A few more days passed by as Charles worked diligently to finish his work. Tywin's words embedded in his mind after their last meeting. He wanted more answers about his father but knew better than to pry with his grandfather. But one day he arrived at the dining hall and spotted Kevan Lannister at the high table. He settled beside his Tywin's brother and asked after some small talk:
"So Tywin said that my father abandoned the family. Is it true?"
Kevan answered very plainly but not unkindly "Well your father did abandon the family. But I don't think he had much choice. He was commanded by the mad king to be fostered in Highgarden. But at the same time, he also chose to fight for the mad king even though Tywin wanted him to stay here at The Rock."
"And the marriage with my mother was it my grandfather's will?"
"No no. That was King Aerys'."
Charles' shoulders slumped. His existence was based on a slight against Tywin.
"Did you know my father?" Charles asked wondering if perhaps Kevan had more love for Lann.
"Not that well. He did not spend much time here. But he was young and foolish, a disappointment to Tywin. My brother wanted to train him as his heir, but instead, he left for the Svea."
"So he was officially Tywin's heir. No one claimed that he was, well…"
Kevan understood what the young man was referring to and answered. "Well, the opinions went differently. But he could have been Tywin's heir, if Lann was worthy enough. I think he would have needed it now with Jaime in the Kingsguard."
Well, Robert Baratheon had made sure that Lann's chances of inheriting the Westerlands were nill. But perhaps Charles himself could succeed The Rock if he was worthy enough. Although, would Tywin ever let a Svea replace the Lannisters? Besides he needed to claim his birthright first.
"Do you know what happened to Three Crowns after the war?"
Kevan scratched his beardless chin in ponderance. "The newly crowned King hated Three Crowns. For what it represented. But it is a good fortress. So it was given to some minor lord. I don't know who holds it at the moment. But.."
"It still stands" Charles finished relived.
Kevan nodded "It still stands. From what I have heard, but I haven't been to Kingslanding for many years."
"Why was I banished when so many others were pardoned" Charles gloomily spat.
"Even the Greyjoy boy was given as a warden to the Starks. "
The knight eyed him sympathetically "Well the king. He wanted your head."
"Really?" His hatred for the man started to emerge.
Kevan explained calmly "To Robert, House Svea is equivalent to House Targaryen. It is said that a few Caroleans helped abduct Lyanna Stark. They also fought Robert fiercely, which almost lead to his defeat. Even in the aftermath of the war, the remaining Caroleans continued to resist Robert for more than a year. At Dargonstone, they held the Castle until Stannis made them yield. So he probably hated the Svea as much as he hated the Targaryens. Therefore he could not have the heir to Svea, the last Svea presence. He wanted to banish you for eternity, which Tywin spoke against. It is also hard to argue against a newly crowned King who just won a great war, with all the confidence on his side. So Tywin made him agree that you could return when you were seventeen. Then I also believe Tywin wanted it as well, considering what Lann represented to him."
"A failure." Charles uttered plainly. Although it pained him, it was the truth.
"Yes."
Chares twirled the knife around on the table. "He is hard to impress. But I will do everything in my power to improve my father's name, and do right where he failed."
"So what are your plans?" The knight asked encouragingly.
Charles looked up from the knife and met the elder's eyes. "That Three Crowns is restored to its rightful place."
Kevan's brow furrowed. "I think that will be nothing more than a dream. Robert will never grant you three crowns."
Who said anything about HIM granting it, Charles thought with contempt. But he kept silent.
When he opened his mouth, he changed the topic "I would also like to meet my other relatives. And visit the reach as well."
"What other relatives?" There was something in Kevan's tone that made Charles wonder if the knight questioned the importance of any other blood-related house.
But the relatives in question where Lannisters so Charles calmly responded "My uncles and my aunt in Kingslanding."
Kevan smiled kindly "There you can meet my son as well. Lancel. He is a squire to the king."
What a 'great honor' that must be, Charles thought to himself. "Yes, the king…" He wondered how that first meeting would play out. "Well he can not touch me anyway, I'm pardoned now."
"Well, he can get to anyone. He is the king."
Charles almost scoffed, of course, he knew that. "Yes, but it would provoke an equal outrage as if he mistreated any other noble."
"Robert is also the forgiving type. He has forgiven many people."
The young Svea raised his eyebrows. "WELL has he forgiven the Targaryens?"
"Never."
Charles gesticulated with his hand while stating "And as you said, he views me equal to Viserys."
