TYWIN
Tywin Lannister was born to Lord Tytos Lannister and Lady Jeyne Lannister nee' Marbrand. The Eldest of three his brother Kevan Lannister and his sister Genna Lannister. Tywin grew up admiring the proud lineage of House Lannister, a lineage tainted by his father's rule of the House. Tytos would squander the family fortune on bad investments, allow men to disrespect him, and show mercy to poachers and criminals.
As Tywin got older he saw Tytos as a weak man who would bring the family to ruin. So when Tywin came of age he began ingratiating himself to the families of the West. Tywin also began rebuilding his family's wealth and forging the soldiers of House Lannister into one of the most well trained and equipped armies in Westeros.
At the age of sixteen Tywin won the Tourney of Golden Tooth and befriended Prince Aerys Targaryen. Tywin dedicated his life to building a legacy for House Lannister; a legacy that will last through the ages. Because of his father's weak example Tywin turns himself into a hard man. Then at one feast his father held Tywin falls in love with his cousin Joanna Lannister. When the two met Tywin was twenty and six name days old and Joanna sixteen name days old.
The two eventually married and had twins Cersei and Jaime. Two years after their wedding Houses Reyne and Tarbeck rebelled and Tywin put down the rebellion. He sought to take back Crakehall from the Romyns, but they took Lannisport. Tywin dropped the matter only because his friend Aerys offered him the title Hand of the King. He served Aerys for ten years, but after two something in Aerys changed and he became the mad King. Tywin resigned his commission after years of humiliation. Prince Rhaegar tried to convince him to stay, but Tywin would not hear of it.
To Lord Tywin Lannister
Warden of the West
Lord of Casterly Rock
I Prince Rhaegar Targaryen write this letter in confidence…I know you have suffered much under the hands of my father…I am not my father and ask your aid in removing him from the Iron Throne…I know of your enmity with House Romyn, but I need the two most powerful Houses in all of Westeros if I am to succeed in this endeavor…
Lord Caster Romyn has agreed to single combat between your champion and his…winner take all…Fight with me and you will finally have your chance to humble the Romyns
With kindest regards
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen
The Dragon Prince
This was the letter Tywin received from Rhaegar via his agent. Tywin mused over the letter for many days. When he showed it to his brother, Kevan Lannister suggested rejecting the offer. Tywin accepted his council and decided that if he was going to get victory over House Romyn then the Targaryens would have to go. He summons his banners and marches on the city.
KING'S LANDING – SEVEN WEEKS AGO
Tywin rides his horse ahead of his infantry behind half of his Calvary. His brother Kevin at his side. The two usually got along and Kevan followed wherever his brother led. Their cousin Stafford brother of Joanna is with them as well. It had taken three weeks to march on the capitol, because of the supply train which was massive and they had stopped at Deep Den.
Robert and his allies are winning the war and Tywin did not want it said that he sat at the rock and did nothing while the realm was at war. It is Ser Stafford who leads the charge against the city. A battering ram is used against the Dragon Gate and ladders carried to the wall, along with siege towers. "We need more men!" A man screams from the top of the wall.
The charge from one of the siege towers is led by Gregor Clegane the Mountain that Rides. Within hours the Dragon Gate is opened and the Lannister forces cheer. "Send the rest in…" Tywin says to his brother Kevan. A horn is sounded and the rest of the army surges through the now open gate. People scream as fires start to rage in the streets. Women are raped, men are killed, and children orphaned.
"Lord Lefford!" He rides up saluting, "Find my son!"
"Yes My Lord…"
Tywin rides through the streets on horseback like a conqueror, "My Lord!"
He and Kevan stop their horses, "What is it?"
"The Allied Army has been spotted by our scouts near Brindlewood…"
"Send a rider to Robert Baratheon…Tell him Tywin Lannister has taken the city for him…"
As the man rides off Kevan leans over to Tywin, "Are you really going to hand over the Iron Throne to Robert Baratheon?"
"And how would I be able to hold it…Robert is allied with three great Houses of Westeros and their armies…No we give Robert the city and he will be indebted to House Lannister…" They ride until they reach the Red Keep.
