In his stubborn annoyance he read the reports on the table, as he ignored the presence of his daughter. He was busy with work. New orders for his cousin at Casterly Rock. New orders regarding the precarious situation of the Seven Kingdoms. Not to mention that he had yet to find a way to get his heirs to their rightful home.
He knew that it would be rather difficult to get Jaime back to Casterly Rock, not as long as Robert Baratheon ruled the realm. But his grandchildren were a totally different story. To know that they grew up in Dorne of all places... he wouldn't have sent Tyrion there for fostering, let alone allow all of his grandchildren to be born and raised there.
But at the moment his thoughts were constantly interrupted by the increasingly irritating presence of his daughter, Cersei, who had come to him. He did not know what she wanted from him, but he knew that she was troublesome again. The last time she had looked like this, she had come to Casterly Rock after Robert had sent her son to the North. She had stayed for nearly a year with her youngest children. Her presence had been most... disruptive for everyone at the castle. And now Cersei grew more and more impatient, as her father ignored her.
"Father, I..."
Tywin merely raised on finger in an admonishing gesture and she fell silent again, as he read through the last report his Castellan had sent him from the Rock. He did not even have to look to see that Cersei was most displeased by this.
"One month. I am gone for one month and he has the gall to tell me that there is gold missing from the latest shipments. I had expected better from him." Tywin said angrily, as he put down the report.
"Uncle Stafford was never greedy nor clever enough to steal from you, father." Cersei said snappishly.
"I know that he isn't, that is why he is regent in my absence. He is not ambitious enough to steal from me. But sadly he is just as inept and weak as my father had been." Tywin growled. "I will have to send Kevan back home far earlier than I had intended."
"Yes, but father..."
"Why are you here, Cersei? I don't have time for any of your petty squabbles." Again his daughter looked quite displeased at him.
"Has it never occurred to you, that I might be able to help you and your plans? That maybe not Jaime, but I should be the child you would trust with the future of our family? I, who has already contributed more to your legacy and the fame of our family, than both of your sons combined." Cersei asked tersely.
"I won't ask again, Cersei, why are you here?"
She huffed in anger, but held he tongue. It wasn't the first time he had brushed her off like this... and likely it wouldn't be the last time. "I have come to inquire what you intend to do about Jaime and those dornish traitors that manipulate him."
"The problem at hand is not your brother, but your husband. As long as that drunk oaf sits on the Iron Throne, Jaime won't be able to return to Casterly Rock. His short sightedness at the melee has nearly caused a war and threatened to life of my grandson and heir. His future actions will jeopardize the safety of my grandchildren."
"Your heir?" She asked, a dark frown appearing on her face. They both knew that it was not Joffrey he had meant. "The son of that dornish harlot? How could you..."
"Yes, my heir. The one who will continue the proud legacy of our family. And you would be well advised not to insult the woman that has birthed the future lord of the Westerlands."
"My son will be king one day, but you never seemed to care..."
"Joffrey is a Baratheon of Storm's End. A Stag, not a Lion. And though it is our blood that runs through him, his future will be of no consequence for the future of the Lannister name." His voice rose slightly, as he regarded his daughter with a cold gaze. "And once your son ascends the throne, you will be naught but the widow of a dead king."
"My influence reaches much further than..."
Again he stopped her rant by merely raisin a single finger. "Your influence and power are fickle at best. Make no mistake, I do not think less of you because you are a woman, but because you are more ambitious than you are cunning." He could see the fury and embarrassment in her eyes. Once more she proved to be the most troublesome of his children. Far more than the sons who had abandoned the West to follow the dragon to the South. "The only good thing your husband has ever done for his heir, was that he sent him away from King's Landing, so neither he nor you would influence the boy as he grew up."
"Joffrey is still above those dornish children when it comes to the inheritance of Casterly Rock. Joffrey should be your heir, not that bastard son from the South. Jaime had sworn the oath of the Kingsguard, so his marriage should be void and his children declared bastards."
"Under most circumstances that might have been true, but your husband personally banished Jaime from the Kingsguard and put an end to his oaths, before any of his children were born. Arthur is my legitimate heir and will inherit my lands and titles, unless Jaime is allowed to inherit them before him. Your children have no claims on our lands but the claim that the King has on all Seven Kingdoms." Tywin replied sternly, as his eyes bore into his daughter's. He silently dared her to object once more. But she didn't.
A tense silence filled the tent now, as neither of the two spoke. Tywin had nothing more to tell his daughter and Cersei dared not speak up again. At least not now.
