The time aboard the ship went by fast. Never had Charles experienced such a pleasant time interacting with others. Although this was the first time, he had socialized with such a big company.
The crew seemed a bit unaccustomed that a Lord was spending so much time with them. But they enjoyed Charles enthusiasm. They showed him different sailing techniques and Charles, in turn, helped the crew with what he could. When they had time to spare, the twelfth field marshal used it to practice his sword fighting. Thankfully the sea was very calm during the rest of the voyage. There were more waves in the night but nothing serious.
Soon enough Starlet was gliding into the harbor of Lannisport.
Charles stood on the deck clutching his sword in both excitement and nervousness. When the ship came to a halt, the young lord could only watch as the crewmen hauled the boarding ramp upon the gantry and secured Starlet with multiple dock lines. Garth then walked up beside him. The white feathers upon his hat shifting in the breeze.
"You can stay here on the ship while I send word of your arrival."
Charles spied the dock for a welcoming party. But there was none. But he understood that even if the soldiers knew that he was coming, they could hardly have know when. Garth bowed before walking down the ramp. The captain returned shortly after and reported that an escort was on the way.
When Charles had asked if they could take a look around while they waited Garth responded "I am afraid I can't allow you to walk freely around the port. My orders are to keep you on the ship."
He said it with a sad smile as Charles disappointment could be read on his features.
The captain then added while putting a hand on Charles' shoulder "Even if I would not mind."
Charles met Garth's kind gaze and then composed himself.
"Then we will stay here. I would not want to disobey my grandfather before I even met him."
So the young lord spent several hours on the deck studying the distant city. Listening, to the faint buzzing of voices. The smell of life and activity was filling him. Though a feeling of dread started to grow inside him. Soon he would meet "the" Tywin Lannister. His grandfather who he had never met. What would Tywin say? What should he say? Would his grandfather embrace him with open arms welcoming him home? That fantasy filled his heart with warmth. It always had. Perhaps Tywin would even come to the dock to escort him to Casterly rock. Charles was interrupted in his pondering as the sound of hooves thundered on the pier.
Charles, who had been leaning on the gold railing jolted upwards. The scabbard containing his family sword loudly hitting the wood.
With a big lump in his chest, both he and Garth made their way down the boarding ramp. Six mounted Lannister soldiers then halted before Starlet. A young man with long blonde hair rode past the soldiers on a beautiful white horse. Behind the stranger was an additional white stallion without a rider. As Charles reached the end of the ramp, the blonde man dismounted. There was no sign of Tywin Lannister Charles notified with a mixture of relief and disappointment.
"Is it young Charles?"
The words made the twelfth field marshal turn his head towards the man who had just dismounted.
"It is." Charles added with a smile before extending his hand. "Greetings."
The stranger then took it with his own. "My name is Ser Choren Brax. I am a sworn sword to your grandfather Lord Tywin."
"It is a pleasure meeting you ser." He recognized the Brax name, but he could not localize it.
Choren turned to Garth saying "Tywin sends his regards, thanking you for bringing Charles home. We will send a few horses to take you to The Rock later tonight. But first, you can settle your affairs here."
The realization that Garth would not accompany him the remainder of the way saddened the young Svea.
"Garth, thank you for the trip. Truly" He pressed his right hand to his chest to emphasize how gracious he was.
"Well I hope we see each other soon enough" The Captain answered with a wink. He met the young Svea's beaming smile before turning his heel and slowly walking back to Starlet.
Choren and Charles studied the departure for a moment before the knight gestured to the white horses.
"Well have you ever mounted a horse before?"
This made Charles chuckle. "I am not that green." he said in a jest arrogant voice.
"Well jump on then, and if you fall off." Choren paused as he hauled himself onto the horse. "I will have to come back for you." he finished with an amusing tone.
Thoroughly entertained by this challenge the young lord mounted the other horse. "I might surprise you. I am more elegant than you think."
They then rode through Lannisport crossing the finer streets where it was less crowded. It started getting late in the afternoon, which made Charles wonder if they would reach The Rock that day. But the marvel of the city made the prospect of staying the night pleasant. The architecture of the houses was stunning. A majority of mansions sported the same red colored roofs. The streets buzzed of life with people filling the streets. As they rode past a market Charles recognizes a few braavosi goods being advertised by a loud merchant.