"Yes, but he has no reason to harm you. He might just be a bit unfriendly. But who knows. You will see when you meet him." Kevan added reassuringly.
Charles looked at their barren plates and spoke "Well thank you for dining with me. You really shed some light on my past."
Kevan smiled and inclined his head. "You're welcome, see you around."
The knight stood up and walked off, leaving Charles sitting in his chair pondering.
"So I heard you handed in your essay." A voice called out, interrupting the Svea's thoughts.
Charles' eyes met Choren's hazel ones. The sworn sword pulled out a chair and settled.
"Indeed." It had taken all his assigned time, but he was content with his work.
Choren grabbed an apple on a tray while stating "Well that means tomorrow we are heading down for more mounted exercise."
Excitement replaced his melancholy mood. "This time I will unhorse you."
"Hah, well we will see about that." Choren took a huge bite of the apple. A smug expression spread across his thin face. "Maybe I will fall off so you will be happy."
Charles couldn't contain himself, and he released a volley of laughter. Soon Choren joined in, and they walked out of the dining hall in a fit of booming laughter.
The next morning they met up in the courtyard and made their way down to the usual spot. As the first charge commenced, Charles was immediately unhorsed by his opponent. The outcome of their endeavors did not change during the several days they practiced, and Charles found himself on the ground more times than he fancied. On the eighth day, Choren presented a set of armor. A gift from Lord Tywin.
It was a crimson layered breastplate, black pauldrons decorated with a proud golden lion and a gilded gorget with the Lannister sigil.
As the 9nth day arrives and the young Svea started to feel quite comfortable in his saddle. Then after a resting day, they rode back to the top. To Charles great surprise Tywin himself was there to greet them.
His grandfather's penetrating gaze viewed Charles steadily as he asked "Any improvements?"
"I believe so." Charles' hand motioned to the Sworn sword as he continued with a smirk "I managed to unhorse Ser Choren. And I feel I'm getting a handle on it."
"Good. Did you enjoy my armor?"
Charles felt a tiny bit of shame that Tywin had to mention it before he showed his gratitude. But he did not distress for long instead genuinely said "Very, it was a very gracious present. Thank you grandfather."
Tywin's voice turned a degree softer "Well if you are going to fight in a tourney one day better do it accurately. And a proper armor displays your status."
"Well, I thank you. It is very impressive."
The Lord of Casterly Rock made a curt nod "Well we shall talk privately. Follow me."
In the study, Tywin reached into one of his neat shelves and plucked out a heavy coin purse, Which he handed it to Charles.
"That is 500 gold dragons."
Charle studied it in aw as he felt the weight of the purse in his hands.
His grandfather viewed him with an amused look "I understand that you have no coin."
Charles could not help that feel that was the underlining message of 'I understand your House has no coin.'
"No…. not really."
"Therefore you can have these if you ever need them." His grandfather's voice was nonchalant, but Charles could feel the analyzing eyes studying his reaction.
"I.. you are very gracious. This will be enough for a long time. Although I will spend it diligently."
"Well don't play it away on games."
Charles met his grandfather's gaze; his voice was steadfast. "Never."
Tywin's featured relaxed, Charles' could have sworn that his grandfather was a little relieved by his statement.
"Then I have book for you. 'The history of House Lannister.' Some inspiration for you."
Charles put the coin purse on the table and felt the leather bound book.
"Are you in here as well?" Charles asked with a small wink.
His grandfather nodded, seeming to understand the implication "Yes. It is an updated version."
"Is my…" Charles swallowed "father in here?"
Tywin's eyes slightly narrowed "You will have to read for yourself." Then the sat down behind his desk.
"Have a pleasant time reading."
Immediately recognizing the cue, Charles inclined his head and said "I will" before making his exit.
He stored the purse and put the gift on the table by his bed, deciding that he would finish his War book before reading about the Lannister Legacy.
A week passed, and Charles tackled a new geography assignment of the rest the Kingdoms. He soon found himself in Tywin Lannister's office again after a timely summon.
"You will leave immediately with Ser Choren Brax. We have a pack of bandits who has dared to attack Lannister soil." The head of the Lannisters announced with contempt.
A surge of energy rushed through Charles. This was his chance to prove himself. But he kept his voice sober "They will be dealt with."
"Yes. Ser Choren is leading a small group to find them. According to a report, there are only four or five bandits."
Charles' hand clasped the sword hilt "Any specific instructions of what is to be done?"