"My Lord we have breached the Keep through the Tower of the Hand…" The Mountain says walking up to him.
He nods, "Very well send all troops through the Tower and find my son!"
"He's alive!" Kevan says confidently, "Jaime is the best sword in the Seven Kingdoms…"
"He has never faced Ser Barristan, the Sword of the Morning, or the Tiger of the West…" Within hours the Red Keep falls, but the Queen, the Princess, and their children are not in the palace.
"My Lord! Look what we found locked in his room…" Lord Lefford says with ten men dragging Aerys Targaryen.
"I am your King! I will have all your heads for this!" Tywin walks up to the old man and punches him in the gut, "Ty…win…M…y…old…friend…How…is that beautiful wife of yours?"
"Tywin no!" Kevan screams as Tywin draws his sword and impales Aerys on the blade.
"Secure the palace…" Kevan commands.
Many hours later the Mountain and his men bring a hooded man to Tywin, "Lord Varys…So you are alive…"
"He appeared in the barracks and demanded to speak with you…"
"I should kill you…"
"If you did that then I wouldn't be able to reveal what happened to your son…"
Tywin is not known for his patient, but he refrains from ordering the Eunuch's death, "Where is my son?"
"Julian Romyn has him…He came to the Capitol with 2,000 men and killed all those loyal to King Aerys…I had to hide or he would have killed me…"
"I didn't see any Romyn soldiers defending the city…" Kevan says.
"When Julian Romyn learned you were coming he fled the city with the Queen, the Princess, and their children…He took Jaime hostage and emptied the treasury…They also took a few hundred pots of Wild Fire…"
"Take him to the dungeons I will decide what to do with him later…"
A week later Tywin stands in the courtyard with his brother, cousin and the Mountain as Robert Baratheon rides into the courtyard with Lords Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn, and Hoster Tully. "Welcome my Lords…"
"Lord Tywin…My sister! Is she here!" Eddard Stark anxiously asks.
"No I'm afraid not…"
Robert walks up to Tywin, "What of the rest of the Targaryens?"
"Fled with Julian Romyn to Dorne…" After getting settled Tywin meets with Robert, Eddard or Ned as Robert often calls him, Jon Arryn, and Hoster Tully.
"So long as Prince Viserys lives I shall not rest!" Robert angrily says.
"My Lord forgive me, but Viserys is a boy…What can he do to you…What can he do to any of you?" Varys had somehow escaped his cell and reappeared when Robert arrived.
"I will not rest until they are all dead…"
Jon shakes his head and clears his throat, "Let us leave this business of the Targaryens for now…The realm must come together…We must choose a new King…"
"Robert should be King…" Eddard Stark says, "He did kill Rhaegar on the battlefield…"
"I agree…" Hoster Tully says.
"Robert are sure you want this?" Jon Arryn asks.
"As long as you become my Hand…"
"The treasury has been emptied…" Maester Pycel says speaking up.
"House Romyn will have to be dealt with…" Tywin Lannister says.
"And they will be…" Robert replies, "Trust that…" Robert looks at Varys, "Do you know where Lady Lyanna is?"
"Prince Rhaegar took her to the Tower of Joy in Dorne…"
"Dorne is where I go…" Eddard Stark says.
"First I need you to march on Storm's End and relieve the siege there…" Robert says.
They discuss rebuilding the villages that had been destroyed in the Riverlands, executions of Targaryen Loyalists, and other matters. "Lord Tywin…You gave me King's Landing…I am in your debt…How may I repay you?"
"A King needs a Queen…My daughter is of age…Your coffers are empty…Make my daughter your Queen and her dowry will make you very rich…I also ask that you help me bring down House Romyn once and for all…"
He hesitates and looks at Eddard, "I will help you bring the Romyns down…As for making your daughter Queen…I am still hoping that Lyanna is alive and after overcoming her ordeal will marry me…"
"Forgive me Your Grace…But she may be dead after all this time…And would you really want a wife who has been violated by your sworn enemy…" Eddard Stark stands up and leaves the council room without saying a word.
"Ned!" Robert stands up and follows.
