They had journeyed back first thing in the morning. It had only been a few hours ride from their campsite to the Rock, so Ser Choren and the twelfth field marshal soon stood before the liege lord of the Westerlands in his orderly solar.
"My lord, we have taken care of the problem." The Sworn sword announced in a bow. He then added dutifully "A few peasants were executed for their crimes."
Tywin eyed his subject approvingly "Good. Now leave us."
As Choren made his exit, Tywin rested his arms on his chair and viewed his grandson considerately.
"How was your first mission?"
Charles grabbed his scabbard and moved it out of the way as he lowered himself unto his usual seat. Then he answered thoughtfully.
"Well, it was…" 'bloody' he thought. "No real skirmish..." 'Only butchery of helpless farmers. Guilty though, guilty farmers.' Charles then eyed his grandfather determined "The job was done, and that is all that matter."
"Hm, I see." Tywin responded in a distant low tone. He seemed to be pondering and continued after a small pause "How is your education fairing?"
"Well, the Geography assignment is complete hopefully it is to Maester Creylen's liking."
His grandfather nodded curtly and announced as soon as Charles finished speaking "Today you will butcher a Chicken. It is time."
'It is time to bloody your hands' Charles decyphered. He wondered if Tywin knew how close he had been to take a life already.
"Right, Very well."
"The gardener is waiting outside. He will guide you through the procedure."
Charles stood up and walked towards the door. But he turned back around and asked curiously.
"Do you go hunting grandfather?"
The response made the young man disappointed. "No." Tywin then continued plainly "A few of my men do." The lord's intense eyes studied his grandson. He raised his eyebrows "Do you want to go and hunt?"
"It would be interesting yes."
Tywin nodded looking at a stack of papers and then viewed the same eyes on his grandson "I will see if I can have anything arranged."
"Thank you." On that Charles left. He met up with the gardener who showed him how to butcher a chicken most effectively. Then how to skin it and remove the bone. After cleaning his hands, the young Svea brought the meat to the kitchen where the chef guided him in the steps to cook it. After spending the entire day, Charles could finally feast on the meat.
A fortnight passed. The young Svea had finished the war book and started with the writing of the Lannister legacy. He had also written a letter to Myron and thanked him for all his teachings, saying that it was going excellent for him in Westeros. He also composed a letter to Mace Tyrell and Garth. Which contained customary pleasantries and that he looked forward to visiting the Reach. Only a few days later a letter was handed to him by a Servant which read: "My dear boy. I'm on my way to visit you. Its been too long since we last saw each other. Signed by Garth Tyrell". The announcement made Charles overjoyed.
It became September and Charles was sent out for another ten days of mounted practice. After spending more time with the horse, Charles felt that he started growing skilled in commanding it suitably. He had also become adept in mounted combat and fighting people on the ground while mounted.
The master at arms drilled him pretty hard in single combat. Ser Benedict Broom was a competent teacher, so Charles learned some methods to utilize his speed in defense as well. He had to exercise fitness regularly, running for half an hour every day around the courtyard. The latter days he was tasked with running up and down the stairs or sprint outside of the rock. Charles had never had a perfect fitness before so he found the first weeks very tiring.
After a particularly exhausting evening, Tywin entered Charles room as he read the Lannister volume.
"Oh, Grandfather." The young Svea called out surprised and closed the book. Tywin had never visited his room.
"Enjoying your stay?" The Lord asked in his usual plain tone.
"Of course, how could anyone complain? Proper education, excellent food, and family."
Tywin looked satisfied and spoke "I Have a present for you."
Charles rose from the bed and looked to his grandfather with peaked interest. Tywin stood as motionless as ever and continued to speak "In the stables is a fine horse that I have bought for you."
"Thank you, grandfather! My own mount, I will go immediately."
Tywin gave a quick approving nod before saying. "When you are down there you can stay as well. Tomorrow Garth will arrive."
A curve spread out through the young man's features. "Great, then I will escort him up here."
"Yes, he can take the elevator."
In the stables at the bottom level, a white stallion was presented to him. It looked majestic a and seemed to be in good shape. Charles took it for a test ride outside. Charles bonded with the roan and was able to command it without a problem. He named the horse Blazeclipper after his ancestor Charles IX:s steed which he led the Caroleans into battle with.
The following day Garth arrived. The young Svea went to greet his great-grandfather at the gate. Garth was a frail man but had managed to keep most of his fat on his body despite his age. He had always worn lovely garments even in Braavos, and now it was no different. The green silk cape and the extravagant tunic was a real contrast to the formal armor his guards were wearing.