"Kill them. You are under the command of Ser Choren."
"As you wish. It will be done."
Charles bowed and left with steady steps. After a short debriefing a party of ten guards, Choren and Charles rode out of The Rock.
"So these bandits stole goods from a wagon?"
The young knight slowed the pace of his horse to answer "Yes it was an ordinary peasant and his family who got attacked. He was heading to the market to sell his harvest. They slit his throat, raped his wife and cut his son in the leg. A small boy only eight years old, he will probably never be able to use that leg again. A cripple. We need to find these people, but that is the tough part. They can have traveled a long way already."
Charles felt a gust of wind in his untamed hair; they had arrived at the countryside. It was a refreshing change of scenery. The vast fields and the flowers growing by the roadside radiated tranquility. It was so open. The high grass rustled in the breeze and the sun warmed the skin. To think he had grown up in a tightly packed city without the option of escaping to this, even momentarily. Sometimes he wondered if he had been a noble or a prisoner. He looked down at the fine Lannister armor he was wearing and remembered the task at hand.
"Well, we should start with asking around the local farms and see if they know anything."
Choren moved some of his long hair out of his face before stating "True, but the tough part is…"
Charles finished the sentence "Finding them…." He thought for a moment before continuing "So what approach shall we have? The generous approach? The simple approach or a forceful approach?
"Well the commoners will probably tell us, they don't like raiders. It creates an unsafe environment for everyone. As I'm sure, you will agree?"
The young Svea shrugged "I do. But we should forget instances like the Kingswood Brotherhood when the commoners were in league with the criminals." His ancestor Gustavus Adolphus had been murdered by peasants that hid a band of outlaws. House Svea had been at its height in power. The success of the Carolean army in the third Blackfyre rebellion had made them infamous. Gustavus had even been appointed hand of the King to Aegon V, But he was stabbed in the back trying to keep the people's peace. Ironically even though his demise was unfortunate, he is the House member that has had the longest life to date. 'Hopefully, I will break that record.'
Choren looked skeptical "Yes, but these criminals attacked the commoners in the first place. We are out here to avenge them. They have not attacked us really."
"Then hopefully they will tell us all they know. " Choren could be right, but Charles would not exclude any possibilities until they knew more.
They stopped by the closest farm. It was simplistic with a windmill, stable and a house. A small girl sat leaning against the door entrance. Upon seeing them, she ran inside.
"Well this is a shitty place, doesn't look that nice." The guard named Lucien exclaimed.
Charles raised an eyebrow at the insensitive comment. But on second glance he realized that Lucien was right. The main structure was decaying; some parts were so rotten that they had fallen right off. The windmill had lost a wing which laid wasting in the mud, and the animal pen was empty. Why probably wasn't a mystery since there was a hole in the fence.
"Well.." He started to say as he absorbed the surroundings. "At least they are graced with life."
The father walked out with his wife who placed the child behind her. The young Svea and the Sworn sword dismounted and walked up to the man.
"I am ser Choren Brax Sworn sword to Tywin Lannister."
"And I am Charles the twelfth of house Svea, grandson to Lord Tywin."
The farmer was bald which combined with his beardless chin made the largeness of his nose stand out. He was also surprisingly fat considering his profession.
The man wiped his hands on the tunic "Why do we have this honor?"
Charles placed the arms behind his back "According to a report some bandits murdered one of your neighbors. Surely you have heard of it."
"Yes, we were there afterward, attending to the poor family. It's a shame." The farmer looked to his wife "But we believe that perhaps the bandits are from the Riverlands.
Choren crossed his arms "It's a long way for Riverland bandits to travel here just to attack farmers."
"Yes but would really Westerland people do this to each other?"
"There is scum everywhere," Charles said meaningfully.
The bald man shrugged "Perhaps you're right. But we don't know who these people are. It could be anyone. I hope though that you find them." He placed an arm around his spouse "I am feeling a bit unsafe when there could be an attack at the farm."
Charles' hand found Vasa's hilt. ''Understandable. But we will do everything in our power, trust us. They will be brought to justice."
"Thank you. Well, I can't tell you any more than that."
"We appreciate your assistance," Choren stated before they returned to the party.
As they climbed onto their horses, Charles asked his companion: "Do you think it's important from where they came?"
"They are probably from a nearby area."
"Obviously."
Choren reined in his horse then nodded towards the farm "Country people like to create rumors that bandits and such are from other places. It makes them feel like their neighbors could not attack them."