"You may leave," Tywin finally said, when he saw his brother at the entrance of the tent. He dismissed his daughter like the misbehaving child she was in his eyes and she complied. But he knew that her anger would be troublesome in the near future.
Cersei did not even look at her uncle, as she quickly left the tent. Not that Kevan would have minded. The older man simply walked over to his brother and sat down on the chair that Cersei had just vacated.
"I want you to send someone to follow Cersei and report her actions. I would not put it past her to try something that would be detrimental to our House." Tywin said and his brother nodded with a somber expression.
"I understand. But I have come to inform you that they have arrived."
"Good." Tywin said, as he skimmed another report that he had picked up from the table.
"Also, Sir Addam has sent word that they would be in the Sept of Highgarden this morning. Just in case you wanted to know."
"Good. I shall join them in a few moments." Tywin replied, before he finished the second report and looked back at his brother. "I will also send you back to Casterly Rock. Someone is stealing my gold and I want to know who, so I can punish the perpetrators accordingly. You will replace our cousin as my regent."
A look of concern spread on Kevan's face. He had not expected that anyone would dare to cross Tywin ever again, not after what he had done to the Reynes of Castamere and the Targaryens. But apparently there were still some people who dared to challenge the lion.
The Sept of Highgarden was indeed a magnificent building. Though it was not as big as the Great Sept of Baelor in King's Landing or the Starry Sept in Oldtown, the Tyrells had spared no expenses to build themselves a small monument. A place of worship that only few could rival. And though he would not say it out loud, the Sept at Casterly Rock was nothing in comparison, despite the Lannisters' wealth.
As he approached the building with his entourage, Tywin could already see a sole knight waiting outside. A man the he easily recognized as one of his own. Ser Addam Marbrand. The man bowed as deeply as his armor allow him to in front of his liege lord.
"Lord Tywin," He said respectfully.
"So my son has put you in charge of his lady's safety?" Tywin asked, as he scrutinized the knight closely.
"Yes, my lord. Though it was Lady Allyria's idea, not his. They still distrust me and do not allow me anywhere near their children, unless dornish guards are around." Addam chuckled lightly, still amused by the feeble distrust. He understood why, but he knew that they had no reason to fear him – or anyone else from the Westerlands for the matter. No one would dare to cross Tywin Lannister and the lord had already declared that his son and his family are under his protection, despite their affiliation with the Targaryens.
"Her other guards are inside, I presume?"
"No, my lord. I am the only man who came along to protect Lady Allyria. She insists that it would insult their hosts, should she always travel with a whole group of armed men. At the moment she is alone with her Septa..." Addam hesitated for a moment and Tywin could see that he was obviously struggling with a decision. "My lord, be wary of her Septa. The woman is... odd."
"A dangerous Septa?" Tywin mused. He had no doubt that his daughter in law was no fool and would not travel alone, even here at Highgarden. A guard hidden as a Septa, an ingenious idea. The Dornishmen are truly treacherous. No one would ever suspect such a deceit. "Stay here. All of you." Tywin commanded, not just Ser Addam, but also his own guards. Then he entered the Sept with the rest of his entourage.
Inside he saw the shrines for the Seven, with the magnificent statues that represented the gods. Each statue was made of marble and adorned with golden ornaments and precious gems. But Tywin Lannister had no eye for the beauty of this place. His gaze wandered around as he searched for his daughter in law and he soon spotted her, kneeling in front of the statue that was dedicated to the Crone. She was praying silently. Her Septa was near her, but she did not pray. She had already spotted the lord and watched him with keen eyes. Too keen for a normal Septa, that much was assured. Tywin could easily see why Ser Addam had warned him.
But the lord would not be deterred by the false Septa, instead he approached Allyria with a resolute expression on his face. He stopped next to her, but remained silent as she continued her prayer. He took the time to study her once more.
Under other circumstances he would have never chosen this girl for his son. Though House Dayne was revered for their honor and fame, they were merely a minor noble family. Jaime was the son and heir of the Lord of the West.
He had chosen a different girl, Lysa Tully, as his son's bride to be. But Jaime joined the Kingsguard and voided those plans. In hindsight it was for the better, as he had seen what kind of woman the daughter of Lord Hoster had turned out to be. Noble in birth, but not in her actions. And she had barely given her husband one son. A sickly boy to boot. Allyria though had given Jaime four healthy children, two sons and two daughters, who would continue the legacy of House Lannister. He had not chosen this match, but it turned out for the best. And from what he had learned about this dornish woman, he was sure that his dear Joanna would have approved of Jaime's spouse.