"My Boy!" Garth cried out happily. His face turning into globe as he smiled beneath his long white beard.
"Grandfather!" Charles embraced him. Feeling Garth's soft auburn grey hair which extended down his back.
They released from the embrace, and the elder man put both his hands on Charles' shoulders and studied him up and down. It seemed a somewhat awkward position for Garth since he was significantly shorter than him, his arms were stretched upwards.
Garth laughed. "I remember a time when holding you like this was less tiring. How have you been doing these past months?" The old man sounded almost guilty as he spoke the last words.
"It's been excellent," Charles assured him. He did not fault his great-grandfather for moving to Westeros a few months earlier than him. Myron had been excellent company.
Garth let his arms return to the comfort of his sides. "It's almost a year since I last saw you."
Charles put a hand on Garth and started to walk while saying "Tell me about the reach. How has your time been?"
"Oh, it's been good. It feels better to be home in Westeros. Even if I miss our late night talks."
Charles concurred nostalgically "It was very cozy in Braavos. But this! Westeros is what I have always wanted."
The elder man looked at him knowingly but did not say anything.
"Well let's not keep my grandfather waiting, We are going to take the elevator," Charles exclaimed enthusiastically.
Garth had his guards stay at the bottom; then he slowly followed Charles onto the first platform. As it started to move upwards, Garth carefully sat down on to a crate.
"So your journey here was good?" Charles inquired after seeing his great-grandfather had a comfortable seat with something to rest his back on.
"Yes, but you know it takes time to travel. I took a boat to Lannisport. Stayed there over the night then took my little chariot to the rock."
"How has your year in Westeros otherwise been?"
"Ah boring. I'm an old man; I don't do much, my legs are starting to fail me. But I have been in the company of Olenna." Garth paused and sighed a bit amused. "She is a tough woman."
Charles took a seat beside his great-grandfather. "So you have told me. And she has not changed?"
"No. She likes to mock me. But I'm used to it. She does it in good heart." The elder man looked at him meaningly. "She wants to meet you one day."
"As do I and the rest of the family."
Garth closed his eyes as if remembering something and then chuckled.
"Mace has been asking a lot of questions about you. He is eager to meet you, but he couldn't come here."
Charles felt a warmth spread inside him. "I understand, but I will go to Highgarden once I'm finished with the training. But I will probably pass by King's Landing first."
"Ah sure. Well, there is no hurry." Garth exhaled.
After they reached the top, Garth was shown to his guest quarters for some refreshments. Once he felt ready, he was invited to dine in the council room.
Soon enough Charles found himself between his two grandfathers. They were joined by the Lannister core consisting of Kevan and Damion.
"How was your trip?" Tywin asked drily.
Garth wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and joyously answered "Oh it was a great trip! It was actually my first time in Lannisport, and here in Casterly rock. And I must say it is an awe-inspiring site you have here." He then added considerately: "Highgarden is more beautiful. But this is one of the wonders of the world I would say."
Damion concurred politely "Yes it truly is a fascinating site. Every time I see it when I go home I am still surprised."
"Can't get enough of it," Charles added agreeing.
Tywin sipped his wine, but Kevan nodded.
"Although sometimes I wonder if it's just a bit too big for its own good." Charles said thoughtfully.
"Chicken M'lord" A servant announced and the food was served. They started eating in silence. Then Tywin spoke.
"How is Mace?"
"Ah, he is fine. He is in excellent spirit." Garth motioned to the youth on his left. "He hopes maybe Charles will visit."
"So, I see" Tywin spoke uninterestingly after swallowing.
Charles spoke up "Well that can be arranged in time hopefully. Everything is proceeding excellently at the moment. If one can claim such a thing."
"So I have heard." Kevan responded kindly.
The conversation died again. "So...have you met before Grandfather?" Charles politely asked. He then said more amused "Grandfathers?"
"No, we have never met." Was Tywin's brief response.
"Then this is the first. Toast to that." Charles exclaimed in a lighter tone trying to lift the spirit. And thankfully everyone toasted with moderate energy.
The following day Charles heads to the maester's tower after sharing breakfast with Garth and Choren.
Maester Creylen was writing as Charles entered. He put the quill to the side and greeted his young pupil 'Morning' with unique content.
"Morning Creylen."
"Charles how are you doing?" the maester inquired as he motioned for Charles to have a seat.
