Chapter 25: The Prelude to Castamere
The feast in King's Landing ended amidst songs, dances, wine, and laughter.
However, disputes and war did not cease with the superficial harmony.
In Tywin's room, Tywin's two brothers also arrived after the banquet.
Tywin and Kevan sat opposite each other, with their younger brother Tyggett standing nearby as a young attendant.
Although Tyggett was only ten years old during the War of the Stepstones, he had already displayed his martial prowess and courage, killing three adult opponents.
"What was he doing while we were fighting on the front lines? He found a new lover, seducing our brother Gerold's wet nurse. Our uncle died on the battlefield, and it didn't stop him from seeking pleasure. Perhaps there's nothing but passion, lust, and women in his lion's head.
Grandfather never intended to groom him as an heir. Weak-willed, mediocre, and unskilled in martial arts, he never even became a knight, and would be scared to death at the sound of a war horn. If not for my two uncles dying early, House Lannister would not have fallen to this state," Tywin's tone was icy.
Neither Kevan nor Tyggett spoke, for what their elder brother said was indeed true.
Fickle, changing fate pushed their father Tytos to the high position of Warden of the West, Lord, and Shield of Lannisport, but he did not excel at any of these roles. What he left House Lannister was mockery, weakness, and disgrace.
"The glory of our ancestors, we cannot allow it to be destroyed in our father's hands," Tywin said coldly.
Every time he acted contrary to his father, things succeeded. In his heart, his father was not to be trusted. Tytos was too weak and too quick to yield. He would use iron and ruthlessness to regain people's reverence for the lion. The honor of Lannister would surpass all else.
"Indeed!" Kevan nodded. "The situation has not improved. After Uncle Jason died, there are no loyal, reliable commanders in the family. House Lannister's influence in the Westerlands has not only failed to grow but has also weakened during the war. Lord Roger leading the Westerlands army to many victories will only make him look down on Lannister even more."
Currently, these could be said to be the bleakest years for the Westerlands. The Ironborn and pirates of the Stepstones ravaged the west coast. If not for the aged and infirm King Corwyn of the Iron Islands, the situation in the Westerlands would be even worse. Some families have pledged allegiance to The Reach, while others have sided with House Tarbeck. Local disputes are preferred to be resolved by force rather than seeking arbitration from the Lord.
"We cannot let a tragedy like my grandfather's happen again. I will use the blood of House Tarbeck to console my grandfather. Destroy the red lion Reyne's den in Castamere, annihilate House Tarbeck, and kill Lady Ellyn and the evil spawn she bore." What Tywin spoke of was the tragedy of Ser Alyn Marbrand. The knight was Tywin's maternal grandfather, yet he died at the hands of the red lion. Lord Roger and Lord Roger's sister, Lady Ellyn, were currently the two people Tywin hated the most.
Ser Alyn went to help Lord Tytos summon House Tarbeck to account for their crimes. The red lion Roger, instigated by his sister, ambushed Dennis's camp, killing hundreds. But ultimately, The Laughing Lion forgave it all, and the knight seemed to have died in vain. The hatred, however, deepened and continued.
"We'll strike first, catching this red lion Reyne off guard," Kevan gritted his teeth.
"We need loyal and reliable men, those who are truly devoted to our family. The War of the Stepstones has trained soldiers, and I have already recorded the names of skilled knights. Kevan, you can also recommend some to me. If any soldiers have been swayed by Lord Roger, then those soldiers are incompetent. I believe grateful soldiers should know who is paying their wages," Tywin said to Kevan.
Kevan and Tyggett also nodded. Peaceful times were no longer possible. Since House Reyne had chosen war, the Lannisters could only respond with war.
"First, we need a capable army. This army will be used to eliminate bandits and rogue knights in the Westerlands, and it will also be our military guarantee for debt collection. Second, we need to reclaim the debts father lent out; those unable to repay will need to offer hostages. If it truly comes to the last step, military force will be unavoidable, especially against Lord Roger's House Tarbeck and their vassals, House Tarbeck." Tywin's tone was cold; the ultimate goal was the red lion Lord Roger. As long as this prominent red lion was eliminated, everything would get better.
"Then go ahead and do it, I will always support you," Kevan said, nodding firmly. Tyggett looked a little scared but still nodded.
"Don't we need the Dragonlords' help, brother? If you ask the Dragonlords, you could also get some soldiers and assistance. From what I've seen today, Ser Barristan, Ser Gerold, and even that wandering swordsman Cesar are all valiant warriors," Ser Kevan asked after a slight delay. If they could get help from the Dragonlords, it would be twice the result with half the effort, and they would have a legitimate reason for their campaign.
"There's no need to trouble the Dragonlords; we can solve this problem ourselves. Our plans need to be kept secret; the more people who know, the less safe it becomes," Tywin shook his head. He had already seen through the Dragonlords' awkward predicament: insufficient strength and limited personnel.
Although the Crownlands are densely populated, they lack suitable financial resources and appropriate soldiers. The slippery citizens of King's Landing are simply not fit for military service. The royal family's few soldiers are needed to guard King's Landing, to prevent enemies from across the sea, and to send them to the Westerlands would truly stretch them thin. The royal family's previous attempts at mediation failed repeatedly for this very reason. Sending more troops was beyond their capability, and sending fewer was useless.
"Brother's foresight is thorough; our strength is also sufficient to annihilate House Reyne," Ser Kevan replied firmly.
Tywin nodded in satisfaction. It was time to bring some change to the Westerlands. Everyone had already decided on a strategy. "One lion cannot make a pride; only a pride can overcome everything."
"All for the family!"
"All for the family!"
The next morning, Tywin did not linger in King's Landing. He hastily bid farewell to the king, rode into camp with his two brothers, and led the Lannister soldiers back to the Westerlands. The brothers were about to bring some big excitement to the Westerlands.
But the war had already ended, and it was only right for the Lannister boys to lead the army. The Tywin brothers encountered no resistance at all and regained command of the army.
At this time, Lord Roger was still indulging in wine and the embrace of brothel women, completely unaware that the Tywin brothers had taken the main force and rushed back to the Westerlands ahead of schedule.
Rhaegar stood in a hidden spot in the Red Keep, watching the red lion army withdraw.
Rhaegar thought, "The rains of Castamere are coming soon. There will be great excitement very soon."
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