks, market share of around 5 % in conventional and more than 90% share in organic chocolate market For the information regarding the current trends in UK chocolate market , it is evident that the focus of communities are now towards healthy eating for which they now are conscious as of what ingredients are their products made up of. Thus if a company desires to enter chocolate market in such demanding trends where customers have full range of variety to choose from the safest path to choose will be organic chocolate market. This would be safer in that sense that as trends of people are shifting from only fun and enjoyment food towards healthy safe food, soon it is expected that the conventional market leaders will also be converting existing brands to organic and natural ingredients used products. Market Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning For this section statistic data about consumer attitude towards chocolate in UK by age, sex, social grade etc is required. This data is available in Keynote market research report to which there is no access from here. However , I have tried my best to broadly describe the target segment but still as per requirement of the instructor, detailed data figures are required. The organic chocolate market is considered amongst those popular opportunities which have been derived by changing consumer trends and liking towards healthier and environmentally safer food items, specifically the focus on use of healthier and environmentally safer ingredients. Consumers driving growth According to a market research demand for organic food items including organic chocolate is spread across the social spectrum, including workers, pensioners, students and people on benefits, and accounts for almost 33% of their total spending. For the purpose of our organic chocolate segment a significant portion of worker and student class will be our main target market segment. Descriptive Data For Organic chocolate market segment, as a new entrant our target market would include working class and students. The total population of UK is divided into following age group segments: For our organic chocolate segment, we would target population ranging from year 10 to 44. This would account for almost 48% of the total population of UK , obviously the whole 48% will not be part of our target market as organic chocolate is a niche of conventional chocolate market, our working and student class will be covered in these age group description. So as an estimate organic chocolate demand can be expected from 40% of the 48% target population. Socio-demographic Description The segment aimed as target segment will be people living in North West of England. This is so as we are initially introducing our product in test market covering NW of England only. Target customers will be in age group of year 10 to approximately 44. Children below 10 are essentially not part of our target segment because it requires awareness to choose healthy food items for which reason children above year 10 are selected. The age limit selected till 44 is for the reason that above this age group most people are suffering from heart and diabetic deceases thus for them at a later stage diet or low sugar items shall be introduced. Target segment will be constituting of students and working class. Psychographic/behavioral Description Our chosen segment is people with health conscious attitudes and preference towards safe and healthy food. This segment has awareness about environmental issues also and thus do not have wild fun loving lifestyle but a graceful lifestyle with healthy and enjoyable eating patterns. Positioning The current segmentation in UK chocolate market described in view of a perceptual map is shown below: Thus we will be positioning our product in high quality depicting its healthy making nut that much high price. It will be positioned similar to milk tray shown above in figure but bit higher in quality. Product Specification and Branding Strategy There are already few very popular organic chocolate brands in UK including Green and Blacks which holds a very significant share in organic chocolate market. Thus the introduction of our organic chocolate brand needs some cutting edge or competitive advantage over others. We will introduce this difference with providing our organic chocolate lovers a variety of combinations and natural healthy flavors in our chocolate products. First of all, our brand choco naturals will be classified in three ranges targeting three set of places with different usage style. Organic chocolate bars After dinner mints items Organic chocolate gift boxes The basic composition and ingredients of all three variety of our brand will be almost same, i.e. Dark Chocolate dark bitter chocolate made from 70% organic cocoa solids, brown cane sugar, vanilla and soya lecithin Semisweet Chocolate- organic sugar, organic chocolate, organic cocoa butter, organic flavors, milk fat and soya lecithin White Chocolate- no cocoa solids, but organic cocoa butter, sugar, vanilla and milk On this basic organic composition of our brand the cutting edge would be its natural and healthy flavoring and combo mixing of white and dark chocolates. The conventional choco bars available in market have introduced all kind of variety including nuts, wafers, biscuits etc, but as our brand is providing its customers with chocolate that is good for health also we will enhance their flavor and appetite by mixing fruit chunks in our brands and good cholesterol nuts i.e. almonds and walnuts. Moreover providing combo mixing of dark and white chocolate will deliver chocolate lovers taste of two in one and with added advantage of health benefits of dark chocolate. Our products will be offered in following sizes and weights Organic chocolate bars Initially as we are introducing our brand in test market we will only supply bars in 2 sizes i.e. 50g bar and 100g bar After dinner mint items These will be offered in round balls 100 g each to popular hotels and restaurants to serve their customers as after dinner items and will be provided with fruit chunks and combo variety explained above Organic chocolate gift items For our test market this will also be provided in two sizes i.e. 1 lb and 1  ½ lb box packing As the specialty of this brand of chocolate lies in it being healthier, close to nature and for those who have high concern for health and environment , we will have high focus of packaging choco naturals_ chocolates in an environmentally friendly rappers which are biodegradable packaging and have zero waste components. Our three line of products will be properly labeled describing components and all details regarding calories, fats etc. As the brand has high insistence on being organic, the design of packaging of chocolates will show the making of chocolate from most natural and organic ingredients through its color and style creating a warm connection with those who love being close to nature, adding value for them. Developing Brand Personality As an introductory brand it is one of the most important responsibilities of us to define our brand and portraying its strengths which meet all standards set by the market. These include the consistency in taste and quality delivered etc. When developing brand identity consistent delivery of the value must match promises made to target customers. The logo, mark, theme line, and look and feel as part of choco naturals identity will create a recognition in the minds of our target customers and will make them remember choco naturals. As choco naturals_ chocolates are made from fully organic ingredients with an added combination of natural fruit chunks that enhance the product benefits, the logo will depict such closeness to nature, health and taste. Similarly the mark and theme line will deliver same identity of the product. Creating brand identity begins with having a clear idea of target customers. When a customer decides which brand they prefer to buy they have many considerations in mind including its price , quality, benefits but the final thing which eventually wins is the brands identity created in the mind of the customer. This if carefully developed, as in our case that choco naturals chocolates reflects the attributes and preferences of its target customers will make choco naturals chocolate win over other conventional brands. choco naturals chocolates will be developed as a sophisticated brand which is aimed as providing taste with health. Pricing Strategy and Price Strategy to opt: Of the many pricing strategies, for choco