Since the streets were swarming with people, the traveling speed was incredibly slow. Throughout the whole ride, people had to move aside as they approached. Sometimes their party would come to a full stop to let a carriage pass.
As they close to the outskirts of the city, the number of people decreased. When they finally pass through the gates, their horses could commence a fast Sprint towards Casterly Rock.
As the distance to The Rock minimized, the sheer size of it almost baffled Charles. The Castle was a mountain. It even had a lion shape. Soon they came to a stop before the giant castle.
"Are there enough rooms to fill it?" The young Svea inquired to Choren Brax who was mounted beside him.
"Well, there are some rooms which have been empty for hundreds of years."
That did indeed mean that the Rock had rooms spare. Which begged the question:
"How many people live there now?"
Choren thought for a moment before answering.
"Depends. It can house tens of thousands. But at the moment I would say 6000 or 7000 people."
The knight glanced at Charles and saw the aw in his eyes as he studied the mountain. Choren adjusted his reigns as the horse moved.
"Have you ever seen anything so magnificent?"
No, he certainly had not.
"I have not visited many places. So only the Titan of Braavos. But this..." Charles excitedly motioned at The Rock "Is an actual castle! It is indeed proof of the Lannisters prestige."
"Indeed it is."
A short silence followed the knight's response. As both admired view.
Curious about why the Brax name was so familiar Charles asked:
"So are you from the Westerlands or Lannisport?"
"Actually I'm from the Hornvale. My family are sworn bannermen to the Lannisters. My cousin is the current lord there."
Charles felt ashamed that he had forgotten that house Brax was one of the noble families of the Westerlands. To prove he wasn't ignorant Charles blurted out:
"I have always been curious why your family chose the mythological creature of a Unicorn to be their sigil."
The thin facial features of Choren stiffened in consideration.
"To be quite honest I'm not so well real read in history. But I think my father once spoke about someone seeing a unicorn and being fascinated by it. Therefore wanted to be associated with it."
Choren paused and then muttered, "Or something of the sort."
He did not seem enticed by the subject. "It is lost to history, to be honest."
"Most is" Charles added somberly. "What is left other than Legends?"
This made Choren erupt in small laughter.
"So Charles, how was your journey here?"
"It was great spending time with the crew. I have also been very eager to come home."
The dashing knight caught the undertone of dread in Charles' voice.
"Well, are you nervous?"
Choren's genuine expression compelled the young lord to speak
his mind.
"From what I've heard and what I've read" Charles then added more silently "And have experienced. My Grandfather is a quite practical individual. A very imposing person."
"You'll have to wait a few hours to meet him. There are a lot of steps to climb in Casterly Rock."
Charles took a deep breath. Then met Choren's brown eyes.
"I am ready."
Charles then spurred his horse forward and started riding towards the entrance.
They pass through the large gates entering the mountain. Inside is a long archway. As Charles gaze up at the rocky ceiling, he estimated it would take fifty men sitting on each other's shoulders to touch the uneven surface. The air was surprisingly fresh. He could spot opened hatches that let in soft breezes and streams of daylight. It is was lightest at the entrance, and it got darker as they progressed forward. The lack of sunlight was compensated with multiple candles and torches. To the left of them was a stable where their horses surely would be stored. There was livestock roaming around inside a pen. Even further away Charles heard shouts where men loaded goods on to a large platform. It had thick ropes connected to it that lead higher up in the mountain through an opening.
The retinue of soldiers that had escorted him proceded towards the stables. Charles and Choren instead continued to ride until they reached a column of guards. From out of the mass stepped a Lannister soldier. He wore no helmet and with a stern voice, he cried out.
"Welcome Charles XII"
Charles dismounted with a grin.
"Thank you. And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"
"I am Ser Sterlan Hill, Commander of Lord Tywis household guard."
Charles bowed his head "It's an honor." Then he proceeded to say
"When can I see my grandfather?"
The older knight spun around and motioned towards an opening in the wall where stairs lead further up into the mountain.
"When we climb the steps."
Sterlan gestured to Charles and Choren to follow him.