He finally saw that Allyria had finished her prayer and offered her his hand, so she could stand up without her Septa's help. The woman took his hand only reluctantly, though he could see that she was intent to avoid any action that could offend him.
"My Joanna used to pray to the crone as well, every time she looked for guidance. And she always found her answers in the end." Tywin said somberly. Rarely had he talked about his wife, but he knew that for his plans he would need the trust of his son and his family. They respected him, but did not trust him yet, so would have to change that. He would start by involving his daughter in law in the politics and inner workings of the Lannister family.
"Then I hope that my prayers will be answered as well, Lord Tywin. For in these dangerous days I am in dire need of guidance, to keep my family away from those who wish them harm." Though her voice was filled with respect, he did not miss then veiled accusation. To her he was also one of those who could possibly harm her family. "But I wonder, my Lord, what brings you to the Sept? My husband never mentioned that you were a religious person."
"I am not. Though I respect the gods, I never felt the need to seek them to do what I could do myself. My reason for being here is you." Tywin stated matter of factly.
"I was unaware that you are interested in person, my Lord. Neither my husband nor my children are here."
Tywin regarded her once more, this time with a wholly different intention. Yes, this woman was worthy of his son, as she understood to say what she wanted, to convey without uttering the words that could condemn her. He could see a kind of defiance behind her courtesy and respectful tone.
"Though you are a Dayne by birth, you are now a Lannister. And as such your actions will reflect on the reputation of my House. You are the mother of my heir and as such you need to be prepared for the politics of the Westerlands. When either Jaime or Arthur take my place, you will be there to support them and as such you will need to know all you can about the lords and lordships of the West."
He could see the open curiosity now, as he had certainly gained her interest. Mentioning her son's future and her place in it was obviously the right incentive to get her to listen. But she remained silent and waited for him to elaborate on his previous statement. Instead he gestured for his companions to step forward. A few steps behind him stood a woman and a young girl, both with the yellow hair that the Lannisters were known for. But whereas the woman had warm, hazel colored eyes, the girl's eyes had green eyes that were hauntingly similar to those of Jaime's immediate family.
"These are my wife's niece, Cerenna Lannister and my youngest brother's daughter, Joy Hill. I wish for them to stay by your side from now on. Cerenna will educate you on the matters of the western court, whereas Joy shall serve as lady-in-waiting." He could see that Allyria was surprised by this. An unexpected request. Both Cerenna and Joy had only arrived the day before, after he had ordered his cousin Stafford to send them to Highgarden with due haste.
"Milady, it will be our honor to serve the future lady of the West." Cerenna said, as she approached Allyria and curtsied. Tywin had chosen her after some consideration, knowing that she would be best suited to befriend Allyria and persuade her to see reason. Cerenna was closer in age to Allyria, only a few years younger, and she was a cousin of Jaime. A connection that would help the relationship along. Not to mention that her betrothed was already following the elusive part of the Lannister family.
"Though I feel honored by this offer, I fear that I must refuse. I would not wish to lead either of them away from their homes and their families. We will return to Dorne once this Tourney is done and remain there for a long time." Allyria said respectfully.
"You need not concern yourself with this, milady. My father has already approved of this and my own betrothed will ride to Dorne with your husband." Allyria looked confused for a moment, before Cerenna continued, "Ser Addam Marbrand, milady, the man who guards you today."
Tywin saw the look of understanding on Allyria's face, but he could also see that she was not all that convinced about this. And he saw the displeased look on the face of her Septa. The woman also muttered something, but he could not understand it. But judging by the chastising look Allyria sent her way, it obvious that the Septa's words had been an insult.
Then Cerenna pushed Joy in front of her and kept her in place with her hands on the young girl's shoulders. "And young Joy here is the orphaned daughter of Ser Gerion Lannister, your husbands uncle. It would be a valuable experience for her to see a place different from Casterly Rock, where she had no one left." And Tywin knew that his plan had worked, when his brother's bastard daughter flinched at the mention of her deceased parents. He had no doubt that Allyria would agree now and allow more influences from the West to enter her life. A gentle soul like her would not send away the orphaned girl, not when the girl in question is part of her husbands family.
"I... see... Very well. I shall accept their services."
"Excellent. I shall take my leave then. Please notify my son that I wish to speak to him soon. He knows where to find me." Tywin said, before he left. He felt content, knowing that another part of his plans had worked as intended. He would have his heirs, his family, back at Casterly Rock where they belonged. With King Robert's arbitrary actions he would not rest until he had succeeded. The Lannister's legacy would survive, he would see to that. No Stags and no Dragons would change that.