The sworn sword averted his attention to their company then spoke to Charles with a firm voice. "We will split up. You will lead five men to a farm two kilometers that way, and I will cover another to the east. We meet here in an hour or two.
"Sounds good."
The next farm he rode to was in better shape. When Charles knocked on the door, a short man with brown hair answered it.
"Hello, I'm Charles XII of house Svea, we are here looking for bandits that have attacked our good people.
The farmer scratched his beard "Yes I have heard the troubling news."
"But you have not seen anything?"
"No I.. haven't" his voice was hesitant. "I heard from my neighbors that there was an attack, but unfortunately I don't know where they came from. We... are a bit afraid, we have been on watch for people coming here. Fearing that they will attack us. I believe if they are in the area they would be in the forest." He lifted his hand and pointed behind Charles' head "You see over there on top of that hill. Quite large, So if they are hiding there, it would be like finding a needle in a haystack."
Charles turned and studied the treetops that rose above the high ground.
"A forest that close, and you have not seen anything?"
"No, I have been staying here. It's safer if they were coming."
The young Svea nodded absently, progressing the new information, which did not tell him all that much.
Charles politely smiled "Well thank you."
On the way to the meeting place, Charles met two children who shared the same story about the culprits lurking in the woods. Although one claimed that it wolves not bandits that were guilty.
"Any luck?" Charles sighed as he met up with Choren.
The other shook his head "No, you?"
"Not really."
Choren pointed to the north "You see the farm over there? we should go and talk there as well."
As they approached the house, a muscular man emerged from the door and walked down the steps to greet them. He was holding a butching knife which he was cleaning.
"Aa, Lord Tywin's men." He called out. His wife and child joined by his side as well.
"Indeed." Charles responded as he and Choren closed the distance to meet him.
Another man peeked his head out of the doorway. He looked young and had considerable blisters on his face.
"We are looking for the bandits that roam the area." The young Svea announced has his black boots came to a halt in the dry mud.
The brawny man gave out a small laugh. "What bandits? I have not heard about any bandits."
Charles turned and looked confused at Choren.
The sworn sword looked equally puzzled "Well there was an attack on a tradesman. Haven't you heard about it?"
"No.. this information has not got to me. Where was this attack?"
"Just a few kilometers away from here." Answered Choren
"Very close. Curious that no one has been around to tell you." Charles added perplexed.
The man scratched his ear with his clean hand "No I'm sure my neighbors would have told me if they knew. I don't think anyone knows about this attack."
"Do you have close contact with your neighbors?" Charles asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No. We speak sometimes. But if anything of this magnitude would happen... I mean then surely we would discuss it, to keep each other safe."
"You would not have any knowledge where bandits potentially could be hiding?"
The farmer pondered for a moment "Well if there were an attack I'm sure they would be hiding in the forest. I know that bandits a few years ago hid there."
"Really? very well that will be all." Charles turned to Choren who nodded in agreement.
They returned to the rest of the group and started a trot forward, without really having a goal in mind.
"Curious." Charles sighed. He was very skeptical about the farmer's story. It was highly unlikely that he had not been informed.
"Alright, we need to discuss this. No one seems to know anything significant. They know about the attack but not who the bandits are."
"But not this one" Charles said and pointed behind him "Even though he is closer to the first farm than the other two we have visited. It is very strange. Almost as strange as if he were hiding the bandits. But it is a dimwitted way of avoiding attention. We should investigate if what he speaks is true."
"We should go and talk…" Choren began to say, but Charles interrupted him engulfed by his own thoughts.
"And talk with the other farms and see what they know about this fellow."
"Or we should go and talk with the woman whose family was attacked. The problem is that I don't know where they are."
Charles found it incredibly incompetent by them to not already have inquired about the victim's whereabouts.
"We should double back and speak with the other farms and ask where the family is and also inquire about this place as well. If there have been any quarrels which would justify that these people would support bandits."
The sworn sword nodded.
The young Svea halted and turned his horse to the side, blocking the rest of the company. "We should keep some men here. Maybe two people who can hide and keep an eye on this farm. So one can report back to us if anything suspicious happens and a spare that can continue to survey them."
Choren examined the party and then concurred "Yeah we will leave two behind."
As they started moving back to the first farm the sworn sword uttered "We need to tread carefully."
They return to the crumbling estate where the fat farmer worked the land. He wiped his forehead and leaned against the scythe.
"Welcome again." He called cheerfully.
