The Golden Company is a band of mercenaries in Essos. They are composed of Westerosi nobles who had lost their lands and holdings in rebellion sometime in the past. Founded by the legitimized Targaryen bastard, Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers, they are famous for staying true to their contract, even when greater rewards are offered by the opposing forces they were charged to fight against. Their motto is "Our word is good as gold", and their warcry "Beneath the gold, the bitter steel" refers to their founder. They are currently aiding Aegon Targaryen in his invasion of the Seven Kingdoms, who has already successfully captured a few settlements in the Stormlands with their assistance and is moving to take Storm's End next.