It was on his way back to his own tent, that Tywin passed the training area of Highgarden, where only the household guard of the Tyrell family would train for their duties. But as he got closer, he could see a large group of Tyrell guards and guests, who watched something with great interest. Usually he would have ignored such trivial events, but when he saw his granddaughter and the Targaryen princess among the spectators, his interest was peaked and he approached the center of the commotion.
Most other people immediately moved out of the way, when they saw him approach, but one group only looked at him defiantly, before their attention returned to the center of the training area. The Targaryen girl had already proven that she did not fear him, however foolish such a notion might seem when it comes to Tywin Lannister. But it was his granddaughter and the fact that she completely ignored his presence, that truly bothered him.
Once more he could see her haunting resemblance to his late wife. Not even Cersei looked so much like his Joanna. How fitting that Jaime had chosen to name his daughter after his mother, as if he had expected her to look like this. And from what he had seen, the girl was just as spirited as her grandmother. Joanna had never just accepted his decisions and always voiced her opinion at home. In public she was the perfect wife, but at home he knew better than to rule over her.
And when he now saw his granddaughter next to the dragon princess, he couldn't help himself but remember the time when his Joanna was a companion of princess Rhaella, before the princess was forced to wed her mad brother. All they lacked was a future ruling princess of Dorne and history would have repeated itself... Joanna was fond of Rhaella... she would have never approved of what he had done to the Targaryens... but she died years before her friend.
As the memories of his wife and her friends became more and more problematic, he tore his gaze away from the girls and focused his attention on the commotion before him. And almost instantly his mood changed from somber to furious. At the very center of the large group of people he could see not one, but two of his grandsons in what looked like an intense sparring session. But both of his grandsons fought fiercely and tried to overpower each other.
Arthur and Joffrey were fighting without pause, without showing any sign of giving in. Their chance for a fair duel had been ruined during the melee and it was obvious for everyone that they both wished to continue where they had been forced to stop before. But Tywin Lannister would not have such conduct from his grandsons. Not from his heir and the future king.
"End the fight, but do not hurt either of them." Tywin ordered the hulking man who served among his guards. Gregor Clegane was as dim as he was tall, but he was bred for fighting. A man as imposing as him, would easily subdue his foolish grandsons. And just as predicted it was no more than a single strike of his huge sword, that Clegane needed to put an end to the fight. Just as the swords of the two boys crossed, Clegane's greatsword collided with theirs and pushed them down with enough force to cause both boys to stumble back.
Both boys looked at Clegane, Arthur warily, Joffrey in anger. But their expression changed quickly, once they saw Tywin approach them with a stern look on his face.
"Now that I have your attention, mind explaining to me why the son of the king and the heir of the Westerlands thought it would be a prudent idea to fight in public, as if they are nothing more than uncouth fools?" Tywin looked pointedly at both of them.
Neither of the boys knew what to say in such a situation. Both had been warned to avoid angering Tywin Lannister, and the cold anger that the lord displayed now was certainly a frightening sight. Tywin saw both Joffrey's group of companions as well as the dragon princess approach, but a stern look in their directions made all of them stop and reconsider.
"You should not interfere, princess, this is a family matter of my House and none of your concern." He growled, before he grabbed both boys by their shoulders and lead them towards a nearby building. What he was about to do and say was not meant for the rabble. To his satisfaction no one made to follow them, though he could see that some of the princess' guards had taken offense at the sight of Gregor Clegane. "Ser Gregor, return to your men at once." He ordered quickly, before the dim witted man would cause unwanted trouble. Luckily he was loyal and did as he was told.
"Grandfather, we didn't..." Joffrey started, but Tywin wouldn't let him finish.
"No, neither of did think about the consequences of your actions. Irresponsible. You are both sons of House Lannister and Lannisters never act this foolish. You are the future king and future lord of the West. Wars have started for lesser reasons than this." Tywin ranted angrily.
"This was nothing but a simple duel. To settle the dispute that had started during the melee. The Kingsguard's interference was an insult to both of us!" Joffrey replied hotly.
"I expected better from both of you." Tywin finally said. His gaze lingered longer on Arthur, than on his cousin, so the boy felt compelled to justify his actions.
"It was a matter of honor. There was no other reason for this fight but to settle our conflict. We had no intention to cause serious harm." Arthur said, but unlike Joffrey he tried to appear calm. But Tywin had seen the boy's recklessness. They may not have acted with the intent to kill, but they were playing a dangerous game.