"Well, we only wanted to know which farms that have been informed about the attack. Have you spoken to anyone?" Choren inquired.
"Yes, I went to the farms over there and there" He pointed at all the direction they had visited. "I think everyone knows; we have gone around telling people."
"Really" Charles calls out victoriously. Then he points directly at the farm with the supposed unknowing family "And what about that farm over there? You know these people?"
"Yeah, I'm good friends with them. Good people. We work together sometimes."
The last Svea crossed his arms "And they have not stirred trouble at any time?"
"No no, not at all."
Choren took a step forward "We only received word about the attack, but we have not found the actual family. Do you know where they are?"
The man shrugged "Well probably in their home. A few kilometers that way."
They ride off to the suggested direction. Charles cast an eye behind his shoulder to the sorry farm that was growing distant.
"Trust this man?"
"I don't know if we should leave two here as well." Choren pondered
"I think that is a good idea."
"Alright, we shall leave two then."
They soon reach their destination, and comparatively the farm was in the best shape so far. As soon as the party of eight come to a stop, a woman comes running out of the main house.
"Oh, it is the Lord's justice!"
Choren hoped of his mount and said with a sympathetic smile "We are here to help."
She invited them to her simple but elegant house for the inquisition.
"Sorry for your loss. We would like to ask some questions to aid our quest to find these horrible traitors." Charles said and bowed his head respectfully. He understood her grief.
With a pained voice, the woman started talking "Oh several bandits attacked us. They came all of a sudden. All of them wearing masks.
"How many?" The young Svea probed, perhaps a bit too quick.
"As I recall... four, perhaps five. I Don't know if I saw them all it happened so fast. They cut my poor boy..." Tears started to form in her eyes "We have nothing left. Now when my husband is gone who will plow the field when my son can't walk?"
"And your husband he wasn't disliked by people in the area?" The question leaned on the inconsiderate side, but Charles deemed it valuable information.
"Well, he had quarrels with some people. He was accused of many things these last two months." Her voice turned venomous "His harvest was far better than anyone else, and people disliked that. They accused him of stealing their animals! When in reality their animals just ran away in the night. Wolves came and scared them off." She paused "I believe It was our neighbors who attacked us."
Charles was starting to believe so as well. "Which neighbors were having problems with your husband?"
"I don't know them all, but most farms in the area disliked him. He got into a fight with one of them only two days ago."
"Do you know who?"
"Yes, Peter the ox he is called. He lives on a farm to the east. A nasty brute and his deformed boy is no better either."
"Excellent..." Charles whispered to himself. This was precisely the testimony he had been looking for. He knew that the beast of a man had been suspicious.
"Sir!" A voice cried from outside of the house which snapped the young Svea out of his triumph. He and Choren immediately bolted out the door.
A guard called "I saw someone. On that hill. He turned his back when he saw us and ran."
Charles quickly turned to Choren "We should pursue from two directions in case of an ambush! I will take 3 of the men and follow him straight on, while you take the other three and ride around so you can flank from another side if anything happens."
After a second of consideration, the sworn sword answered "Alright."
He motioned to the three closest soldiers to follow him, and they galloped on a path leading north. Charles and the remaining three guards raced up the hill west.
A man in ragged clothes armed with a spear in his left hand sprinted towards the edge of the forest. It was the same forest which supposedly hid bandits. Charles and his company of men shouted to the man to stop, but he continued onwards.
"Surround him!" Charles commanded. Hoping to halt the runaway before he entered the woods. Which they managed. He and the guards formed a diamond around the gruff man, blocking him on four different sides.
"Halt in the name of Tywin Lannister." Charles boomed and drew Vasa which glistered in the sunlight.
The man was filthy and had a stump for a right hand. He eyed the young Svea bewildered and spoke with a croaking voice.
"I'm only here hunting. Why have you chased me."
"Why did you run away you fucking idiot." Lucien exclaimed.
"Yeah, we screamed at you to stop." Another guard added.
"I did not hear I was so focused on hunting…" The man paused and hit his spear in the ground "hunting."
"Really and you did not hear us?" Charles asked in a mock voice.
"Don't you know it is a crime to hunt on the lord's land without permission?" The third guard stated.
"I'm hunting my own animals they ran away." Came the croaking response
"Which animals are that?" Charles demanded.
"Some cows."
"How many?"
"Four." The man answered with certainty.
"Which farm do you come from?"
The man pointed northeast.
"Why don't we go there and talk," Charles suggested with an incredibly smooth tone. But his body language conveyed that it was not a request.