naturals chocolates, four strategies are of value. These are Competition based pricing Market oriented pricing Premium pricing Psychological pricing We will chose a combination of market oriented and psychological pricing. Premium pricing could also be opted but as our target market also includes students and worker class, it might create a luxury brand image which might effect the closeness we want our brand to develop with target customers. Similarly competition based pricing method would have also been a very safe strategy but for having an added value, we choose market oriented pricing which is based on analysis and research of target customers and on those prices if the effect of psychological pricing is also added it is expected to create more value for our products. Pricing objectives: Purpose of choosing this combination of pricing strategy is to provide such a price to the customers which is not too high to loose connection from target customers and not too low that can portray the brand as a low standard brand. The objective is to set such a price that can portray our target customers the essence of the organic image our brand portrays i.e. natural. In terms of sales, this strategy for pricing is expected to create a healthy market share in organic chocolate market at a good pace and constant increase in level of sales and profit. The positioning of this brand will also support this pricing strategy. Recommended Price: Organic Chocolate Bar 100g  £2.95 50g  £ 1.95 After dinner mints Pack of 4 round balls 100g each for  £6.95 Organic chocolate Gift boxes ( combo mix of dark white and multi flavored fruit chunks) 1 lb  £19.95 1  ½ lb  £ 29.95 Retail Distribution Strategy As we are introducing 3 categories in organic chocolate brand, the distribution will to 3 different type of outlets. These are: Organic Chocolate bars Large super stores and coffee and tea cafes After dinner mints Three to five star Hotels Organic Chocolate gift boxes Large super stores As initially we are introducing our brand in test market, choco naturals chocolate will be available in stores, cafes and hotels in north west of England mainly. The super stores which will sale our products include Sainburys super market Ltd, having 5 outlets in NEW Tesco, having 9 outlets in NWE Woo Sand super market, having 1 outlet in NWE ASDA Stores Ltd, having 6 stores in NWE WM Morrison supermarkets, having 6 stores in NWE The selective Hotels in which we would initially supply our after dinner mints will be some three to five star hotels with good reputations so that association of our brand with such names can deliver positive impression of our brand to the segment of our target market visiting those hotels. These include: Holiday Inn Hard Days Night Hotel Beech Mount Hotel Feathers Hotel Trout Beck Inn Hotel Park House Hotel We will be opting selective distribution strategy to make our products available to our target market. The product will not be massively available as we initially want to access response from test market and moreover the sophistication of our product might get distracted if it gets available in each and every store. Thus at start selective supermarkets, hotels and cafes will offer our products to customers so that the brand may create its image with the help of the image of the places these are available at. Our products will not be available at web based distribution sources as it initially requires to develop a status in local market and then be available at global level. Integrated Marketing Communications Strategy The integrated marketing strategy we have planned for our product is hitting the market segment in North West in selective ways. We are not going for the guerilla marketing tactics because its high quality product and market is not very wide. We have to introduce the product and usually the products in the early stages of their Product life cycle need careful tactics for marketing and advertising because profit margins are lower therefore selective media should be used instead of using the short gun approach. The main objective behind our campaign is to introduce our product and its benefits along with creating brand identity. We will focus our attention in the initial phase of the campaign to create awareness about our product in the native market (North West of England). In this phase we will tell our customers about the value we will deliver. In the second phase of our campaign we will emphasize on promotion and advertisement of our brand. First phase would help us to identify again the interested segment so in the second phase we will scrutinize and promote to our potential valuable customers. For promoting our brand we are not using all the tools of integrated marketing communication strategy which are advertising, sales promotions, direct marketing, website and public relations). We are going to use only advertising, direct marketing and we will create our website as well. For advertising we will select the print and electronic media for print media we will only advertise in best selling food journals and news-letters of Northwest. For electronic media we make a 45sec. advertisement. We will use celebrity endorsement in our advertisement. The celebrity we will use would be environmentalist and heads of NGOs promoting nature friendly products. We will air our ads on food based local channels for the middle aged women and men and music and music based and entertainment channels for youngsters slots would be prime time. We would go for cooperative advertisement. We will not go for sales promotions because its a high quality product and sales promotions would give a negative impact. For direct selling we will hire a team which would convince the customers. Our customers for after dinner mints would be owners of famous cafes and restaurants. In initial days we will use mall intercepts in large super stores and departmental stores offering organic products. Public relations is mostly done for service sector so it wont make any significant impact here but in later stages when there would be larger sales volume then we will introduce PR for our premium customers. In later stages we will also conduct seminars for creating awareness of organic food but in initial phase profit margins are too low. We would create a website for promotion but not for sale because customers are very conscious in trying a new product and for a product like chocolate it wont work at all. In maturation phase when customer response would be good we may go for online dealing. So in our IMC our focus in print media would be on chocolate bars, in electronic media it would be more on gift items. And in direct selling we would promote after dinner mints and gift items but the whole campaign would promote the brand.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Alzheimer’s Disease Essay examples -- Alzheimers Disease Essays

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting memory, cognitive and non-cognitive functions. Studies show that most cases of Alzheimer’s disease pertains to people who are 60 years of age or older; meanwhile, 80% of these cases are due to genetics. The risk of one having Alzheimer’s disease varies with their age and ethnicity. That being said, some elders are obtaining this disease in very late life, nearing their 90’s. The gene that is usually responsible for Alzheimer ’s disease (AD) is the Apolipoprotein E (APOE gene) which gets its name from encoding for the protein Apolipoprotein. It is on chromosome 19 and has three main alleles on the gene that seem to be responsible for this disease. They are: ÃŽ µ2, containing cysteine at position 112 and arginine at position 158 of the gene, ÃŽ µ3 containing cysteine at both 112 and 158 positions, and ÃŽ µ4 containing arginine at both 112 and 158 positions of the gene. The APOE ÃŽ µ4 allele is the disease’s most prevalent allele. The APOE ÃŽ µ4 allele is the disease’s most prevalent allele. The function of this gene is to regulate cholesterol and triglyceride metabolisms. This shows it is not only coincidental that high cholesterol and diabetes lead to late-onset Alzheimer’s. The APOE ÃŽ µ4 allele was tested and discovered to be so dangerous in 1993. Since, many more studies have been completed on this allele and it has been known to be the main cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Once all the human genotype was known after using the Human Genome Project, a microarray system used to study over 80 percent of the Caucasian genome for association signals called the 500K GeneChip from Affymetrix was created. This microarray kit was used to confirm that using high-density single nuc... ...sion, the results point researchers in the right direction proving that late on-set Alzheimer’s is very closely related to this APOE locus, especially the ÃŽ µ4 allele. Further studies may also show that this allele will likely contribute to other diseases as well. With the use of ultra-high density genome, further associations will be made regarding the link between late on-set Alzheimer’s and the APOE locus. Works Cited Coon, Keith D. Ph.D.; Amanda J. Myers, Ph.D.; David W. Craig, Ph.D.; Jennifer A. Webster, B.A.; John V. Pearson, B.Sc.; Diane Hu Lince, Ph.D.; Victoria L. Zismann, M.S.; Thomas G. Beach, M.D.; Doris Leung, M.D. â€Å"A High-Density Whole-Genome Association Study Reveals That APOE Is the Major Susceptibility Gene for Sporadic Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease.† Physicians Post Graduate Press. J Clin Psychiatry 68:4, April 2007: 613-618. (Print)