The siege on Storm's End is relieved by Eddard Stark, who sends his army home after they rest. Then he takes a group of handpicked men and heads for the Tower of Joy. When Tywin hears that Lyanna Stark is dead he immediately sends for his daughter Cersei Lannister. Ravens are exchanged with House Romyn demanding the release of Jaime Lannister.
"Why am I here?" Cersei Baratheon asks.
Cersei reminds Tywin of his long dead wife, but he has no time for sentiment. "You are here to marry a King…"
"I don't know him, besides he has a reputation when it comes to women…"
"You will do as I say girl…" he sighs and walks up to Cersei, "You are a Lannister and my daughter…You are the most beautiful woman in the Seven Kingdoms…Make him love you…Honor your House…"
"What news of Jaime?" She asks.
"He lives…After the wedding we march on the Western Expanse…"
"And those Romyns finally get what is coming to them…"
A wedding is held and at the wedding Tywin presents Robert with Cersei's dowry. A million and half gold Dragons. The largest dowry ever offered for a bride to date. Two days after the Wedding is consummated Tywin rides beside the new King, the Hand Jon Arryn, and Lord Hoster Tully across land towards the Western Expanse.
CRAKEHALL
GREGOR CLEGANE
All preparations that needed to be made for the defense of the great Western Wall, Crakehall, Axel Ridge, and Port Romyn are in place. The Romyns had been ready and waiting for weeks. Gregor Clegane is sent with twelve thousand men to lay siege to Crakehall. The castle is defended by five thousand men. Gregor's army is made up of Baratheon, Tully, Stark, Arryn, and Lannister men.
"ATTACK!" Gregor screams after the army is in lines before the Castle. A single barrel is launched from the castle wall. When it hits a huge green explosion kills hundreds of men instantly. "Stand your ground you cowards!" He screams as they scatter in fear that another barrel of Wild Fire would be used. A hail of arrows follows the Wild Fire attack and more men are killed.
"Ser Gregor…We must withdraw…We cannot stand against them if they are hurling Wild Fire at us…" Ser Tynly of the Vale says. Gregor grabs him by the head and breaks his neck. The Knights of the Vale abandon him after Ser Tynly is killed.
THE WESTERN EXPANSE
The men sent to Axel Ridge and Port Romyn return to the main host with the same report Wild Fire. The Great Western Wall stretches from the north to the south coast. A twenty foot wide and twenty foot deep trench is in front of the Western Wall. The bottom of the trench is lined with metal spikes and pikes; it had been dug the same time the wall went up. The wall itself is fifty feet tall, with catapults and scorpions on the battlements.
Robert has over one hundred thousand men encamped before the wall out of arrow range. "Ser Gregor killed my man without provocation…He should be executed for his crimes!" Jon Arryn says in the command tent.
"Ser Gregor is the best soldier in your army…" Tywin says.
"He is an uncivilized animal…a dog same as his sigil…A mad dog that needs to be put down…"
Robert jumps, "Enough!" He yells, that is when a man enters the command tent. 'What is it?"
"Your Grace one of the small gates is opening and a bridge is extending across the trench…"
They all exit the tent and head for the edge of the camp to see a narrow bridge lock into the grove on their side of the trench. A lone horse exits through a small gate and crosses the bridge. The bridge is wide enough for one horse at a time. Riders go out to greet the man and escort him back to the allied Camp.
The man is dressed in silver armor with a Tiger's head helm. He is carrying a Kitana shaped sword of Valyrian steel. "Julian Romyn…" Tywin says.
"Lord Tywin Lannister…You are exactly how people described you…King Robert, Lord Arryn, Lord Tully…It has been a while…"
"Where is my son boy?"
"He's alive for now…I give you my word of honor…"
"I want to see him with my own eyes…"
"After we talk…"
"Have you come to surrender boy?" Robert asks.
He smiles from the back of his horse, "I don't see Lord Stark among you…Is he here?"
"Lord Eddard Stark has gone back North to bury his sister…" Jon says.
"A pity I was hoping to have words with him…Anyway I would like to discuss terms…"
"The terms are absolute surrender…" Tywin says arrogantly.