"This way."
The three men advance towards the massive staircase which had a base, the length of a ship. It took several paces before one could ascend the edge of each following step. The steps themselves were a unison of natural rock and supported stonework. At the very bottom stood three copper horses adorned with white spots saddled. One of which Sterlan mounted.
"Take a horse." He gruffed.
Charles obliged and hopped onto the horse standing closest to him while Choren mounted the middle one. The trio then started trotting upwards. The sound of hooves echoing on the barren rock.
"So how far into the rock does my family live?" Charles asked the older knight after a while of riding.
"Well, they stay at the very top of the steps" Sterlan answered plainly and then increases the speed as they rounded a corner. They reach a fork where there are eight different branching paths. Though only four of the routes had steps that continued upwards. Sterlan and Choren direct their horses with indifference towards a path which had a stunning arch, with carved lions on the pillars.
As the journey continued uphill, the left wall soon disappeared, and the distance to the roof extended significantly. There suddenly was a hundred foot drop where there once had been a wall. The Castle Three Crowns with its surrounding moat could probably have fit inside the giant hole to their left. They had entered an enormous shaft. It was the most unrefined area of the Rock Charles had seen so far. The entire surface being rock and giant stalactites threatening to fall and crush them. Only the torches and steps were proof that this cave had been explored.
"Is Casterly Rock divided into sections? Or are there many castles spread out inside the rock?" Charles asked looking at Sterlan.
He only mumbled in response "Depends on how you define it" and then increased his pace forward. Seemingly uninterested in conversating.
"Well, I can answer that for you."
It was Choren who spoke. He was riding behind the young Svea and now trotted his horse forward, so they were beside each other.
"It is divided into some sections. It is a big mountain so not like castles, but rooms in which you could barricade yourself. If the first part is taken, then you can defend the second."
Charles listened intently to the young knight's description. He then turned and examined the surroundings in a different light.
Choren continued "Well I am very impressed myself with this great structure of mankind. It is a wonder it got built."
"One of the many mysteries of the world. Same as the wall." Charles filled in.
They shared a look of mutual thoughtfulness. Then Choren looked onwards musing.
"I have personally never seen the Wall. But I have heard it's tall. Though, they say that Casterly Rock is even taller."
"Three times taller actually." Was the young Svea's enthusiastic response. He was thoroughly enjoying Choren's company.
"Well, you know your monuments. Or whatever it's called." Said the knight impressed.
Charles smiled "Well I have had time to read." the smile then turned bitter. "It was all I really could do."
He changed the subject. "So how long does it take to travel from the entrance to the top of The Rock?"
"Well, we have these specially trained horses that we are currently using. It increases the traveling speed significantly. You get tired quite quickly climbing the steps on your own." Choren paused with a small laugh.
"Trust me."
Then he resumed "So with our horses, it takes almost 3 hours."
The massiveness of the Rock impressed Charles. A whole war could probably be waged inside the very mountain.
"Are there many different paths in the Rock for evacuation and other purposes?"
Choren nodded "There are. But I have not seen all of them." he paused and then assumed with a matter-of-factly tone "It is a labyrinth in here. Only a few people know the different paths of The Rock. I only use the main path. And I can almost say for certain that no one has seen the entirety of The Rock. It would take a long time to explore, I can assure you."
Charles contemplated this for a moment. He imagined himself voyaging into the mountain, finding every cave. The look of pride in his grandfather's eyes when he could claim that he had seen it all.
"I take that as a challenge" Charles spoke with a grin.
Choren turned towards the junior with an amused expression.
"Well If you want to spend the rest of your life inside this rock. So be it for you."
Charles grin turned sheepish "Maybe I spoke too soon."
What a waste of time to run around with a torch feeling the rock for openings. He had so much else to contribute to his family. Hopefully.
Choren interrupted his pondering "Many parts of The Rock are not used today. Only two years ago a servant found an entire vault of gold."
"Really?" Charles asked excitedly
"Yes, nobody knows how long it had been there, but some lord obviously stored the gold. Maybe two hundred or three hundred years ago.
Charles' eyes lit up dreamily.