Poes Fall of The House of Usher Essay - Downward Transcendence :: Fall House Usher Essays

Downward Transcendence in The Fall of the House of Usher    According to Beverly Voloshin in "Transcendence Downward: An Essay on 'Usher' and 'Ligeia,'" Poe presents transcendental projects which threaten to proceed downward rather than upward" in his story "The Fall of the House of Usher" (19). Poe mocks the transcendental beliefs, by allowing the characters Roderick Usher, Madeline Usher, the house and the atmosphere   to travel in a downward motion into decay and death, rather than the upward transcendence into life and rebirth that the transcendentalists depict. The transcendence of the mind begins with Roderick Usher and is reflected in the characters and environment around him.    The beliefs of transcendentalists are continuously filled with bright colors and ideas, and heavenly-like tones. The character Roderick Usher suffered much from a morbid acuteness of the senses" which refers to his transcendental beliefs (Poe 1465). Usher finds his transcendental connection with the oversoul but instead of brightness he finds gloom with black, white and gray colors. Madeline Usher suffers from "a gradual wasting away of the person, and frequent although transient affections of a partially cataleptical character" (Poe 1465). This results from a loss of contact with the physical world, again a characteristic of a transcendentalist, yet negative instead of positive. According to Voloshin "Madeline matches her bother's pallor, but her special mark is red-a faint blush when she is interred and blood on her garments when she emerges" (22). Both characters differ from transcendentalists with their disintegration of the body and mind instead of a rebirth of the body and mind of a transcendentalist.    Because of his connection with the oversoul Roderick Usher finds it difficult to communicate with words, so instead he uses paintings and writings to describe his inner thoughts. Voloshin describes how in   "The Haunted Palace," a writing by Usher, he explains his own " fall of order into chaos, reason into madness, innocence into experience" (20). Representing another downward and deathly transcendence is Madeline, who is painted in the "vault or tunnel" by Roderick. In the painting, Roderick portrays Madeline in a tomb, and gives her no chance to have her own beliefs by locking her in. By doing this,   Roderick breaks the transcendental belief that says being locked into the past is wrong, and each person should break free to create beliefs of their own.    Just as the transcendence into decay is found in the characters of "The Fall of the House of Usher" it is also found in the actual house and the environment around it.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Marital Discord in ‘Madame Bovary’ by Gustave Flaubert and ‘Like Water

In Literature and Life, Love is a powerful force. Sans love; feelings, desires and relationships may seem empty. This force however, can also be destructive, even may end a marriage. Marital discord, arising in general, due to infatuation, lust or affection for a third person, may crop up primarily facilitated by adverse familial, economic or societal conditions that do frequently find their mention in the written word. Some of these concerns like family, marriage, sexuality, society and death, are notably illustrated by the authors, Gustave Flaubert in Madame Bovary and Laura Esquivel in Like Water for Chocolate. Bring Rosaura in. These works under study present the marriages of Emma-Charles Bovary in Madame Bovary and Rosaura-Pedro in Like Water for Chocolate that are shaken at the end of each plot. It seems that marital discord is an indirect corollary of the roughness that was forced upon both the female protagonists, Emma and Tita. The cruelty imposed on Tita, as quite evident, was by virtue of her relationship with Mama Elena; her being the youngest daughter who was thus traditionally disallowed marriage and obligated to serve her mother for as long as she (mother) lived. On the other hand, on Emma’s rough times were much subtle and, to an extent, self-carved. Ms. Roualt lived with her father and while in a convent school, she was initially devoted to â€Å"learning her catechism well†. However, as romantic novels came along with an old spinster working there, Emma began to fancy the â€Å"love affairs†¦tears and kisses, skiffs in the moonlight†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 1 With these books, Emma would occasionally drift into the â€Å"alluring phantasmagoria of genuine emotion†1. Then, as the readers may understand, Emma started fantasizing and drawing a veil of... ...laws of Emma ( perennial dissatisfaction, adultery, extravagance) and Rosaura (jealousy) that end up in their tragedy. Works Cited 1 Page 36, chapter 6, part I, Madame Bovary, written by Gustave Flaubert and translated into English by Lowell Bair, Bantam Classics 2 Chapter 6, Volume 1, Pride and Prejudice written by Jane Austen 3 Page 60, Chapter 9, Part I, Madame Bovary, written by Gustave Flaubert and translated into English by Lowell Bair, Bantam Classics 4 Page 33, chapter 5, part I, Madame Bovary, written by Gustave Flaubert and translated into English by Lowell Bair, Bantam Classics 5 Page 32, chapter 5, part I, Madame Bovary, written by Gustave Flaubert, translated into English by Lowell Bair, Bantam Classics 6 Page 86, Chapter 3, part II, Madame Bovary, written by Gustave Flaubert, translated into English by Lowell Bair, Bantam Classics

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Cultural Globalization Essay

Indeed, the world gets smaller by the minute. Not literally though, but figuratively. It seems smaller because the people are able to interact with each other, ignoring the limitations of time and distance. In the advent of science and technology, people are able to bridge the gap of our geographical differences and unite everyone through interactions of interconnections of the modern age. Man is not anymore limited by the physical world he lives in. No one is alone anymore, as people get closer to others with the advancements in travel, telecommunications, and a lot more. This breakthrough has led to other concepts and ideas, and one of this is cultural globalization: ideas, attitudes, and values exchanged in permeable national borders leads to the interaction and interconnection of people from different cultures and different walks of life. In order to understand the concept of cultural globalization further, we need to look at its components separately. Culture and globalization are different topics with different meanings. Culture is defined as a set of shared attributes such as attitudes, values, practices, and goals of a certain group or organization. We understand that every nation of the world possesses unique culture that sets them apart from others. Within these nations, there are cultures, subcultures, and other cultures that thrive, collectively giving that certain nation a unique identity (Dyczewski, 2003). Globalization on the other hand, is said to be the growing integration of various economies and societies all over the world into one global economy or society. It was Marshall McLuhan who had the first idea regarding this concept, previously calling it a global village, wherein nations are able to connect and interact with each other, and is characterized by the instantaneous exchange of ideas all over the world. Globalization integrates the practices which were previously limited to a certain specific country or nation. Having separately