"I will never call a Lannister Lord nor do I recognize Robert Baratheon as my King…So I offer a challenge Usurper…I will face any Champion you choose to the death…If I win then House Romyn shall win its independence…If I should fall my House will be spared and it is instructed to bend the knee and call you King…"
"Reject his offer!" Tywin says, "We have the numbers…And we can attack by land and sea…"
"And how did that work out at Axel Ridge, Port Romyn, and Crakehall…" Julian points over his shoulder, "You can't breech the Western Wall…And my fleet can sink any other fleet on the sea…I wish no more to die in needless battle…I have a new wife and I wish to raise my family in peace…"
"You mean you want time to rebuild your forces and plot to put the Targaryens back on the Iron Throne…" Tywin angrily replies.
"Queen Rhaella is dead…She died in childbirth…Her son Prince Viserys is dead as well…Princess Elia is in Dorne living in peace with her brother…The Martells stand alone…They are no threat to you…"
"You will face me in single combat!" Robert declares.
"Your Grace…It is not right for the King to place his life in jeopardy…" Jon Arryn advises.
Tywin leans over to Robert, "Allow the Mountain to face him…Victory is assured…"
Robert nods, "We have terms Tiger of the West…"
"I will face your champion at sunrise…Fifteen of men will make the arena…With Fifteen Baratheon men…"
"Agreed at Sunrise tomorrow…"
"And my Son…"
"Win or lose your son will be returned to you…"
"I want to see him…"
Tywin rides with Julian Romyn back to the Wall. The base of the wall has a barracks for soldiers and holding cells for criminals. Jaime is under guard in one of the main halls. "Father…"
Tywin is excited to see his son, but maintains his composure, "Are you well Jaime?"
"I have not been mistreated father…"
"Soon you will be free…"
JULIAN
Julian remains at the wall, not willing to cross the many miles to reach West Point or be tempted by his wife who is a month pregnant with their first child. "You know they will chose the Mountain to face you…" Octavian says.
"I know and I am ready…"
"Stay focused and do what you must to stay alive and win…"
From the day Julian could walk a sword was placed in his hand. His father gave him his basic knowledge of swordsmanship, then his lessons were taken up by a Master At Arms, and finally he studied under a Braavosi sword master. Soon he would have to put all his skills to use against the Mountain that Rides. Bethany comes to the wall, "What are you doing here woman?"
"I want to be at your side before you face Robert's Champion…"
He smiles, "All men die…" He says quoting his former Braavosi teacher, "…but tomorrow is not my day." He kisses her and they lay in bed holding one another.
At sunrise Julian is up stretching, then he prays, and eats. Then his Squire helps him to dawn his armor. Fifteen handpicked men are waiting at the gate. A wheel with six spokes is turned by six men to extend the small bridge across the trench. Then Julian on horseback leads the fifteen men on foot across the trench to a space where fifteen Baratheon men are waiting. The Romyn soldiers complete the circle, then Julian steps into the arena of men.
Julian is six feet tall of medium build with black hair and green eyes. He wears a tiger's head helm with draw down face. His grieves have tigers etched into them and he wears a favor given to him by his wife Bethany. He lowers his face mask as Ser Gregor Clegane steps into the arena of men. Julian draws his sword, his opponent is armed with a Valyrian sword.
"Who loaned you that sword Mountain?"
"Does it matter you will die…"
"None of the Riverlords has a Valyrian sword…Your Master's family lost their sword long ago…That leaves Lady Forlorn of House Cobray…"
The two combatants close the distance between them. Ser Gregor is also armed with a large broad sword. Gregor roars and attacks first. Julian dances to the side and swings leaving a long gash in Gregor's armor. Julian can tell that he is not accustomed to light weight of Lady Forlorn. Julian manages to rend his armor again. In rage Gregor throws Lady Forlorn away and draws his broad sword. He swings, but Julian spins around slashing his sword and aiming for the gash. With perfect aim he draws blood from the Mountain.
"I guess Mountains can bleed after all…"
Gregor presses his attack and Julian dodges, dances, and glances his attacks. "Can't the big dumb brute land one blow?" Julian had been taught that if used at the right time a taunt can anger his opponent enough and cause him to make a mistake. The mistake was Julian's as the Mountain seemed to get faster when he became angrier. Gregor throws a punch that staggers Julian. He goes into a roll and on instinct sticks his foot up and catches Gregor between the legs. He scrambles away as the Mountain goes to his knees swinging wildly with his sword.