"Well.. why would I do that?"
Lucien scoffed "Because you are being commanded. Drop that spear!" He pointed with his sword towards the one-handed man.
Choren emerged from his hiding place, and they escorted their suspect to his farm. He was placed on a stool in a corner. Lucien was the only guard placed inside the house. The others covered the exit. Choren began the interrogation.
"So, You said you were out hunting your cows. Do you really hunt cow?
The man nervously laughed "Well I am a bit confused; I had too much to drink yesterday. Hehe, you know."
Charles was the next one to talk. "What do you know about the attack? "
"I heard that someone had an unlucky encounter."
"Did you know this someone?"
"Yes, a poor farmer but a decent lad. One good friend of mine."
"Oh really?" Charles called out, the skepticism in his voice very clear. The thing that caught his attention most was that the man had called his friend 'poor.' When he undoubtedly had been the wealthiest farmer in the area. But when he was going to inquire about that specific detail, Choren cut in:
"Why did you turn and run from my men?"
"Well, I was actually out hunting. My own cows, that had disappeared. Thought I would swing by and offer my sympathies to my friend's wife. Then I saw you and thought you were busy, so I thought I would find my cows first."
Charles leaned closer to the suspect."The better question is: Why would you hunt your cows? Won't they recognize you?"
"Ah well yeah they do but you know there out...out running around, and I only want to find them. I need a weapon in case I was attacked by these bandits."
The young Svea jestfully nodded before continuing "So the weapon was for the bandits. Not hunting the cows. Because surely you would not want to kill your own livestock especially since they recognize you."
"Yes exactly, for protection. I always carry a spear with me."
"But you said that you were so focused on hunting the cows that the stampede of horses and shouting of men could not be heard, even though you had seen us only moments ago when walking to your 'friend's house.' Also considering that at the time you saw us you were more concerned in conveying your condolences then your 'Cow hunt.'
Choren crossed his arms "You see the pieces are not really matching. So either you tell us the truth, or we will bring you to the Lord's justice."
The suspect started to turn pale "I have not committed a crime yet you plan to execute me."
"We can cut off your other hand for lying to us." Choren simply stated.
"But I have not done anything!" The man cried.
But he was ignored by the Sworn sword which cut in "So either you tell us the truth or your hand will be gone."
The man caved under pressure and slowly spoke "If I tell you the truth will you allow me to live?"
"Of course." Charles rightfully remarked.
But Choren sounded less patient "Yes you will live."
"Well...I..I. I was on my way to… visit the wife and the son to see if they had seen any of the...any of the bandits. To see if they had recognized them."
"And why did you run?" Charles inquired.
"I thought maybe you were here to kill peasants, just because you suspected us."
The young Svea rolled his eyes "Oh yes, makes sense now that you were lying about hunting your own cows. Tell the truth why you went to the victim's house!"
"Alright alright! I know the bandits, and I was sent to silence! Silence! The woman and her child."
"Now we are getting somewhere, to save your life you will tell us where your friends are."
It wasn't surprising to hear Peter and his son being called out. But another name that surfaced was that of the short farmer Charles had visited on his own. It did surprise him to an extent; he had thought the slum farm a more likely source of jealousy and hatred.
The man desperately rubbed his stump "They forced me into this. I was a friend of his. But they told me that they would kill me unless I tried."
Charles eyed him with disgust "The wife of the victim told me that people believed that he had stolen their cows. Considering your hunting story, I'm pretty sure you are one of them."
"Well, I know for a fact that he stole my cows. Only four of them, but that was all I had!"
"Then It makes perfect sense that you view him as your friend doesn't it?"
The outlaw looked down at the floor, and Charles nodded to Choren signaling that they were done here.
"I think this is a clear witness. Now we know who did this." Choren assessed as they marched back to the horses.
"Then let's waste no time to give the bastards what they deserve."
Choren looked to be contemplating then he spoke deliberately "I fear for the life of the family. If he was there to silence them…."
Charles' eyes widened in fear "There could be others. Did we leave any guards…? No, we did not! Hurry."
They hastily mount and Choren shout "We leave two men here with him."
"Is that really wise? Should we not bring him with us?" The last thing Charles wanted was for them to lose their witness.
"Well we could, but they will come after us. We ride forward with three men, and the other will bring him with them."
They bolt back to the victim's house and run up to the door with swords drawn, Choren has also armed himself with a shield. But to their relief, it was peaceful inside, and the family still alive. Soon their captive with his escort caught up, and they dragged him into the building.