defined culture and globalization, we put them together into a single concept, which is cultural globalization. It is defined as the rapid traversing of various ideas, concepts, values, attitudes and perception across different nations. This results to a sharing of ideas between these nations, and the result of this is the interconnection and interaction of each and every nation. It is said that the tools used for the proliferation of the concept of cultural globalization are the mass media and communication technologies. It was through this that it was possible to know what’s happening in other sides of the world, thus promoting awareness not only of their own nation but of others. Several authors have different takes about the topic. One author, Leon Dyczewski, offers the argument that globalization can bring about the annihilation and destruction of ethnic and national cultures, so the relationship between the two is more of a destructive rather than constructive. Basing on this, we can say that the authors means to tell us that as our own cultures become more and more permeable because of globalization, it slowly disintegrates in order to accommodate the emerging idea of cultural globalization. Another point being raised is that there is an emergence of a uniform and pluralistic world. The different components of the world that becomes open to globalization would then conform to a globalized standard of everything. It limits the people’s creativity and uniqueness, in order to achieve a globalized nation. One the other hand, globalization introduces the individuals to a wider world, other that what they got used to growing up. Cultural globalization, in the eyes of the author, is not really about the destruction of small scale nations, ethnic groups, or even the local communities. Instead, cultural globalization offers some sort of unity to the people, effectively leading them to a global society that would let them maintain cultural identity, as well as develop it from time to time. On the other hand, there are those who offer an alternative perspective of the issue. Authors Breidenbach and Zukrigl explain that cultural globalization causes cultural homogenization. Cultural globalization results to a creation of a culture that would encompass its entire component, creating the â€Å"main† culture to be adhered to. Cultural globalization simply narrows down the differences between everyone, possibly creating a much more productive environment (Breidenbach & Zukrigl, 1998). One criticism being slapped to cultural globalization is that it leans towards western ideology and other practices. It was more like adapting to the greatest influence, which in the case of cultural globalization, is the United States of America. What seemed to be an interrelated link of people all over the world became an alternative reason to be like western countries. It is also called as a McDonaldization effort by some, who clearly opposes the concept and idea. Elements of the west, just like McDonalds becomes an icon of cultural globalization, References: Breidenbach, J. , & Zukrigl, I. (1998). The Dynamics of Cultural Globalization. The myths of cultural globalization. Retrieved March 16, 2009, from http://www. inst. at/studies/collab/breidenb. htm Dyczewski, L. (2003). The National and Ethnic Cultures in a Globalizing World. Retrieved March 16, 2009, from http://www. crvp. org/conf/Istanbul/abstracts/dyczewski. htm

Monday, September 16, 2019

A Game of Thrones Chapter Sixty-two

Tyrion On a hill overlooking the kingsroad, a long trestle table of rough-hewn pine had been erected beneath an elm tree and covered with a golden cloth. There, beside his pavilion, Lord Tywin took his evening meal with his chief knights and lords bannermen, his great crimson-and-gold standard waving overhead from a lofty pike. Tyrion arrived late, saddlesore, and sour, all too vividly aware of how amusing he must look as he waddled up the slope to his father. The day's march had been long and tiring. He thought he might get quite drunk tonight. It was twilight, and the air was alive with drifting fireflies. The cooks were serving the meat course: five suckling pigs, skin seared and crackling, a different fruit in every mouth. The smell made his mouth water. â€Å"My pardons,† he began, taking his place on the bench beside his uncle. â€Å"Perhaps I'd best charge you with burying our dead, Tyrion,† Lord Tywin said. â€Å"If you are as late to battle as you are to table, the fighting will all be done by the time you arrive.† â€Å"Oh, surely you can save me a peasant or two, Father,† Tyrion replied. â€Å"Not too many, I wouldn't want to be greedy.† He filled his wine cup and watched a serving man carve into the pig. The crisp skin crackled under his knife, and hot juice ran from the meat. It was the loveliest sight Tyrion had seen in ages. â€Å"Ser Addam's outriders say the Stark host has moved south from the Twins,† his father reported as his trencher was filled with slices of pork. â€Å"Lord Frey's levies have joined them. They are likely no more than a day's march north of us.† â€Å"Please, Father,† Tyrion said. â€Å"I'm about to eat.† â€Å"Does the thought of facing the Stark boy unman you, Tyrion? Your brother Jaime would be eager to come to grips with him.† â€Å"I'd sooner come to grips with that pig. Robb Stark is not half so tender, and he never smelled as good.† Lord Lefford, the sour bird who had charge of their stores and supplies, leaned forward. â€Å"I hope your savages do not share your reluctance, else we've wasted our good steel on them.† â€Å"My savages will put your steel to excellent use, my lord,† Tyrion replied. When he had told Lefford he needed arms and armor to equip the three hundred men Ulf had fetched down out of the foothills, you would have thought he'd asked the man to turn his virgin daughters over to their pleasure. Lord Lefford frowned. â€Å"I saw that great hairy one today, the one who insisted that he must have two battle-axes, the heavy black steel ones with twin crescent blades.† â€Å"Shagga likes to kill with either hand,† Tyrion said as a trencher of steaming pork was laid in front of him. â€Å"He still had that wood-axe of his strapped to his back.† â€Å"Shagga is of the opinion that three axes are even better than two.† Tyrion reached a thumb and forefinger into the salt dish, and sprinkled a healthy pinch over his meat. Ser Kevan leaned forward. â€Å"We had a thought to put you and your wildlings in the vanguard when we come to battle.† Ser Kevan seldom â€Å"had a thought† that Lord Tywin had not had first. Tyrion had skewered a chunk of meat on the point of his dagger and brought it to his mouth. Now he lowered it. â€Å"The vanguard?† he repeated dubiously. Either his lord father had a new respect for Tyrion's abilities, or he'd decided to rid himself of his embarrassing get for good. Tyrion had the gloomy feeling he knew which. â€Å"They seem ferocious enough,† Ser Kevan said. â€Å"Ferocious?† Tyrion realized he was echoing his uncle like a trained bird. His father watched, judging him, weighing every word. â€Å"Let me tell you how ferocious they are. Last night, a Moon Brother stabbed a Stone Crow over a sausage. So today as we made camp three Stone Crows seized the man and opened his throat for him. Perhaps they were hoping to get the sausage back, I couldn't say. Bronn managed to keep Shagga from chopping off the dead man's cock, which was fortunate, but even so Ulf is demanding blood money, which Conn and Shagga refuse to pay.† â€Å"When soldiers lack discipline, the fault lies with their lord commander,† his father said. His brother Jaime had always been able to make men follow him eagerly, and die for him if need be. Tyrion lacked that gift. He bought loyalty with gold, and compelled obedience with his name. â€Å"A bigger man would be able to put the fear in them, is that what you're saying, my lord?† Lord Tywin Lannister turned to his brother. â€Å"If my son's men will not obey his commands, perhaps the vanguard is not the place for him. No doubt he would be more comfortable in the rear, guarding our baggage train.† â€Å"Do me no kindnesses, Father,† he said angrily. â€Å"If you have no other command to offer me, I'll lead your van.† Lord Tywin studied his dwarf son. â€Å"I said nothing about command. You will serve under Ser Gregor.† Tyrion took one bite of pork, chewed a moment, and spit it out angrily. â€Å"I find I am not hungry after all,† he said, climbing awkwardly off the bench. â€Å"Pray excuse me, my lords.