Seeing his companion's enthusiasm, Choren added "Of course this doesn't happen often. People usually keep an eye on their gold you know. But it is an interesting story nonetheless."
The young Svea nodded. Then he remembered that The Rock was supposedly the wealthiest place in Westeros.
"Is it true that there is a gold mine inside the rock?"
"At the bottom, we have several gold mines and a few further up. There are others in the Westerlands who has goldmines as well." Choren informed as they exited the shaft and entered a new tunnel.
From what Charles had read the Westerlands were the only kingdom with gold mines. He believed that there was a mine in the Hornvale but decided not to ask. Instead, he inquired
"I heard Castamere had a gold mine. Is it still operational? Or has it been abandoned like the ghosts of our enemy?"
Choren seemed a bit hesitant, then responded "Well the area is being ruled in Tywin's name by house Spicer." the knight then whispered seriously "But the castle has been empty for years. Have you not heard the story?"
Charles, who was a bit annoyed that Choren presumed that he had asked in total ignorance said:
"Well, I have heard the song and read about the uprising and extinction of their house."
He was about to ask again regarding the gold when Choren cut in "No one will ever enter that mine unless they manage to get tons of water out of it."
This shut Charles up.
Choren continued "When The Reynes locked themselves inside their mountain. Lord Tywin could not reach them. So he had his men seal the exits, dig holes into the mountain and flooded it."
There was a pause.
"Every sorry soul inside Castamere died."
Charles was speechless. His face turned pale. He had known about the death of all the house members. But the knowledge that every servant, guard or guest perished, cast a rather grim light upon his grandfather. What could he expect when he met this man?
"As you can understand, the mine is therefore unreachable."
After Chorens statement an ominous silence followed the pair as they continued their journey. After a while, their party arrived at a large platform where food and water were prepared for them.
Ser sterlan Hill turned to Charles and uttered in his blunt voice:
"Now the horses can't take us any further. Here you can drink some water and rest. We continue in 20 minutes."
The Three men dismount and settle behind a table where the refreshment was presented. The horses were then led away by guards to a small stable.
Halfway through their brake, a panting originating from the steps could be heard. A sweating servant carrying Charles luggage then appeared. He waddled away to a bench where he sat down with a sigh.
"Is there an elevator in the rock similar to the one at Castle Black." Charles asked thinking of the struggle it must be to scale the castle continually.
To his surprise, it's Sterlan who answered.
"We have an elevator which can be seen at the entrance. It is used to transport supplies to the top."
Charles remembered the platform with the wires he had seen and figured that must be it.
The younger knight filled in.
"Well, we have a system of several. I mean it is to high up for one to suffice. So we have four different that can transport goods." Choren pauses and looked at Sterlan "It can be used to transport people."
Then he established eye contact with Charles "Which we sometimes do If they are in a hurry. But it takes time and is complicated."
Charles wondered what other features the Rock had to offer and asked "Is there a raven system used to send internal messages? Or do you use actual messengers?"
Again it was the earnest sworn sword who responded.
"It depends. Sometimes we use small pipes inside the mountain to send letters to the bottom. At the top, there is a pipe that goes down half the mountain. It is harder to send messages upwards, but I know they have a few Ravens. So in case, there are visitors a message can be sent to the top."
"Was a raven sent informing of my arrival?"
"Yes, but you were expected. I lived in the lower parts of the rock a few days waiting for your arrival. Otherwise, I live at the peak."
Sterlan put down his water goblet.
"Shall we move on?"
Charles finished the last of his water in one swoop and stood up with the other two.
"I am ready if you are."
From here they travel by foot up the rest of the stairs. They are followed by the servant carrying Charles belongings and a Guard. They walk at a moderately slow pace. Within 15 minutes of walking, they reach the end of the stairs.
Charles let out a massive sigh of relief as he walked from the last stepstone onto the platform. He had finally made it. The surge of euphoria welled inside. There was an opening in front of him, where it originated actual daylight. The gate doors had been opened. On both sides of the exit stood a stiff Lannister guard viewing the new arrivals.