"Do you recognize this man?" Charles immediately asked.
The woman answered distressed "Yes he is a good friend to the family."
"Not as good as you would think. He came here to kill you."
The man whimpered at the Svea's exclamation "No I did not, they are lying to you."
"You said so yourself," Choren remarked matter-of-factly.
It was hard to understand the desperate voice with all the saliva in his mouth as he cried "I was only to silence them, but that does not mean kill them, just to make sure you did not know anything."
Charles lost his patience and pointed the thin edge of Vasa at the man as he roared "So you carried a spear with you just for show? Instead of apologizing you lie yet again! That is twice you lied to your lord's men. First cow hunting and now your own confession. This is surely enough for execution. We should do it immediately outside of the house."
"No, wait! How can you kill me he was trying to kill us!"
"Tell us the truth" Charles demanded. This was his last chance at salvation.
"I told you the truth!" The man cried frantically.
"Guards!" Choren boomed and the next thing Charles knew a guard entered and dragged the man outside.
"No!NO!NO!"
As soon as they were in the mud, the guard thrust his spear into the man's chest. He cried out but soon slumped down on the ground. Blood welling out of his mortal wound.
Charles looked in shock at the site. He had never seen death before; now he had caused it. He felt sick as the dead eyes viewed him desperately. Charles wondered if the right call had been made. He had hoped for another confession...
"We need to leave men here to guard the family. Or they will be dead within hours." Choren announced.
Charles took a deep breath and followed his friend to the mounts. There were more bandits to deal with.
"We should go and see if the guards we left behind have anything to report," Charles suggested.
"Well since they are guarding the guilty farms I'm sure we have them cornered."
They were soon viewing the simple estate of the short farmer.
Charles loosened the grip on the reins. "Now we shall continue the investigation."
"But we already know he is guilty right?"
Charles wasn't entirely certain. "It would not hurt to hear a confession."
"Yes, what can I do for you?" The farmer called out as they dismounted in front of his house.
Charles grabbed the sword hilt with his left hand "You have been accused of murder."
The man was stunned for a moment before retorting "By who? Who dare?"
"By your one-handed neighbor. How do you plea?"
"Well, he is known to be a madman. Drinking too much and living alone. His wife died a long time ago. He has no kind of credibility. Surely you don't believe it. I'm not guilty; I mean c'mon."
"We would like to search your house to make sure there is nothing suspicious."
Two guards immediately walked inside and started searching after Charles had spoken.
"We have nothing suspicious in our house." The short man tried to assure.
A few moments later a guard returned. "We found this ax."
"Yes, it is what I use for chopping wood." The farmer exclaimed.
"Well, it was hidden under the bed." The guard said while looking at Charles.
"Why would you hide an ax that you use for labor work?" The young Svea asked gleefully.
The farmer shrugged "I don't have much space in my house, it was not hidden, it is just space under my bed."
"Space under the bed" Charles repeated slowly and examined the buildings. There seemed to be plenty of space to store a tool.
"Well if I am attacked by bandits in the night, I can stretch under the bed and have a weapon."
"Well forgive me, my lord, we might excuse that. I do it sometimes my self." Lucien whispered in his ear. Charles supposed it made sense, but he felt a bit embarrassed to have reached a dead end. So he changed the approach.
"Now what were your relations with..." But he was interrupted by Choren.
"Charles, can we speak a moment?"
The young Svea looked from the bewildered farmer to Choren. Then he and Sworn sword walked off to the side.
"I think we should arrest him. He was pointed out, and we know the farms did not like the victim."
"But he claims our witness was a madman." Charles countered. He did not want to leave it to chance.
"Yes, but what we do know though is that the first farmer..."
"Told Peter. So someone is obviously lying. This man though we really don't have anything on him. We shall go and deal with the 'ox' and then come back here once we have solid proof.
On their way to the third farm, they visited they met up with the scouts they left behind. They reported that shortly after their watch started a scruffy looking man with one hand visited for a short while before leaving.
Peter 'the ox' was chopping wood bare-breasted as the two noblemen and six guards rode in and dismounted in unison.
"By the name of Tywin Lannister you are hereby under arrest. For killing and looting your fellow farmers." Charles loudly declared as he drew the valyrian blade.
Peter's strong muscles tensed "Excuse me but how dare you!"
Choren nodded to the others "Well Men, you know what to do."