"With my great grandfather here, it is wonderful." Charles rested his elbows on the table and looked to Creylen expectantly. Ready for the next assignment.
The maester smirked. "I feel that your studies are near completion. I feel that I don't have much more to teach you."
"Really?" The young man asked proudly.
Creylen waved his hand nonchalantly as he often did "There are always things you can learn, but for what Tywin wanted me to teach I'm pretty much done."
Charles excitedly stood up and extended a hand to the older man "Thank you for everything."
Creylen smiled and took it. "Well, you are a very good student."
"And you an excellent tutor." They shook hands, and Charles left the tower with a feeling of blissful resolution. Unsurprisingly Tywin summoned him to his study shortly after and Charles decided to use the opportunity to return the book of the Lannister Legacy.
The lord of Castely Rock viewed the item in Charles' hand as he entered the office.
"Are you done with the book?"
"Indeed. Fascinating read. There is a lot to take inspiration from."
Tywin seemed pleased enough by his grandson's statement, so Charles asked more relaxed "Do you want it back?"
"Sure, put it on the shelf."
After the young Svea had obliged Tywin motioned to the opposite chair.
"Sit."
Charles obeyed without hesitation but lowered himself to the seat comfortably without hurrying as he often did.
"So do you feel like you have learned anything here?" Tywin asked in his usual monotone voice.
"Of course, I feel much more enlightened than when I arrived. It's been an excellent opportunity. I can not thank you enough Grandfather."
Tywin registered the gratitude for a moment; then he immediately went to the matter at hand. "My sister Genna is arriving today. She has been at the Twins on Walder Frey latest wedding."
"Which is not an unusual thing as I have gathered." Charles quipped.
"No. Well, I want you to meet her."
"It would be my pleasure."
So Charles went down a second time in the same week to escort a new guest to the top. Genna Lannister was pleasant company, but most of their conversation were courtesies. Charles told her of his prior life in Braavos, and his stay at the Rock and Genna talked of her time at the Twins. When they reached the courtyard, Lady Genna excused herself and went to greet her Lord brother.
The next day Charles invited Garth for a small tour of the Rock. They had a wonderful time reminiscent of their stay in Braavos, but due to his great-grandfathers age, their pace was incredibly slow. They only covered a few of the noteworthy places before it started getting dark and Garth felt he needed to rest. They headed back to Garth's room and sat down on the bed together.
"How long are you going to stay here at the Rock?" To elder man asked.
Charles leaned against the wall and placed his hands behind his head. He felt the golden buttons of his blue coat stretching as he made himself comfortable. "I will have to speak to my lord grandfather. But, I could join you on your journey back to the Reach."
"If you want to you are very welcome. I could use a good traveling comrade." Garth then bumped Charles exposed ribs.
"I'm sure you would." The young man said in a laugh as his body budged in response to the nudge. "And from there I can travel to King's Landing." Charles then looked to Garth sincerely "But I owe a lot to Lord Tywin, so I will discuss it with him before making any decisions." Charles even wondered if it was his choice.
Garth sighed as he also leaned against the stone surface. "I'm thinking about traveling back in two days time."
Charles thought for a moment and decided to talk about the matter with Tywin on the morrow. They moved on to another subject and conversated for the duration of the evening.
"Has Lord Tywin given any orders not to be disturbed?" Charles asked the posted guard the following day.
The man shook his head, and Charles decided to knock before entering the office.
"Do you have time?" he inquired carefully after closing the door.
Tywin looked up from his work and answered plainly. "Yes"
Charles drew a breath before speaking "I've been wondering. If maybe I can join Garth on his way back to the Reach and stay there a short while before Travelling to King's Landing."
Tywin narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at him in silence for a short while before stating "Are you sure that you don't want to go to King's Landing first?"
The weight of Tywin's stare started getting Charles nervous "I have been thinking about that. But since there already is a ship bound for the Reach maybe it is most effective to ….hop by it first and then Travell to King's Landing." Then Charles hastily added to be on safe side "Of course I can go to Kings Landing first if you think that is a preferable course of action."
The Lord of Casterly Rock's gaze did not budge, and he calmly spoke "I leave that up to you. But the rest of your family is in King's Landing. I thought you wanted to visit them?"
"I do, and I plan to have a longer visit there."
Tywin did not respond and was utterly silent just studying Charles. Several seconds went by, and Charles felt the weight of the room on his shoulder, and he surrendered.
"You are right of course. I have to meet my whole family first. It would not be proper if I did not."