† Lord Tywin inclined his head, dismissing him. Tyrion turned and walked away. He was conscious of their eyes on his back as he waddled down the hill. A great gust of laughter went up from behind him, but he did not look back. He hoped they all choked on their suckling pigs. Dusk had settled, turning all the banners black. The Lannister camp sprawled for miles between the river and the kingsroad. In amongst the men and the horses and the trees, it was easy to get lost, and Tyrion did. He passed a dozen great pavilions and a hundred cookfires. Fireflies drifted amongst the tents like wandering stars. He caught the scent of garlic sausage, spiced and savory, so tempting it made his empty stomach growl. Away in the distance, he heard voices raised in some bawdy song. A giggling woman raced past him, naked beneath a dark cloak, her drunken pursuer stumbling over tree roots. Farther on, two spearmen faced each other across a little trickle of a stream, practicing their thrust-and-parry in the fading light, their chests bare and slick with sweat. No one looked at him. No one spoke to him. No one paid him any mind. He was surrounded by men sworn to House Lannister, a vast host twenty thousand strong, and yet he was alone. When he heard the deep rumble of Shagga's laughter booming through the dark, he followed it to the Stone Crows in their small corner of the night. Conn son of Coratt waved a tankard of ale. â€Å"Tyrion Halfman! Come, sit by our fire, share meat with the Stone Crows. We have an ox.† â€Å"I can see that, Conn son of Coratt.† The huge red carcass was suspended over a roaring fire, skewered on a spit the size of a small tree. No doubt it was a small tree. Blood and grease dripped down into the flames as two Stone Crows turned the meat. â€Å"I thank you. Send for me when the ox is cooked.† From the look of it, that might even be before the battle. He walked on. Each clan had its own cookfire; Black Ears did not eat with Stone Crows, Stone Crows did not eat with Moon Brothers, and no one ate with Burned Men. The modest tent he had coaxed out of Lord Lefford's stores had been erected in the center of the four fires. Tyrion found Bronn sharing a skin of wine with the new servants. Lord Tywin had sent him a groom and a body servant to see to his needs, and even insisted he take a squire. They were seated around the embers of a small cookfire. A girl was with them; slim, dark-haired, no more than eighteen by the look of her. Tyrion studied her face for a moment, before he spied fishbones in the ashes. â€Å"What did you eat?† â€Å"Trout, m'lord,† said his groom. â€Å"Bronn caught them.† Trout, he thought. Suckling pig. Damn my father. He stared mournfully at the bones, his belly rumbling. His squire, a boy with the unfortunate name of Podrick Payne, swallowed whatever he had been about to say. The lad was a distant cousin to Ser Ilyn Payne, the king's headsman . . . and almost as quiet, although not for want of a tongue. Tyrion had made him stick it out once, just to be certain. â€Å"Definitely a tongue,† he had said. â€Å"Someday you must learn to use it.† At the moment, he did not have the patience to try and coax a thought out of the lad, whom he suspected had been inflicted on him as a cruel jape. Tyrion turned his attention back to the girl. â€Å"Is this her?† he asked Bronn. She rose gracefully and looked down at him from the lofty height of five feet or more. â€Å"It is, m'lord, and she can speak for herself, if it please you.† He cocked his head to one side. â€Å"I am Tyrion, of House Lannister. Men call me the Imp.† â€Å"My mother named me Shae. Men call me . . . often.† Bronn laughed, and Tyrion had to smile. â€Å"Into the tent, Shae, if you would be so kind.† He lifted the flap and held it for her. Inside, he knelt to light a candle. The life of a soldier was not without certain compensations. Wherever you have a camp, you are certain to have camp followers. At the end of the day's march, Tyrion had sent Bronn back to find him a likely whore. â€Å"I would prefer one who is reasonably young, with as pretty a face as you can find,† he had said. â€Å"If she has washed sometime this year, I shall be glad. If she hasn't, wash her. Be certain that you tell her who I am, and warn her of what I am.† Jyck had not always troubled to do that. There was a look the girls got in their eyes sometimes when they first beheld the lordling they'd been hired to pleasure . . . a took that Tyrion Lannister did not ever care to see again. He lifted the candle and looked her over. Bronn had done well enough; she was doe-eyed and slim, with small firm breasts and a smile that was by turns shy, insolent, and wicked. He liked that. â€Å"Shall I take my gown off, m'lord?† she asked. â€Å"In good time. Are you a maiden, Shae?† â€Å"If it please you, m'lord,† she said demurely. â€Å"What would please me would be the truth of you, girl.† â€Å"Aye, but that will cost you double.† Tyrion decided they would get along splendidly. â€Å"I am a Lannister. Gold I have in plenty, and you'll find me generous . . . but I'll want more from you than what you've got between your legs, though I'll want that too. You'll share my tent, pour my wine, laugh at my jests, rub the ache from my legs after each day's ride . . . and whether I keep you a day or a year, for so long as we are together you will take no other men into your bed.† â€Å"Fair enough.† She reached down to the hem of her thin roughspun gown and pulled it up over her head in one smooth motion, tossing it aside. There was nothing underneath but Shae. â€Å"If he don't put down that candle, m'lord will burn his fingers.† Tyrion put down the candle, took her hand in his, and pulled her gently to him. She bent to kiss him. Her mouth tasted of honey and cloves, and her fingers were deft and practiced as they found the fastenings of his clothes. When he entered her, she welcomed him with whispered endearments and small, shuddering gasps of pleasure. Tyrion suspected her delight was feigned, but she did it so well that it did not matter. That much truth he did not crave. He had needed her, Tyrion realized afterward, as she lay quietly in his arms. Her or someone like her. It had been nigh on a year since he'd lain with a woman, since before he had set out for Winterfell in company with his brother and King Robert. He could well die on the morrow or the day after, and if he did, he would sooner go to his grave thinking of Shae than of his lord father, Lysa Arryn, or the Lady Catelyn Stark. He could feel the softness of her breasts pressed against his arm as she lay beside him. That was a good feeling. A song filled his head. Softly, quietly, he began to whistle. â€Å"What's that, m'lord?† Shae murmured against him. â€Å"Nothing,† he told her. â€Å"A song I learned as a boy, that's all. Go to sleep, sweetling.† When her eyes were closed and her breathing deep and steady, Tyrion slid out from beneath her, gently, so as not to disturb her sleep. Naked, he crawled outside, stepped over his squire, and walked around behind his tent to make water. Bronn was seated cross-legged under a chestnut tree, near where they'd tied the horses. He was honing the edge of his sword, wide awake; the sellsword did not seem to sleep like other men. â€Å"Where did you find her?† Tyrion asked him as he pissed. â€Å"I took her from a knight. The man was loath to give her up, but your name changed his thinking somewhat . . . that, and my dirk at his throat.† â€Å"Splendid,† Tyrion said dryly, shaking off the last drops. â€Å"I seem to recall saying find me a whore, not make me an enemy.† â€Å"The pretty ones were all claimed,† Bronn said. â€Å"I'll be pleased to take her back if you'd prefer a toothless drab.† Tyrion limped closer to where he sat. â€Å"My lord father would call that insolence, and send you to the mines for impertinence.† â€Å"Good for me you're not your father,† Bronn replied. â€Å"I saw one with boils all over her nose. Would you like her?† â€Å"What, and break your heart?† Tyrion shot back. â€Å"I shall keep Shae. Did you perchance note the name of this knight you took her from? I'd rather not have him beside me in the battle.† Bronn rose, cat-quick and cat-graceful, turning his sword in his hand. â€Å"You'll have me beside you in the battle, dwarf.† Tyrion nodded. The night air was warm on his bare skin. â€Å"See that I survive this battle, and you can name your reward.† Bronn tossed the longsword from his right hand to his left, and tried a cut. â€Å"Who'd want to kill the likes of you?† â€Å"My lord father, for one. He's put me in the van.† â€Å"I'd do the same. A small man with a big shield. You'll give the archers fits.