They walk past the guards out into the open. After several hours of dim and moist air, they finally inhale it fresh. A gigantic courtyard met Charles' vision. In the middle, there was a beautiful pool which almost stretched throughout the whole length of the yard. By its sides were multiple buildings of different shapes and sizes. At the very end stood two towers. The tallest at the center. Immense flags carrying the Lannister banner danced in the wind. Surrounding the whole courtyard was a tall wall which in part was natural rock. Chickens were cackling and a distant smell of food emanated from the kitchens.
Choren walked up beside the young Svea who intently stood and studied the surroundings.
"Well my friend, we are at the top."
Charles noticed that Sterlan had already left. He had walked by the right side of the pond. Looking to be heading for the tallest tower. Instead, he stopped at the end building where two guards stood posted.
A cold wind suddenly crept up Charles' body, and he realized that it was notably chilly outside. He knew it was due to the altitude.
"In winter it must be freezing up here." He commented amusedly while gritting his teeth.
"Well, no one lives here in the winter. They move down. But in the summer it is a nice place to stay."
Two elderly men and a bald man who had conversated by the pond was now making their way towards them.
"Here we have another welcoming party."
Choren's declaration made the young Svea's joy start to turn into anxiety. Was this it? One of the senior men wore a grey robe and a long chain necklace. The bald man where armored. The third wore fine crimson clothes. Charles' heart started pounding. Perhaps this was his grandfather.
"Charles welcome. I'm Damion Lannister. Steward of Casterly Rock. We have been waiting for quite some time to have you here."
Confusion flooded the young man's mind for a moment. He wasn't disappointed. This was after all a member of his family. But why had not Tywin come to greet him?
Damion's warm welcome made it feel better though.
"I have as well. Pleasure meeting you." He answered beaming.
Then the armor-clad man stepped forward.
"I am Benedict Broom, Master at arms at the castle."
"And I'm Maester Creylen. It says itself in the title. I'm the Maester."
Charles bowed his head to the three men "Thank you for receiving me. It is a delight." Then he asked,"Do all of you live here at the peak?"
"Most of us. Some stay a few levels down below." It was Maester Creylen who answered. A firm voice for a man of his age.
Damion spoke next "I live a few levels down. It's more flexible for my position; there is a lot to manage."
In the corner of his eye, Charles spotted Sterlan exiting the building by the tower. A dog suddenly came running towards the young Svea. It barked happily and made movements to lick his hand. Charles laughed and scratched it behind the ear.
"Well hello there." he squats to make the petting easier.
"Does he or she have a name?" Charles asks looking up.
Benedict broom eyes the dog pestered.
"To be honest, I don't know the name. I don't care about the dogs. But If you ever have time ask one of the guards."
"Now away with you, dog" The Maester calls lightly waving at the animal.
The dog runs off with a small whimper. Behind his shoulder, Charles heard Sterlan's harsh voice.
"Lord Tywin will see you now. This way"
Charles sighed in anticipation and dread. He could feel the sweat starting to form on his forehead. His hand searched for the safety of the sword handle, gripping it tightly. He then followed Sterlan to the building he had exit previously.
At the entrance, between the two guards stood a kind looking grey haired man. He wore lavish red clothes with the Lannister banner sown in gold on his breast. He smiled at Charles. Which made the young Svea's heart leap in joy. Here Tywin was! And he was glad to see him. With Almost all doubts forgotten Charles elegantly bows before the man.
"This is Ser Kevan Lannister" Sterlan called out formally.
Charles froze in his bow. His face pale.
Kevan's voice was soft. "Charles, I'm the brother of your Grandfather."
It took some time for Charles to recover.
"Oh..of course, of course."
He managed to straighten himself and force a smile "It truly is a joy meeting you Ser."
Kevan bowed his head and then walked away. Sterlan, in turn, gestured at the entrance.
Charles looked at it with uncertainty. Although there was no doubt that Tywin Lannister was in this room, all the tension and insecurity had returned. He felt that his hand had returned to the handle.
This was ridiculous. He had not waited seventeen years to stall behind a door freely. The premature guesses were his fault. Tywin was on the other side, and he needed to make a good first impression.
So Charles with trembling legs entered.