"Good." Tywin stated curtly before inquiring "Are you eager to go away?"
"Not eager, of course not." Charles almost stammered in response. But he did indeed feel the urge to explore more of Westeros. But he stated more reasonably "I have not been here for that long of a time aftera….
Tywin cut him off "You leave in two days time. I will have Ser Choren escort you."
Charles blinked surprised then composed himself. "Thank you."
He turned to leave when Tywin said:
"We will have dinner tomorrow. There we can discuss it in more detail."
Charles turned his head. "Yes."
Out in the courtyard, a laughing Martyn ran past Charles; a servant chased him. The young Svea smiled at the view and then took a look around admiring the place which had been his home for these months. He started walking back to his room when two guards approached him.
"My lord." Alar called out respectfully.
"Ah if it isn't Gared and Alar" Charles spoke with a grin.
"How are you doing?" Gared inquired as he adjusted his helmet.
"Fine, but in two days time, I will not grace you with my presence anymore. Not for a while at least."
Gared looked disappointed "Why not?"
"I'm traveling to King's landing."
"What. What a shame. You were such a good spirit here." The guard said with a sigh.
"Oh, I will return trust me on that." The young Svea stated merrily.
"Unless you become the king in King's Landing." The donkey laughter erupted from Gared and Charles joined in on the banter.
"What he laughed at a joke did you hear?" Gared poked Alar in the side "Did you hear?"
"Oh stop it you pestilence." Alar exclaimed and pushed the other away.
Charles shook his head "Gared if that becomes the case I will make you my Kingsguard."
"Ohh Thankyou." Gared jokingly bowed.
"Well, I would hate to keep your patrol waiting." The young Svea inclined his head to the two of them.
"Good luck to you." Alar said before the two guards continued on their way.
From behind him, Charles could faintly hear Gared say to Alar "He is such a nice lad." Which only widened Charles' smile. The young Svea took a break for the remainder of the day and had his last dinner with Garth before he left. It was hard to break the news that he would not join him to the Reach. But Garth took it well enough, and Charles ensured him that he would visit in the close future.
"I hope so." Garth said in a sigh "Mace is very eager to meet you."
"Send him my best regards."
"I will." They had a long embrace.
The following evening he dined with Tywin. His grandfather served him very lavish food and Charles enjoyed the talk they were having. The head of house Lannister was explaining the situation in King's Landing. Something he did with more enthusiasm than he bestowed on other things.
"Jaime is a Kingsguard, Cersei is the queen and Tyrion is a drunken fool."
"Interesting positions," Charles responded although he decided not to pry on Tywin's opinion of his youngest son. "And if Cersei is queen I guess Robert will be in his best behavior?" Charles continued. Wondering how the King would react upon seeing him.
"Presumably. Your cousins Joffrey, Tommen and Myrcella, will probably be happy to meet you.
"Well since they are my cousins, I'm thrilled to meet them. And how are they?"
Tywin pondered for a moment "I have not been to King's Landing for many years, but they visited me once. A few years ago."
Charles looked forward to meeting the extension of his family. There were a lot of other interesting people at the capitol as well. "And Jon Arryn is Hand of the King?"
"Indeed."
"As long as the Hand knows what he is doing the King can be a fool." Charles stated thinking about how Tywin had ruled the realm successfully despite Aerys I.
Tywin's answer was short, but his tone was agreeing. "Yes."
"If there is a tournament, which I have heard that Robert is so enthusiastic about throwing. I hope to bring some prestige to the house."
His grandfather almost sounded reluctant "So do I. Robert is indeed fond of tournaments "
"Any advice for your grandson going to King's Landing?"
His grandfather viewed him intently "Be careful who you talk to. King's Landing is full of liars and conspirators."
"But I can trust the family?"
"Yes. Tyrion is a drunken fool, dissipated most of the time, far from impressive. Jaime is a glorified bodyguard to the King and Cersei is the Queen. But yes. You can trust them."
"Then there is Lancel who is the king's squire."
"Yes?"
"Well, that is all the family members in King's Landing." Charles added innocently.
"No, the King has two Lannister squires."
"Really? Who is the other one?" The young Svea had no idea of who the other could be.
"Tyrrek Lannister."
"Your other brother's son?" Charles puzzled together.
Tywin made a curt nod "Tygget's son. Interesting enough."
Charles looked at their empty plates and spoke sincerely. "Well, grandfather, I have to thank you again for my stay here and what you have offered me. In both education and support. I will not forget it."
"Good."