† â€Å"I find you oddly cheering,† Tyrion said. â€Å"I must be mad.† Bronn sheathed his sword. â€Å"Beyond a doubt.† When Tyrion returned to his tent, Shae rolled onto her elbow and murmured sleepily, â€Å"I woke and m'lord was gone.† â€Å"M'lord is back now.† He slid in beside her. Her hand went between his stunted legs, and found him hard. â€Å"Yes he is,† she whispered, stroking him. He asked her about the man Bronn had taken her from, and she named the minor retainer of an insignificant lordling. â€Å"You need not fear his like, m'lord,† the girl said, her fingers busy at his cock. â€Å"He is a small man.† â€Å"And what am I, pray?† Tyrion asked her. â€Å"A giant?† â€Å"Oh, yes,† she purred, â€Å"my giant of Lannister.† She mounted him then, and for a time, she almost made him believe it. Tyrion went to sleep smiling . . . . . . and woke in darkness to the blare of trumpets. Shae was shaking him by the shoulder. â€Å"M'lord,† she whispered. â€Å"Wake up, m'lord. I'm frightened.† Groggy, he sat up and threw back the blanket. The horns called through the night, wild and urgent, a cry that said hurry hurry hurry. He heard shouts, the clatter of spears, the whicker of horses, though nothing yet that spoke to him of fighting. â€Å"My lord father's trumpets,† he said. â€Å"Battle assembly. I thought Stark was yet a day's march away.† Shae shook her head, lost. Her eyes were wide and white. Groaning, Tyrion lurched to his feet and pushed his way outside, shouting for his squire. Wisps of pale fog drifted through the night, long white fingers off the river. Men and horses blundered through the predawn chill; saddles were being cinched, wagons loaded, fires extinguished. The trumpets blew again: hurry hurry hurry. Knights vaulted onto snorting coursers while men-at-arms buckled their sword belts as they ran. When he found Pod, the boy was snoring softly. Tyrion gave him a sharp poke in the ribs with his toe. â€Å"My armor,† he said, â€Å"and be quick about it.† Bronn came trotting out of the mists, already armored and ahorse, wearing his battered halfhelm. â€Å"Do you know what's happened?† Tyrion asked him. â€Å"The Stark boy stole a march on us,† Bronn said. â€Å"He crept down the kingsroad in the night, and now his host is less than a mile north of here, forming up in battle array.† Hurry, the trumpets called, hurry hurry hurry. â€Å"See that the clansmen are ready to ride.† Tyrion ducked back inside his tent. â€Å"Where are my clothes?† he barked at Shae. â€Å"There. No, the leather, damn it. Yes. Bring me my boots.† By the time he was dressed, his squire had laid out his armor, such that it was. Tyrion owned a fine suit of heavy plate, expertly crafted to fit his misshapen body. Alas, it was safe at Casterly Rock, and he was not. He had to make do with oddments assembled from Lord Lefford's wagons: mail hauberk and coif, a dead knight's gorget, lobstered greaves and gauntlets and pointed steel boots. Some of it was ornate, some plain; not a bit of it matched, or fit as it should. His breastplate was meant for a bigger man; for his oversize head, they found a huge bucket-shaped greathelm topped with a foot-long triangular spike. Shae helped Pod with the buckles and clasps. â€Å"If I die, weep for me,† Tyrion told the whore. â€Å"How will you know? You'll be dead.† â€Å"I'll know.† â€Å"I believe you would.† Shae lowered the greathelm down over his head, and Pod fastened it to his gorget. Tyrion buckled on his belt, heavy with the weight of shortsword and dirk. By then his groom had brought up his mount, a formidable brown courser armored as heavily as he was. He needed help to mount; he felt as though he weighed a thousand stone. Pod handed him up his shield, a massive slab of heavy ironwood banded with steel. Lastly they gave him his battle-axe. Shae stepped back and looked him over. â€Å"M'lord looks fearsome.† â€Å"M'lord looks a dwarf in mismatched armor,† Tyrion answered sourly, â€Å"but I thank you for the kindness. Podrick, should the battle go against us, see the lady safely home.† He saluted her with his axe, wheeled his horse about, and trotted off. His stomach was a hard knot, so tight it pained him. Behind, his servants hurriedly began to strike his tent. Pale crimson fingers fanned out to the east as the first rays of the sun broke over the horizon. The western sky was a deep purple, speckled with stars. Tyrion wondered whether this was the last sunrise he would ever see . . . and whether wondering was a mark of cowardice. Did his brother Jaime ever contemplate death before a battle? A warhorn sounded in the far distance, a deep mournful note that chilled the soul. The clansmen climbed onto their scrawny mountain horses, shouting curses and rude jokes. Several appeared to be drunk. The rising sun was burning off the drifting tendrils of fog as Tyrion led them off. What grass the horses had left was heavy with dew, as if some passing god had scattered a bag of diamonds over the earth. The mountain men fell in behind him, each clan arrayed behind its own leaders. In the dawn light, the army of Lord Tywin Lannister unfolded like an iron rose, thorns gleaming. His uncle would lead the center. Ser Kevan had raised his standards above the kingsroad. Quivers hanging from their belts, the foot archers arrayed themselves into three long lines, to east and west of the road, and stood calmly stringing their bows. Between them, pikemen formed squares; behind were rank on rank of men-at-arms with spear and sword and axe. Three hundred heavy horse surrounded Ser Kevan and the lords bannermen Lefford, Lydden, and Serrett with all their sworn retainers. The right wing was all cavalry, some four thousand men, heavy with the weight of their armor. More than three quarters of the knights were there, massed together like a great steel fist. Ser Addam Marbrand had the command. Tyrion saw his banner unfurl as his standardbearer shook it out; a burning tree, orange and smoke. Behind him flew Ser Flement's purple unicorn, the brindled boar of Crakehall, the bantam rooster of Swyft, and more. His lord father took his place on the hill where he had slept. Around him, the reserve assembled; a huge force, half mounted and half foot, five thousand strong. Lord Tywin almost always chose to command the reserve; he would take the high ground and watch the battle unfold below him, committing his forces when and where they were needed most. Even from afar, his lord father was resplendent. Tywin Lannister's battle armor put his son Jaime's gilded suit to shame. His greatcloak was sewn from countless layers of cloth-of-gold, so heavy that it barely stirred even when he charged, so large that its drape covered most of his stallion's hindquarters when he took the saddle. No ordinary clasp would suffice for such a weight, so the greatcloak was held in place by a matched pair of miniature lionesses crouching on his shoulders, as if poised to spring. Their mate, a male with a magnificent mane, reclined atop Lord Tywin's greathelm, one paw raking the air as he roared. All three lions were wrought in gold, with ruby eyes. His armor was heavy steel plate, enameled in a dark crimson, greaves and gauntlets inlaid with ornate gold scrollwork. His rondels were golden sunbursts, all his fastenings were gilded, and the red steel was burnished to such a high sheen that it shone like fire in the light of the rising sun. Tyrion could hear the rumble of the foemen's drums now. He remembered Robb Stark as he had last seen him, in his father's high seat in the Great Hall of Winterfell, a sword naked and shining in his hands. He remembered how the direwolves had come at him out of the shadows, and suddenly he could see them again, snarling and snapping, teeth bared in his face. Would the boy bring his wolves to war with him? The thought made him uneasy. The northerners would be exhausted after their long sleepless march. Tyrion wondered what the boy had been thinking. Did he think to take them unawares while they slept? Small chance of that; whatever else might be said of him, Tywin Lannister was no man's fool. The van was massing on the left. He saw the standard first, three black dogs on a yellow field. Ser Gregor sat beneath it, mounted on the biggest horse Tyrion had ever seen. Bronn took one look at him and grinned. â€Å"Always follow a big man into battle.† Tyrion threw him a hard look. â€Å"And why is that?† â€Å"They make such splendid targets. That one, he'll draw the eyes of every bowman on the field.† Laughing, Tyrion regarded the Mountain with fresh eyes. â€Å"I confess, I had not considered it in that light.