It is a dirty trick and Julian had been taught to fight dirty and counter dirty sword fighting tricks. He does back away to allow the Mountain time to recover. He doesn't have to wait long and as Ser Gregor gets to his feet Julian holds his sword high. Gregor charges and Julian swings forward, his swing breaks the broad sword just above the halfway point. Fast as lightening Julian swings around and plunges his sword into Gregor's back. The Mountain howls and spins around with the sword still in his back. He swings his sword, but Julian ducks and rolls to Gregor's right snatching Lady Forlorn off the ground.
Julian runs forward and drops to his back sticking out his feet aiming for Gregor's knees. There is a loud cracking sound and down the Mountain goes. Julian rolls to the right as Gregor swings his sword down at him. The men of House Romyn start banging their spears on their shields and chanting; "The Tiger of the West…"
Julian gets to his feet and swings Lady Forlorn opening up Gregor's neck. He is showered in a spray of blood and with a thud down goes the mountain. Julian stabs Lady Forlorn into the Mountain's head and withdraws his own sword from Gregor's back. "The Tiger of West…He bought down the Mountain…Now the Mountain Rides no more…"
The Romyn soldiers lift Julian up on a shield and carry him past the Baratheon Men to King Robert. "SILENCE!" Julian commands as they lower him before the King. "Your Champion is dead! Give my House its independence and leave my lands in peace as you swore…"
Robert stands up and walks up to Julian, "You got balls boy…It should have been me who faced you single combat…"
"The results would have been the same…Your Grace…"
Robert laughs and slaps Julian on the shoulder, "Come have a drink with me with you cocky little shit…and I will sign the papers…"
Offended Tywin leaves with all his men and returns to Casterly Rock after Jaime is freed. Meanwhile Robert feasts Julian and his men all night after signing the papers granting House Romyn its independence. Julian returns to his wife who is waiting in the Master Bedroom of the Wall House. They make love before returning to West Point. A huge celebration is held that lasts all week. There is food, jousting, wrestling, and other things to entertain the people.
On the fifth day a small fleet of ships arrive, "I am Captain Cavenaugh of House Cavenaugh." The Cavenaughs govern Port Romyn.
"Oh yes my father commissioned you to explore the ruins of Old Valyria…" Julian says.
"My journey has born much fruit…My halls are filled with scrolls, Valyrian swords, treasures you have never seen the like before and these…" He opens a chest and inside are three Dragon Eggs.
TYWIN
Tywin is not pleased with the outcome of what happened. House Romyn seems to always come out on top in their continuous blood feud that has lasted generations. Upon returning to Casterly Rock he meets his councilors and family. "Why not just hire assassins to kill them?"
The stupid question was asked by Tywin's brother by law Emmon Frey. Tytos Lannister had made the match and Tywin was against it, but what his father would not heed him. "I told you Emmon…Our Great Grandfather hired the Faceless Men to Assassinate August Romyn years ago after he kidnapped Dyanna Lannister, but his son paid them for protection…The Faceless Men will not accept any contracts against House Romyn…"
"So hire other assassins…" Emmon replies.
"We have hired other assassins…Most of them have failed…"
"Perhaps it's time we made allies of the Romyns…" Dorna Lannister says. She is married to Kevan.
"They have taken Lannisport and call it Port Romyn now…And all the income we were splitting with them is now gone…" Tywin says.
"You want to attack them by sea?" Kevan asks.
"The logistics of it all would be a nightmare…" Maester Culwyn says.
"The King would be obliged to support us…" Kevan points out.
"Pride will the downfall of this House…" Genna says. "Tywin…Your daughter is Queen…Queen of the Seven Kingdoms…Build on that…The Great Houses of Westeros will bow to Baratheon children with Lannister blood…Robert will not always be King…And when that day comes House Romyn will pay…The Lannisters always pay their debts…"
Tywin nods and agrees with his sister Genna. House Romyn has a small victory, but the long game will be won by House Lannister. He will play a huge roll in the lives of his Grandchildren, even though they are named Baratheon.