"No harm you say?" Tywin said, before he grabbed Arthur's arm. The boy still had his sword in hand. "Fighting with a sharp weapon, though there are enough blunt training weapons around. Irresponsible, just like your father." But then he had a closer look at the sword in Arthur's hand and his eyes widened. He had seen it before... in old drawings. And he had read the description in many texts of House Lannister. "Joffrey, leave us. Return to your father. You better not act this dumb again, my grandsons will not bring shame upon their Houses."
Joffrey was displeased to be dismissed like this, but he saw this also as a chance to escape from this humiliating scene. He really did not like to be on the receiving end of Tywin Lannister's wrath. So he left the room quickly and closed the door behind him with a loud bang.
"Now we talk about this sword! Is this weapon a replica?"
"No, grandfather." Arthur replied, though it was easy to see that he did not like to talk about his weapon.
"By the gods, you just attacked the future king with a sword made out of Valyrian Steel! And not just any weapon! The fat king would have tried to destroy House Lannister in his fury, had you killed his son and heir. He cares little about blood relation, otherwise he would not be so intent on wiping out all Targaryens he can find." Tywin was truly furious now. The idiocy of this action. The careless disregard of the dangerous situation that both boys had displayed, just to settle a childish dispute. "And using the ancestral sword of our family in such an open fight!"
"Why not? It is the sword of our family. Why not show the world that House Lannister has regained its ancient heirloom." Arthur questioned defiantly.
Tywin sighed, as he realized that his grandson had learned to fight, but had not yet grasped the political games that the lords of Westeros played every day. The boy had much to learn. "It makes a difference whether your enemies know that you possess a weapon or not. Never reveal your strength to your enemies. Cunning can be a greater weapon that a thousand swords. Now tell me where you found the sword that so many of our family had failed to reclaim."
Arthur hesitated again, much to Tywin's growing exasperation. The boy kept many secrets. This would not do. "I... found it during my last excursion to the east. In my duty as squire to Prince Oberyn I had accompanied him to Essos and... found the sword."
"You found it?" Tywin demanded to know. There was more and he would find out.
"I... retrieved it... from the wreck of King Tommen's ship. The one who had found it was uncle Gerion." Now that was something that Tywin had not expected. His brother has been missing for years. No matter how many men he had sent to find Gerion, no one could find a trace of him after he had left Volantis. To hear that his grandson had managed the unthinkable, to find both the missing Lannister and the ancestral sword... it was unexpected, but it would bring great pride to House Lannister, once this knowledge would become public.
"My brother, where is he? Is he in Dorne now or has he decided to try his luck on the eastern continent?" Arthur's expression turned much more somber now and Tywin immediately knew that this could mean only one thing. "So he is dead." He concluded. He wouldn't show such weakness on the outside, but the definite knowledge, that his brother was dead, hurt. Now he had only Kevan and Genna left. "How?"
"He died of an infected wound, not long after I had retrieved the sword. He had already been weak and crippled when I met him." Arthur admitted sadly.
"Give me the sword." Tywin ordered sternly. He needed to distract himself and the ancient sword was just what he would need for that. But again Arthur hesitated and only after Tywin had gripped his arm more tightly, he handed the weapon over to his grandfather.
Tywin held the greatsword reverently, as he looked at the sleek weapon. A fine blade, so light, despite its size. Slightly longer than most greatswords, but not too much to be a hindrance in a fight. The blade shone silvery in the light, but the pommel and grip looked as if they had been made out of gold and inlaid with rubies. A beautiful weapon. When he gave it a few swings he could feel how it cut through the air. It felt so natural, that he was sure that the next sword he would hold would feel like a blunt hammer instead of a sharp blade.
"A weapon fit for a king." Tywin said, his gaze still on the sword. "The last Lannister to wield it was a king." Then he did what Arthur had not expected at all. He gave the sword back to his grandson, who sheeted it immediately and held the weapon tightly. "Do not loose this weapon. You are my grandson and heir. In time you will be the Lord of Casterly Rock and the West, inheriting it either from me or your father. Brightroar shall be the sign of your right and bloodline."
"Yes, grandfather," The boy was still surprised, unable to believe that Tywin Lannister would give back the Valyrian Sword, after trying to procure such a weapon for decades.
"Good. Now return to your... sisters..." The displeasure in this statement was obvious and Arthur realized that Tywin was not really pleased with the fact that his grandson and the Targaryen princess had such a close bond. Not that he would have a chance to change that. "Use your sword and your skills to protect your family. And when the time comes, you will seek me out, so I can educate you on what you will need to know for your future." Arthur nodded and bowed lightly, before he quickly left the room, though he did it less noisily than his hotheaded cousin. Furious Stags and Roaring Lions, his grandsons were still nothing more than insolent children. He had his work cut out for him.