† Clegane had no splendor about him; his armor was steel plate, dull grey, scarred by hard use and showing neither sigil nor ornament. He was pointing men into position with his blade, a two-handed greatsword that Ser Gregor waved about with one hand as a lesser man might wave a dagger. â€Å"Any man runs, I'll cut him down myself,† he was roaring when he caught sight of Tyrion. â€Å"Imp! Take the left. Hold the river. If you can.† The left of the left. To turn their flank, the Starks would need horses that could run on water. Tyrion led his men toward the riverbank. â€Å"Look,† he shouted, pointing with his axe. â€Å"The river.† A blanket of pale mist still clung to the surface of the water, the murky green current swirling past underneath. The shallows were muddy and choked with reeds. â€Å"That river is ours. Whatever happens, keep close to the water. Never lose sight of it. Let no enemy come between us and our river. If they dirty our waters, hack off their cocks and feed them to the fishes.† Shagga had an axe in either hand. He smashed them together and made them ring. â€Å"Halfman!† he shouted. Other Stone Crows picked up the cry, and the Black Ears and Moon Brothers as well. The Burned Men did not shout, but they rattled their swords and spears. â€Å"Halfman! Halfman! Halfman!† Tyrion turned his courser in a circle to look over the field. The ground was rolling and uneven here; soft and muddy near the river, rising in a gentle slope toward the kingsroad, stony and broken beyond it, to the cast. A few trees spotted the hillsides, but most of the land had been cleared and planted. His heart pounded in his chest in time to the drums, and under his layers of leather and steel his brow was cold with sweat. He watched Ser Gregor as the Mountain rode up and down the line, shouting and gesticulating. This wing too was all cavalry, but where the right was a mailed fist of knights and heavy lancers, the vanguard was made up of the sweepings of the west: mounted archers in leather jerkins, a swarming mass of undisciplined freeriders and sellswords, fieldhands on plow horses armed with scythes and their fathers' rusted swords, half-trained boys from the stews of Lannisport . . . and Tyrion and his mountain clansmen. â€Å"Crow food,† Bronn muttered beside him, giving voice to what Tyrion had left unsaid. He could only nod. Had his lord father taken leave of his senses? No pikes, too few bowmen, a bare handful of knights, the ill-armed and unarmored, commanded by an unthinking brute who led with his rage . . . how could his father expect this travesty of a battle to hold his left? He had no time to think about it. The drums were so near that the beat crept under his skin and set his hands to twitching. Bronn drew his longsword, and suddenly the enemy was there before them, boiling over the tops of the hills, advancing with measured tread behind a wall of shields and pikes. Gods be damned, look at them all, Tyrion thought, though he knew his father had more men on the field. Their captains led them on armored warhorses, standard-bearers riding alongside with their banners. He glimpsed the bull moose of the Hornwoods, the Karstark sunburst, Lord Cerwyn's battle-axe, and the mailed fist of the Glovers . . . and the twin towers of Frey, blue on grey. So much for his father's certainty that Lord Walder would not bestir himself. The white of House Stark was seen everywhere, the grey direwolves seeming to run and leap as the banners swirled and streamed from the high staffs. Where is the boy? Tyrion wondered. A warhorn blew. Haroooooooooooooooooooooooo, it cried, its voice as long and low and chilling as a cold wind from the north. The Lannister trumpets answered, da-DA da-DA da-DAAAAAAAAA, brazen and defiant, yet it seemed to Tyrion that they sounded somehow smaller, more anxious. He could feel a fluttering in his bowels, a queasy liquid feeling; he hoped he was not going to die sick. As the horns died away, a hissing filled the air; a vast flight of arrows arched up from his right, where the archers stood flanking the road. The northerners broke into a run, shouting as they came, but the Lannister arrows fell on them like hail, hundreds of arrows, thousands, and shouts turned to screams as men stumbled and went down. By then a second flight was in the air, and the archers were fitting a third arrow to their bowstrings. The trumpets blared again, da-DAAA da-DAAA da-DA da-DA da-DAAAAAAA. Ser Gregor waved his huge sword and bellowed a command, and a thousand other voices screamed back at him. Tyrion put his spurs to his horse and added one more voice to the cacophony, and the van surged forward. â€Å"The river!† he shouted at his clansmen as they rode. â€Å"Remember, hew to the river.† He was still leading when they broke a canter, until Chella gave a bloodcurdling shriek and galloped past him, and Shagga howled and followed. The clansmen charged after them, leaving Tyrion in their dust. A crescent of enemy spearmen had formed ahead, a double hedgehog bristling with steel, waiting behind tall oaken shields marked with the sunburst of Karstark. Gregor Clegane was the first to reach them, leading a wedge of armored veterans. Half the horses shied at the last second, breaking their charge before the row of spears. The others died, sharp steel points ripping through their chests. Tyrion saw a dozen men go down. The Mountain's stallion reared, lashing out with iron-shod hooves as a barbed spearhead raked across his neck. Maddened, the beast lunged into the ranks. Spears thrust at him from every side, but the shield wall broke beneath his weight. The northerners stumbled away from the animal's death throes. As his horse fell, snorting blood and biting with his last red breath, the Mountain rose untouched, laying about him with his two-handed greatsword. Shagga went bursting through the gap before the shields could close, other Stone Crows hard behind him. Tyrion shouted, â€Å"Burned Men! Moon Brothers! After me!† but most of them were ahead of him. He glimpsed Timett son of Timett vault free as his mount died under him in full stride, saw a Moon Brother impaled on a Karstark spear, watched Conn's horse shatter a man's ribs with a kick. A flight of arrows descended on them; where they came from he could not say, but they fell on Stark and Lannister alike, rattling off armor or finding flesh. Tyrion lifted his shield and hid beneath it. The hedgehog was crumbling, the northerners reeling back under the impact of the mounted assault. Tyrion saw Shagga catch a spearman full in the chest as the fool came on at a run, saw his axe shear through mail and leather and muscle and lungs. The man was dead on his feet, the axehead lodged in his breast, yet Shagga rode on, cleaving a shield in two with his left-hand battle-axe while the corpse was bouncing and stumbling bonelessly along on his right. Finally the dead man slid off. Shagga smashed the two axes together and roared. By then the enemy was on him, and Tyrion's battle shrunk to the few feet of ground around his horse. A man-at-arms thrust at his chest and his axe lashed out, knocking the spear aside. The man danced back for another try, but Tyrion spurred his horse and rode right over him. Bronn was surrounded by three foes, but he lopped the head off the first spear that came at him, and raked his blade across a second man's face on his backslash. A thrown spear came hurtling at Tyrion from the left and lodged in his shield with a woody chunk. He wheeled and raced after the thrower, but the man raised his own shield over his head. Tyrion circled around him, raining axe blows down on the wood. Chips of oak went flying, until the northerner lost his feet and slipped, failing flat on his back with his shield on top of him. He was below the reach of Tyrion's axe and it was too much bother to dismount, so he left him there and rode after another man, taking him from behind with a sweeping downcut that sent a jolt of impact up his arm. That won him a moment's respite. Reining up, he looked for the river. There it was, off to the right. Somehow he had gotten turned around. A Burned Man rode past, slumped against his horse. A spear had entered his belly and come out through his back. He was past any help, but when Tyrion saw one of the northerners run up and make a grab for his reins, he charged. His quarry met him sword in hand. He was tall and spare, wearing a long chainmail hauberk and gauntlets of lobstered steel, but he'd lost his helm and blood ran down into his eyes from a gash across his forehead. Tyrion aimed a swipe at his face, but the tall man slammed it aside. â€Å"Dwarf,† he screamed. â€Å"Die.