As the door closed behind him, he had to squint his eyes to adjust to the darkness. The rooms primary light source was centralized towards the middle. The dimness was almost a bit unsettling. It looked to be a study. Everything cleaned and tidy. Books were lined up in perfect order and papers neatly stacked. No dust or litter could be spotted. The candles on the opposite walls were arranged to be completely parallel to each other. Back in the room in the very center sat Tywin Lannister behind a desk. His head tilted, and his arm, moving along the surface of the table. He was writing.
Tywin did not even look up when Charles entered. There was not a single sign that he had even noticed the new presence. Instead, he continued writing.
Charles could feel the is cold sweat gliding down his brow. Unlike Kevan, his grandfather had a bitter face. His features entirely focused on his work. Except for the scribbling sound of Tywin's quill, the room was entirely silent.
The young Svea then saw a lone chair exposed in front of the desk and slowly advanced towards it. When he was about to brush his hand on the chair's back, Tywin looked up from his paper. His grandfather made one quick analyzing gaze over Charles.
"Sit" The cold voice of Tywin command.
He then looked back at his paper and resumed the writing. Charles fumbled with his scabbard, trying to remove it from his side. He proceeds in total dismay as the awkward noise filled the room.
When he finally was done Charles took a seat. Tywin then put the quill on the table and sat back in his Chair.
"So you finally made here" He looked Charles straight in the eye.
The young man scrambled with his response "Indeed…..my lord. The Rock is most impressive. I have been looking forward to this day all my life".
"Spare me the courtesy. Seventeen you are?
Summoning more courage Charles responded, "I would not be here otherwise."
"Due to your banishment," Tywin said matter-of-factly.
"Yes." The response came quietly
"Remind me, what crime did you commit to receive a banishment?"
This took the young lord off guard. Charles almost stuttered "Crime?"
Tywin did not relent his gaze nor show any indication to elaborate. So Charles took a small breath to muse.
" ...My family fought for the Targaryens. We lost, and due to Svea's notorious support, I was banished." It felt unfair that he had to explain himself "I believe you were the one to discuss the terms of my banishment with King Robert."
"So you did not commit a crime?"
Tywin sounded inquiring rather than accusing, so Charles shot back with more confidence.
"In a war, one must declare for a side. Can you truly be blamed picking the losing side of the war? Maybe we had committed a crime in supporting the Targaryens after the war. But so did the Tyrells and the Thorns. It is the victor who writes the history after all."
"Spare me your history lessons. The point I'm trying to address is that you have done nothing to deserve your banishment."
Charles felt that the positive words did not correlate with how they had been said.
"Either you can live in your father's legacy and continue to be an outcast of this family." Tywin stood up from his desk and walked around it, addressing Charles.
"Or you can make sure you create a new legacy."
Charles stood up as well. His face inches from Tywin's.
"A legacy for a living family" Charles spoke with resolve. The doubt from his face vanished.
Tywin continued, looking intently at his grandson "The past is the past. The only thing that matters is now."
Charles straightened but did not break eye contact.
"Indeed. There is no good on dwelling in lost opportunities. Only what we can be accomplished matter."
There was a tiny glimmer of satisfaction in Tywin's identical blue-green eyes.
"Clever."
The lord of Casterly rock then turned away from Charles and started walking towards the door.
"Now, you are probably starving. We will discuss more over dinner." Tywin turned to look at his grandson while continuing "But first, you will be shown to your quarters. Where you can change into something proper." he then walked towards the exit.
Charles took one fearful glance at his stunning blue Svea uniform. The idea of being clad in Lannister crimson entering his mind.
"Proper?"
Tywin halted before the doorstep and merely turned his head to respond.
"In other words something that does not stink of sweat."
With that Tywin left Charles who was still standing by the chair. He stood contemplating his meeting when Sterlan marched in.
"Follow me ."
They walk out of Tywin's study back into the courtyard. Then headed past the great tower and the water pool, entering the building opposite to the study. Sterlan then leads Charles to a smaller chamber. It housed a small bed with a table standing by it and a cupboard with wooden drawers. The candles were lit, the bed dressed and prepared.
Before leaving Sterlan just stated, "Your luggage has been carried to your room."
In deep thought, Charles cleaned himself and dressed in a new uniform. He left his sword on the bed before heading out. A guard then escorted him past the pool to the dining hall, which Charles entered with a grin.