What happened next Charles had not expected. The guard closest to Choren walked up to the chopping block and thrust a spear into Peter's bare stomach. He squealed and dropped the ax in his shock before knocking the block over as he fell. The guard continued onward and entered the house were the rest of the family was and beat the youngest boy to the floor. He then grabbed the startled young man with blisters by the neck, threw him forward and impaled him in back. Another guard grabbed Peter's wife and showed her into the corner. The first guard joined in, and the woman screamed and pleaded.
"So you did not want to ask any more questions?" A bewildered Charles exhaled.
"No, we don't need him for anything," Choren responded Indifferently.
The younger boy stood up and ran towards another room, but Lucien caught up and hauled him outside. "What should we do with the child?"
Choren looked at Charles then back to guard. "How old are you boy?"
"N..n..nine…"
Choren sighed and stood still for a moment, thinking quietly while looking around. "Well….His family is all gone."
"Maybe one of the other farm families would be willing to raise him. He is innocent in this!" Charles despairingly tried to reason.
"Yes.. he is only a boy. But Lord Tywin likes to send a clear message." Choren looked directly at Lucien and commanded firmly "Hang him."
Charles was horrified. He observed the dead father who laid in a pool of his own blood to the screaming child who was dragged past his sire's remains to a tree, only after the snap did the boy go silent.
A guard dragged the lifeless body of the young man with blisters out. Then the woman inside the house was slain as well.
"Should we... bring the dead body with us to scare the other into submission?" Charles managed to vocalize.
"No. We will nail them against the outer wall." Choren responded while inspecting the dead.
The whole family was fixed to the wooden structure in a line. First the father, then his oldest son, then the boy and last the wife.
Charles felt incredibly perplexed, but he knew there was nothing he could do. He couldn't look away either. He was part of this, and he had to accept that fact. There was no use being a craven telling himself that he is innocent in this.
"This will send a clear message of what happens when farmers go rogue."
"I'm sure it will…shall we do the same with the other?"
Choren simply nodded.
When they returned to the short man's house, he stood guarding the doorway armed with his ax.
"Don't come into the house!"
Choren grabbed his shield, drew the sword and started advancing alone towards the door. Charles unsheathed Vasa and followed to help. The farmer cleaved with all his strength as soon as his opponent came in range. Choren easily parried the strike to the side with his shield and instantly slashed the man's stomach open. The boy inside the house screamed "No, no. Father!" and the farmer's wife yelled "No you bastards!" before trying to tackle Choren. But the sworn sword used the shield to knock her. The boy picked up his father's ax and ran up to attack Charles. The young Svea blocked the blow and disarmed the boy before kicking him to the floor.
"Bring them outside. Then behead them." Charles commanded with a heavy heart. He wanted to spare them further pain, especially the woman. Beheading was usually more merciful.
Once it was done Charles grimly order "Put their heads on spikes."
"This will send a clear message." Choren said knowingly.
He then continued "We have two empty farms now. Perhaps we should give the widow some help. They will die without an income."
"But she also needs someone to take care of the farm. Perhaps a soldier who would like to retire and settle down." Charles suggested, glad to focus on the reason for all the bloodshed.
"I will discuss the matter at Casterly Rock. But we will find a new husband and as an honorable gesture, gift the lands of her neighbors."
"Criminals are severely dealt with, but the lawfull population is cared for." This made Charles feel a bit better. But it was nothing compared to how the widow felt. She overloaded them with grateful remarks when they broke the news to her. Then just like that their mission was done and they headed back to the Rock.
"This was an adventure." Choren positively remarked
"Indeed, but no glorious battle or skirmish." Only merciless slaughter of the defenseless. Just or not. Though, Charles wondered if a battle felt any different.
"Have you ever killed someone, Charles?" Choren asked as they established eye contact.
"No…"
"I Wonder when that will happen then. It's getting late, and there are at least three more hours to Casterly rock."
They made camp in the countryside, and Charles wondered when he would take his first life. Would it feel as horrible as seeing that poor child being executed? He hoped not. But he was a Svea, and their trade was warfare.
AN: Well the chapters keep getting longer and longer. It is not really my intention; my goal is around 5000 words per chapter. But the story must dictate the length. This is also the most eventful chapter so far, and undoubtedly the most brutal. The end was hard to write, but it was necessary. Realism must be kept, and Tywin is not known for his mercy. I had a Kingdome come deliverance Vibe writing this chapter, tell me if you agree. Feel free to leave a review.