† He turned in a circle as Tyrion rode around him, hacking at his head and shoulders. Steel rang on steel, and Tyrion soon realized that the tall man was quicker and stronger than he was. Where in the seven hells was Bronn? â€Å"Die,† the man grunted, chopping at him savagely. Tyrion barely got his shield up in time, and the wood seemed to explode inward under the force of the blow. The shattered pieces fell away from his arm. â€Å"Die!† the swordsman bellowed, shoving in close and whanging Tyrion across the temple so hard his head rang. The blade made a hideous scraping sound as he drew it back over the steel. The tall man grinned . . . unt il Tyrion's destrier bit, quick as a snake, laying his cheek bare to the bone. Then he screamed. Tyrion buried his axe in his head. â€Å"You die,† he told him, and he did. As he wrenched the blade free, he heard a shout. ‘Eddard!† a voice rang out. â€Å"For Eddard and Winterfell!† The knight came thundering down on him, swinging the spiked ball of a morningstar around his head. Their warhorses slammed together before Tyrion could so much as open his mouth to shout for Bronn. His right elbow exploded with pain as the spikes punched through the thin metal around the joint. His axe was gone, as fast as that. He clawed for his sword, but the morningstar was circling again, coming at his face. A sickening crunch, and he was falling. He did not recall hitting the ground, but when he looked up there was only sky above him. He rolled onto his side and tried to find his feet, but pain shuddered through him and the world throbbed. The knight who had felled him drew up above him. â€Å"Tyrion the Imp,† he boomed down. â€Å"You are mine. Do you yield, Lannister?† Yes, Tyrion thought, but the word caught in his throat. He made a croaking sound and fought his way to his knees, fumbling for a weapon. His sword, his dirk, anything . . . â€Å"Do you yield?† The knight loomed overhead on his armored warhorse. Man and horse both seemed immense. The spiked ball swung in a lazy circle. Tyrion's hands were numb, his vision blurred, his scabbard empty. â€Å"Yield or die,† the knight declared, his flail whirling faster and faster. Tyrion lurched to his feet, driving his head into the horse's belly. The animal gave a hideous scream and reared. It tried to twist away from the agony, a shower of blood and viscera poured down over Tyrion's face, and the horse fell like an avalanche. The next he knew, his visor was packed with mud and something was crushing his foot. He wriggled free, his throat so tight he could scarce talk. † . . . yield . . . † he managed to croak faintly. â€Å"Yes,† a voice moaned, thick with pain. Tyrion scraped the mud off his helm so he could see again. The horse had fallen away from him, onto its rider. The knight's leg was trapped, the arm he'd used to break his fall twisted at a grotesque angle. â€Å"Yield,† he repeated. Fumbling at his belt with his good hand, he drew a sword and flung it at Tyrion's feet. â€Å"I yield, my lord.† Dazed, the dwarf knelt and lifted the blade. Pain hammered through his elbow when he moved his arm. The battle seemed to have moved beyond him. No one remained on his part of the field save a large number of corpses. Ravens were already circling and landing to feed. He saw that Ser Kevan had brought up his center in support of the van; his huge mass of pikemen had pushed the northerners back against the hills. They were struggling on the slopes, pikes thrusting against another wall of shields, these oval and reinforced with iron studs. As he watched, the air filled with arrows again, and the men behind the oak wall crumbled beneath the murderous fire. â€Å"I believe you are losing, ser,† he told the knight under the horse. The man made no reply. The sound of hooves coming up behind him made him whirl, though he could scarcely lift the sword he held for the agony in his elbow. Brorm reined up and looked down on him. â€Å"Small use you turned out to be,† Tyrion told him. â€Å"It would seem you did well enough on your own,† Bronn answered. â€Å"You've lost the spike off your helm, though.† Tyrion groped at the top of the greathelm. The spike had snapped off clean. â€Å"I haven't lost it. I know just where it is. Do you see my horse?† By the time they found it, the trumpets had sounded again and Lord Tywin's reserve came sweeping up along the river. Tyrion watched his father fly past, the crimson-and-gold banner of Lannister rippling over his head as he thundered across the field. Five hundred knights surrounded him, sunlight flashing off the points of their lances. The remnants of the Stark lines shattered like glass beneath the hammer of their charge. With his elbow swollen and throbbing inside his armor, Tyrion made no attempt to join the slaughter. He and Bronn went looking for his men. Many he found among the dead. Ulf son of Umar lay in a pool of congealing blood, his arm gone at the elbow, a dozen of his Moon Brothers sprawled around him. Shagga was slumped beneath a tree, riddled with arrows, Conn's head in his lap. Tyrion thought they were both dead, but as he dismounted, Shagga opened his eyes and said, â€Å"They have killed Conn son of Coratt.† Handsome Conn had no mark but for the red stain over his breast, where the spear thrust had killed him. When Bronn pulled Shagga to his feet, the big man seemed to notice the arrows for the first time. He plucked them out one by one, cursing the holes they had made in his layers of mail and leather, and yowling like a babe at the few that had buried themselves in his flesh. Chella daughter of Cheyk rode up as they were yanking arrows out of Shagga, and showed them four ears she had taken. Timett they discovered looting the bodies of the slain with his Burned Men. Of the three hundred clansmen who had ridden to battle behind Tyrion Lannister, perhaps half had survived. He left the living to look after the dead, sent Bronn to take charge of his captive knight, and went alone in search of his father. Lord Tywin was seated by the river, sipping wine from a jeweled cup as his squire undid the fastenings on his breastplate. â€Å"A fine victory,† Ser Kevan said when he saw Tyrion. â€Å"Your wild men fought well.† His father's eyes were on him, pale green flecked with gold, so cool they gave Tyrion a chill. â€Å"Did that surprise you, Father?† he asked. â€Å"Did it upset your plans? We were supposed to be butchered, were we not?† Lord Tywin drained his cup, his face expressionless. â€Å"I put the least disciplined men on the left, yes. I anticipated that they would break. Robb Stark is a green boy, more like to be brave than wise. I'd hoped that if he saw our left collapse, he might plunge into the gap, eager for a rout. Once he was fully committed, Ser Kevan's pikes would wheel and take him in the flank, driving him into the river while I brought up the reserve.† â€Å"And you thought it best to place me in the midst of this carnage, yet keep me ignorant of your plans.† â€Å"A feigned rout is less convincing,† his father said, â€Å"and I am not inclined to trust my plans to a man who consorts with sellswords and savages.† â€Å"A pity my savages ruined your dance.† Tyrion pulled off his steel gauntlet and let it fall to the ground, wincing at the pain that stabbed up his arm. â€Å"The Stark boy proved more cautious than I expected for one of his years,† Lord Tywin admitted, â€Å"but a victory is a victory. You appear to be wounded.† Tyrion's right arm was soaked with blood. â€Å"Good of you to notice, Father,† he said through clenched teeth. â€Å"Might I trouble you to send for your maesters? Unless you relish the notion of having a one-armed dwarf for a son . . . â€Å" An urgent shout of â€Å"Lord Tywin!† turned his father's head before he could reply. Tywin Lannister rose to his feet as Ser Addam Marbrand leapt down off his courser. The horse was lathered and bleeding from the mouth. Ser Addam dropped to one knee, a rangy man with dark copper hair that fell to his shoulders, armored in burnished bronzed steel with the fiery tree of his House etched black on his breastplate. â€Å"My liege, we have taken some of their commanders. Lord Cerwyn, Ser Wylis Manderly, Harrion Karstark, four Freys. Lord Hornwood is dead, and I fear Roose Bolton has escaped us.† â€Å"And the boy?† Lord Tywin asked. Ser Addam hesitated. â€Å"The Stark boy was not with them, my lord. They say he crossed at the Twins with the great part of his horse, riding hard for Riverrun.† A green boy, Tyrion remembered, more like to be brave than wise. He would have laughed, if he hadn't hurt so much.